I am writing this in the hope that it will save my life and others as well. I clearly understand the reluctance of men to avoid this subject. But postate cancer is on a death sentence it the man chooses that outcome. It is is caught soon and you don't procrastinate you can beat it. I will chronicle my journey and post treatment and general PC information. It is projected that 28000 men will die of this cancer this year. Plus if you live long enough you will get it. 1 in 5 men will get by age 65. the most trusted indicator that something is going on is a simple blood test and the dreaded DRE.
This all began August 27, 2007. Well actually it began about 10 months earlier when I got an un- characteristic call from my personal care doctor. He indicated his concern that my PSA level was elevated. Being Black this is a problem. He recommended me to a urologist. Yuck now I had to sit down with him and discuss my options. But first came the the words most men don't want hear, he said "Drop your pants and place your elbows on the table. I need to do a DRE. I don't mean the department of real estate. A digital rectal exam. The digit is his finger. Not a fun thing. He did not feel anything abnormal on my prostate but given that I am Black he suggested that I get another blood test to check my PSA. I did and it was still high. 0-4 is the guideline. I was a 4. Yuck again.
After doing some research and speaking with friends in the medical profession. I had to face the reality of a biopsy. I will spare you the details but on 8/27/07 I got my first one. Clearly this is not a good experience. It only take about 15 to 20 minutes but the longest 15-20 minutes in my life. Now I must wait a week for the results and deal with the side effects of the procedure for about a month. One week pasted and another meeting with the urologist to discuss the results. They came back inconclusive. The suggestion was lets do this again in 90 days. Yuck!! I did and it was the same result!! Then the suggestion was lets do this again in 90 days.....hell no! I am not interested in being a frequent flyer!! So I decided to wait one year. Read, take all of the vitamins and make myself as smart as I could on this because clearly there was something going on.
On 9/2708 I got the results of my blood work and bad news my PSA was the highest it has ever been. Yep I must do a third biopsy! how fun!! I gues the third time is a charm because this time cancer was found. I really surprised myself because in my heart I knew I had it. So I really did not freak out. Now I knew. So I needed to meet with my urologist and discuss my treatment options. 1. Total removal....not! 2. IMRT...maybe 3. Cryosurgery....will my insurance cover? 4. HIFU....nope! and Proton Therapy......hmmm posible but still questions. I figured my next step was to see an oncologist. I had my visit with my oncologist and the short response is positive. It's small, it's early, it's very treatable and I am one of the most informed patients he has spoken with. I love the internet!!! My next step is a bone scan, x-rays and a visit with my Radiation Oncologist to help me decide on which treatment I will select. I am down to 2. IMRT or Proton therapy. So 11/12 will be doctor day. I am getting this all done on the same day and getting it out of the way.
