Convergence of Relevant Stuff

I was diagnosed with advance stage 4, prostate cancer with a PSA of 32 almost six years ago. Early detection did not help me. It was three years after three  exams, about once a year that my primary care doctor finally ordered a PSA test to confirm that I was in fact all right. I was not. To my Doctor’s surprise my PSA was 32. Normal numbers for a man my age ( I was 48 at the time), is 2.

I was devastated when I received the call from my primary care physician, that I may have prostate cancer. After being advised to take a second test. The dreaded results were confirmed. This time the test registered 33. I was scheduled to visit an urologist who went through the battery of test again to confirm the results. He then scheduled a biopsy and it as determined that my Prostate was a Gleason 9 with Gleason 10 being the highest and worst prostate cancer. I then knew that I was in a battle, not just to have surgery to get rid of prostate cancer; but a battle for my life.

I was urged to get second opinions before I decided on a treatment option. As all men know who are diagnosed with this disease, it can turn your life upside down. I initially sought radiation therapy. But my Urologist suggested that this was not the most aggressive way to treat an aggressive disease. In short you must fight fire with fire. Two urologist and an oncologist recommended that I pursue an aggressive from of treatment; given my age (48 at the time of diagnoses). I found a very experienced urologist who was willing to perform a radical prostatectomy to remove the prostate gland and the massive cancer margins that had accumulated over the year.

The surgery successfully removed the prostate, but over the last six years I have battled the disease with Lupron therapy and Casadex which so far have kept any residual cancer cells at bay in my body. In addition after reading about many herbal supplements that have been known to inhibit Prostate Cancer, I also take these to further fight the disease.

The most important thing I can say to any man 40 or older is to get tested for prostate cancer. Do not settle for the digital exam; ask for the PSA test. This is the only sure way to find out if you have prostate cancer. it is 90% accurate test. Do not let human emotions hold you back. Think about the alternative; possible death from a disease that you did not even know you had.

By the way I personally know at least three men with Prostate Cancer. One is a close relative, the other two are not. So get the test. It might save your life.