Over the past few years my yearly PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests had been slowly increasing until, early in 2008 they were just above 4, my doctor rechecked it six months later only to find it above 6, not good. A subsequent biopsy revealed that I had early stage prostate cancer. I had my prostate surgically removed on December 15th; my post-op biopsy found that the cancer was contained within the prostate, though it had almost breached the prostate wall. I was very lucky, according to the doctor I should be cancer free (at least in regards to my prostate). However, I’m to have quarterly PSA tests for the next two years, I guess I can actually celebrate this good news in 2010 (my loving wife of 36 years has inoperable (terminal) cancer; it’s made me rather cynical when it comes to “good news” regarding cancer).
The point of this revelation is to urge my many friends and acquaintances on this board to get a PSA screening included in their next blood test, and then do something about if the results reveal bad news. My doctor told me that if I had done nothing I probably would not have known about my cancer for 5-7 years, at which time it may have been too late.
Make it a New Years resolution to get a PSA test this year!
Steve
PS what made me write this was a conversation with a young woman I work with. Her fathers friend died of prostate cancer about 15 years ago. Before he died he made his friends agree to be tested, 4 out 17 friends were found to have prostate cancer. My friends father is alive today because of the PSA test he took at the urging of his dying friend; you see, he was one of the unlucky 4 to find out he had prostate cancer, yet lucky to catch it early when it could still be cured.
Last edited by Rockdoc; 01/04/09 12:26 AM.
