Some members know this story from PM's but I figured given the age distribution on CNCzone, the number of members and statistics there are probably some guys out there that may get something out of it.
Almost 11 months ago I got a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer; my PSA was 24, the biopsy was positive on 8 out of 9 samples and my Gleason score was 9. I was beyond surgery but maybe not beyond combined hormone and intensive radiation therapy so I opted for this. I celebrated(?) my 65th birthday two thirds of the way through the radiation; 37 days of having a high powered X-ray machine irradiate me from all sides. Not without its moments of humor; I was laying semi-naked on the table with the therapists pushing me into position and one young cutie said " Isn't this every guys dreaming having a bunch of females push his naked body around?". Unfortunately the hormone treatment had long banished that kind of dream.
Mostly it was a long way from humorous but it was worth it; ten days ago my three month follow-up PSA test was 0.19 and the Radiation Oncologist says I probably have nothing to worry about for years.
Why did I get to such a state? I was relying on the physical check-ups which gave no indication of any problems and I just didn't ask for the PSA test until I had difficulty peeing.
If you are over 55 you should be getting the PSA test every year.
If you have received a diagnosis don't give up; intensive therapy is no walk-in-the-park but it can work.
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An open mind is a virtue...so long as all the common sense has not leaked out. |