Close to 6 years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was only 56 and trust me when I tell you that anyone being diagnosed with cancer, any form, it is a life changing event. You come into instant contact with your own mortality. It's not something I wish on anyone - male or female.
My diagnosis was prostate cancer (PCa). For a man, that can be devastating. Treatments run from radiation, to high frequency ultrasound (not reimbursable in the USA, yet), to cryotherapy (yes, freezing the cancer inside your body), brachytherapy (placement of radioactive seeds in the prostate), hormone therapy (guys, this is when you get in touch with your feminine side), what is called watchful waiting, and surgery. In my case, with my PSA being 34, my urologist indicated I needed to educate myself on the different treatments. He gave me 30 days to learn what I could. I spent those 30 days carefully, learning everything I could about the cancer, the treatments, and the side effects. I spoke with radiologists, urologists, and oncologists. With one exception, they all indicated radiation therapy would be the preferred treatment for my diagnosis. I chose hormone therapy (6 month Lupron shot) and Proton Beam therapy (a form of radiation). Based on my personal health situation, in my opinion this was the best solution. My urologist and oncologist agreed and both told me I was considered a very high risk, standing a less than 1 in 5 chance of surviving 5 years.
Well, here it is 5 years to the day I completed the last of my treatments. I started this journey with a PSA of 34 and today it is 0.3. My oncologist is over the top with my results, and he indicated that the treatment plan I received will go a long way toward assisting other men in a similar situation. I am forever grateful to the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute for treating me and would highly recommend it to anyone in a similar situation.
What I will say is this:
Men - if you live long enough, you will have to address PCa. You may be 90 and have other health issues, or you may be in your 50's. Either way, at some point in your life, you WILL have to address it. Don't be blindsided by a diagnosis. When you turn 40, get a PSA test. The few minutes of discomfort from having blood drawn to find out you're healthy are worth so much more than you can realize. Do it again at 45, even if you have to pay for it out of pocket. When you turn 50, get a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a PSA test. The DRE is not fun, but... again, to find out you DON'T have cancer is more important. Again at 55. Talk with your physician, to a urologist if needed, but don't bury your head in the sand about prostate cancer. It can and will kill you if you don't address it. Educate yourself about PCa, about its treatments and about your body. Don't wait until it's too late.
Ladies - make sure your men, be they husbands, fathers, brothers, or sons, get checked. Make the appointment for them, if necessary. Go with them. Educate yourself and your men, but don't let them go through this alone. Just like breast cancer, we need the same type of support.
For anyone who has questions, feel free to send me a PM. I'm always willing to discuss PCa and your options.
Candyman
"I expect nothing. I fear no one. I am free." Nikos Kazantzakis
