My Prostate Cancer, and Why You Should Check Your PSA
Guys.... Do yourself and your loved-ones a favor.... Make an annual PSA test part of your Lotus activities...
It's a simple blood test, and may just help you to enjoy your Lotus for a long time to come....
First, let me say a big "THANK YOU" to all you well-wishers who made my Cancer experience much more bearable.
I sincerely appreciate every email you sent!
My Family Doctor has been monitoring my PSA (Prostate Specific-Antigen) for the past ten years or so. It has always slightly fluctuated, but during the past three years showed a steady increase.
- A level of 0.0-4.0 is generally considered "normal", however, recent research has found prostate cancer in men with PSA levels below 4.0.
- In July 2005, my PSA was 2.4.
- In February 2007 it was higher, but still within normal levels at 3.2.
- In July 2008 was just above normal at 4.1. Luckily, my Doctor had me see a Urologist "just in case".
My Urologist did a more detailed PSA test in August, 2008 that returned a 3.7, but that also determined that 24% of men with my PSA level had shown Prostate cancer in a Prostate Biopsy.
On August 20, 2008 my Urologist performed a Prostate Biopsy. A note to anyone undergoing this procedure, It's not nearly as intense as the internet would seem to indicate. For me the entire test took about 20 minutes, and, while uncomfortable, was not painful in any way.
I got the results of my Biopsy on September 8, 2008. They indicated that, of the twelve Prostate samples taken, four were positive. Of the four, three were Gleason 3+3=6 and one was Gleason 3+4=7. Read more about the Gleason scoring system here.
Luckily my tumors were early-stage, that being, undetectable through digital rectal exam or on the ultrasound camera used during the Biopsy.
I was given three treatment possibilities by my Urologist.
- Seeding Radiation, where 75 or more tiny radioactive seeds are injected into the Prostate and, for a year, they attempt to kill the cancer.
- Open surgery where a large incision is made, much tissue disturbed, and the Prostate removed.
- Robotic surgery where the Prostate is removed through several small incisions.
I did a lot of research and chose robotic surgery.
On September 22nd I had my prostate and several Lymph nodes removed at George Washington University Hospital Center in Washington DC. My Surgeon, Dr. Jason Engel, used the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.
- I was in surgery for three hours.
- At 7:00 PM, after recovering from the anesthesia, I was admitted to a room for an overnight stay. On entry to the room, I was asked if I felt well enough to stand and move to the bed. While slightly dizzy, I didn't have any problem doing as asked.
- I was informed by staff that I needed to get up, sit and walk as soon as possible.
- At 9:00 PM I got out of bed, walked about 100 feet, and returned to a chair. After that, I did not return to bed for the duration of my stay. I alternated between ever-increasing distance walking and sitting in the chair.
- I ate a solid breakfast the next morning, and was released, with a Foley Catheter and leg bag, from the hospital at around noon.
- I highly recommend George Washington University Hospital. Excellent, friendly staff.
The first 24-36 hours at home were pretty miserable, owing mostly to shoulder and leg pain from being taped to the operating table for three hours.
On October 2, 2008 the catheter was removed and I reviewed results of the Lymph node tests with Dr. Engel. There was no evidence that the cancer had spread outside the Prostate to the Lymph nodes or any other surrounding tissue, so future prognosis is good.
I'll need quarterly PSA testing for at least a year, exercises for bladder control (not a major issue so far though), and work starting in January to restore erectile function.
Overall, the best I could have hoped for. Dr. Engel told me that we caught the cancer just in time. If it had been much later the outcome could have been very different, so early detection and action is the key.
I feel better now that the catheter is removed, although I still have five holes in my body where the robotic instruments were inserted and manipulated, so there's still some discomfort.
I'm not supposed to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for 4 weeks, and no yard work!!!
I'll update this page as my recovery progresses.
Update 10/23/08
- Still recovering. Now walking about 2 miles daily. Actually cut the back lawn today. Was pretty tired, but no pain. No problem with incontenance at all.
- So far, So good....
Update 1/9/09 - ZERO is a WONDERFUL number!
- Had my first post-op PSA test today and the level was ZERO. That means there is an excellent chance the Prostate cancer has not spread and I'm Prostate cancer free. I'll need quarterly monitoring for a year, then annual monitoring, but at this point, everything looks really good.
- Again.... A GIANT THANK YOU for all your well-wishes.
Update 4/16/09 - I'm still a ZERO!
- Had my second post-op PSA test today and the level was still ZERO!
Update 7/16/09 - I'm still a ZERO!
- Had my third post-op PSA test today and the level was still ZERO!
Update 9/22/09 - One year anniversary!
- It's been one year since my surgery and everything still looks good!
Update 10/16/09
- Had my final quarterly post-op PSA test today and the level was still ZERO! Now I'll only need annual testing.
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