Posted 1/27/2014 1:15 PM (GMT -5)
...since my father was diagnosed with advanced, metastatic PC. He had a relatively low PSA at diagnosis 7.5, a positive DRE, and what appeared to be 2 bone metastasis, on the top arch of his pelvis and a smaller one on the head of femur. At the time, we were so down and so disappointed. I had known about the PSA test and mentioned it to him occassionally, but never pushed him. His first PSA was the one at diagnosis. I immediately read Dr. Walsh´s book and he quoted a number, an average survival for men with advanced disease of 2-3 years. Exactly like that. 2 dash 3. I was praying it would be 3, and not 2.
Well, today, 3 years later my father received a PSA reading of 5.08. He has been in an intermittent OFF phase for almost 2 years. His PSA today is less than at his diagnosis. He is feeling fine, riding his bike through the town for the good part of the day, chasing after his grandchildren, and enjoying life.
So, Dr.Walsh, with all due respect, you scared me for no reason, you may want to consider rewriting that chapter. My father, an average guy, is surpassing all your average statistics and I am sooooo proud of him.
Since his diagnosis my Dad took a plane ride 3 times to see us in Germany. He witnessed his youngest grandchild´s birth and baptism and he was the first to catch him, when he took his first 3 steps. He witnessed my oldest son´s front teeth falling out. He vacationed with us in Greece. He took trips with my mom to Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, Czech Republic. He put my sons to sleep numerous times, and watched their faces long after they had fallen asleep. He played soccer with his grandkids more times than I can count, and went with my oldest to their first Bundesliga game. He taught them some really weird tongue-twisters. He took my yongest for his first communion. He rode a horse for his 70th birthday, first time after his famous fall from the horse as a child.
It hasn´t been without major challanges. It hasn´t been all smooth sailing. But I am so proud of my Dad, and thankful to God for all the moments since his diagnosis. They are true gifts, shining precious stones in the sand of time, and we look forward to them with each new day. Recently we have moved countries in order to be closer to my parents, and my father has said, he never realized how much he had missed us. He comes at the middle of every tennis practice my oldest has, just to watch. Then he leaves before it´s over.
Thank you HW brothers and sisters for support, knowlegde and compassion. My Dad has benefited from so many things learned here. I thank each and every one of you, true warriers and their awesome spouses for being a part of our journey, half a world away, but so close to the heart. This common enemy is not stronger than all of us united. Love to all.