So it's hard to believe that 11/4/2016 passed without notice. It didn't pass without notice 5 years ago, 11/4/2011, however, as I was in the operating room at Johns Hopkins @7am having my cancerous prostate removed at the age of 41. Not something that is on your radar at that age.
Short story... Got my first psa test at 40 after the Dr. felt a spongy prostate on a dre. PSA 2.6. The next year it was "tough," and he followed up with a second psa. 3.8. Referral to specialist. First guy was a d1ck. "At your age, it's likely an aggressive form of prostate cancer." Exactly NOT what a guy of just 41 a couple days before wants to hear, nor with two kids under 6 and a bun in the oven - - - that I learned about
within days of my diagnosis. Decided that if it was true what he said I'd better get to the best and since I live 15 minutes from Johns Hopkins, off I went. Second guy was far better and much more realistic, "Whatever you have is treatable. Nothing is bad until it's bad; and even then, we have many weapons." Just what I needed to hear.
pCa confirmed in August a few days after turning 41. 3x3 on biopsy.
open surgery recommended. Dr was
open to robotic or radiation too. I decided on
open. Surgery without incident. Wore a contraption that connected my water-making insides thru my pecker to a bag that I'm convinced was created by a sadist. It was the worst part of the experience. Some Spaniard from the Inquisition was laughing from beyond the grave at my suffering. Surgical pathology 3+3=G6 confirmed by Hopkins, no EPE or SVI.
Bag off. Home. Recovery. No runs, drips, or errors in the urine department. Sexual function ok. Still not back to pre-surgical status where erections arose from a stiff breeze, but it's workable mostly without meds and real nice with.
3 healthy kids, girls 9 and 7, and the son that was in the oven at diagnosis will be 5 in April. And a wife that is aces too! Time flies. Our 7 year old was just diagnosed with juvenile diabetes a few days ago. That's still sinking in as it came out of the blue. The shots and all the things we have to learn and teach her seem daunting now. But I know that it will soon be the same as it was with me about
my pCa... an after thought.
If I can give any advice to folks, especially younger guys, that come here looking for information. You've got a great resource here. Remember above all that none of these guys are doctors even though they might like to think they could be in another life and talk as though they are discussing studies and treatments. Take what seems like "expert advice" with a grain of salt from anyone trying to sound like an authority on pCa. The experts are the guys you talk to at the hospital or clinic. Use the information that you read and hear about
here, plus the expertise of your doctor to make your decision on treatment AND to ask questions. AS, surgery, radiation, chemo... there's no wrong answer considering your needs and whatever you choose is correct for you.
I stop by to post on my anniversary to touch base with guys that were good to me during that initial shock of a cancer diagnosis and to let younger guys know that there are younger guys like them here who resume their life where it was sort of interrupted. You might do yourself a favor if you're a G6 to search ChrisR on here. He's about
the most knowledgeable guy I know of on younger guys, G6, and Hopkins. He's a great guy. Of course there are others and hopefully some will check in.
My first hope would be that no one gets pCa, but if you do, maintain a level head, research many options and venues for treatment, engage your family in the discussion, and go with your decision. It is correct - for you!
Merry Christmas and Holiday wishes to all. Life goes on.
