Courtesy of Mish.
In October 2012 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I am now cancer free. Here is my story, a detailed one, with test results.
I have been taking PSA tests every couple years since 2007. It’s a routine blood test recommended for men as they get older.
PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. Elevated readings may indicate evidence of prostate cancer. Any reading under 3.0 is normal but some doctors may say 4.0 and others 2.5. It’s not an exact science to be sure.
My test in August of 2012 was elevated (6.65). Another test in October was also elevated (7.13)
My regular doctor strongly recommended a biopsy.
The biopsy showed I had cancer. My “Gleason Score” was 6. The surgeon that performed the biopsy (Dr. G) strongly recommended surgery. He gave me a cost of $20,000.
What follows is my general understanding of methods of dealing with prostate cancers and problems that may result from treatment.
Do your own due diligence and consult a doctor if you are in a similar situation.
Problems With Surgery
Prostate surgery can cause all sorts of complications including loss of sexual functions and urinary incontinence. I had not yet started dating following the death of my wife Joanne in May of that year.
Imagine telling a date “Hi, I’m Mish. I have prostate cancer”, or worse yet “I’m impotent and have urinary incontinence thanks to prostate surgery”.
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