For unknown reasons, my original thread has gone funky. This is my second attempt.
In recent days, we learned that King Charles has had a procedure performed for what is apparently an enlarged prostate. And now we learn of the death of Dexter Scott King of prostate cancer at the age of 62.
For the past two years, my PSA level has been consistently high. I have had no symptoms that might make me think something is wrong. I adhere to a healthy vegan diet and pay close attention to my fitness. But after doing some research and in consultation with my primary care physician and my urologist, I am waiting to have a transrectal biopsy to determine if I have prostate cancer. I anticipate a good result, and will update this thread at that time.
I do not advise either for or against having the PSA test. I do hope, however, that this link detailing the biopsy procedures will provide some good information.
Thanks.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-biopsy/about/pac-20384734
People with prostates over 60, that is men and trans women, get yourself checked. Don't wait for symptoms, just a routine check much in the same way that women undergo mammograms as a matter of routine.
Swing Joined: 1/25/24
Testing, starting in your late 40s or early 50s, is key to early detection. A simple blood test for PSA every year or two will catch prostate cancer at stage 1 or 2 when you have excellent treatment options. If you wait until you have symptoms you may well have advanced to stage 3 or 4 at which point your choices are fewer and treatment will be much more intrusive. Prostate cancer is one of a few cancers which is easy to detect early and has excellent outcomes, but the key is you have to see your doctor and you have to get tested. Too many men, are too manly to bother to go to the doctor. Wait until you have symptoms and you may suffer the consequences for being stubborn.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and an update on King Charles.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/26/health/enlarged-prostate-explainer-wellness/index.html
And here is Ben Stiller. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. Living cancer-free after the surgical removal of his prostate that same year. And looking GREAT !
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photos-Ben-Stiller-and-Family-Visit-HARMONY-on-Broadway-20240129
Prostate cancer in the Black/African American communities
https://zerocancer.org/black-men#:~:text=Black%20and%20African%20American%20men,prostate%20cancer%20than%20white%20men.
Last week I had a transrectal ultrasound biopsy to help determine if I have prostate cancer. The procedure took no more than 15 minutes and was not awful. The Urologist removed 12 "plugs" for examination.
Yesterday I learned that I do, in fact, have prostate cancer. Next up is a PSMA PET scan and an MRI of the prostate to further evaluate any spread of the cancer. What happens after that depends on the results of those scans.
I encourage those men who might be reading this to discuss your prostate health with your doctor during your next visit.
Onward.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/22
Sorry to hear that you have prostate cancer, wish you well in your battle with it.
Hear, hear! Thank you for sharing your story and for reminding us about getting tested.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/22
"Hear, hear! Thank you for sharing your story and for reminding us about getting tested."
Yep, being tested is very important. BTW - sent you reply PM.
Thank you for sharing your story and best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
Since last posting here, I have had two procedures: a PSMA PET SCAN and an MRI. Next week I have another test. It seems likely that I will have direct external radiation therapy, but I won't know for certain unitl I meet with a Radiation Oncologist in the near future. If so, I will probably have daily therapy procedures (Monday thru Friday) for 8 or 9 weeks. My only current side effects of any note are fatigue and a bit of pain.
I had no idea that once diagnosed, it would take so long just to have the therapy. But, I am looking forward to a positive outcome.
Take Care Of Your Prostate !!!
So. Three months after last posting, and one more physical exam later, I have not yet begun therapy. But, at the end of this month I finally meet with a Radiation Oncologist to develop a treatment plan. I am so ready for whatever awaits. This week, husband and I are driving 20 minutes north to a University Hospital Cancer Clinic where the treatments will be performed, just to become familiar with the campus
And again. If you have any questions about your prostate health, see your primary health care provider. Now.
Why the delay?
Anyway, I know you hate me so my words mean little, but I do wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/22
"Why the delay?
Anyway, I know you hate me so my words mean little, but I do wish you a full and speedy recovery."
Very nice statement Jay and I agree 100%. HG hates me also with every fiber (lol) in his body, but I also wish him well in his battle with cancer.
There was a glitch with my health care organization not communicating with the Cancer Center, which resulted in a 2-month delay in processing.
Peace.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/12/11
Highland Guy, I hope and pray cancer stands no chance against the upcoming treatment and no chance against your will. Godspeed.
It makes me sad that our medical care sucks when it could be outstanding. Hang tough bro.
For now, I will continue to provide periodic updates in the hope that it might spur others on to discuss prostate health with their health care providers.
Yesterday I met for the first time with my Radiation Oncologist and some of my new "team" at a University Hospital. In March (maybe sooner) I will begin external radiation therapy (5 days a week for 8 weeks). Today I had a a blood draw to determine if my PSA numbers have changed and to check my testosterone. Depending on those results, I will begin hormone therapy (an injection every three months for 18 months). Soon I will have surgery to remove a portion of my prostate. After I have recovered from that, I will have a variety of other tests and scans. I will also be tattooed with a few very small dots to map the location of the prostate (to help aim the radiation where it needs to be)..
Although the cancer has completely engulfed my prostate, it currently has not spread. In my case, the cancer is slow-growing. We are optimistic of a successful outcome. Time will tell.
And so it goes.
Take care of your prostate !!
Well, here I am again. Since last posting, I had the first of six hormone injections and will have the second next week. Six injections during an 18-month period.
Am now recovering from TURP surgery to remove part of my prostate. Not fun, but not awful, either.
In a couple of weeks, will have a telephone consultation with my Radiation Oncologist. Toward the end of March, go in for CT simulation and mapping (where they apply small tattoos to determine the exact location of the treatment area). And then, soon after, begin radiation therapy (5 days each week for eight weeks).
Take care of your prostate, guys!
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/22
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