A Long Road Finished

Demanding a PSA test

I was 64 years old and had been talked out of a PSA test for at least 3 years by my family doctor. I demanded a test in June 2020. The result came back: 40.32. My thought was this could not be right. I called my doctor and he confirmed the score and referred me to a urologist. I briefly thought about a lawsuit but I had other things I had to do.

Prostate cancer diagnosis and frustration

A biopsy showed a Gleason 8. I remember being in tears as I said to my wife that I didn't want to leave her alone. A bone scan, A CT scan, and an acumen pet scan showed that the cancer was contained. A second opinion from Johns Hopkins revealed a Gleason 6.

Radiation as treatment

Due to the high PSA surgery was not a good option so I started radiation and 24 months of lupron. My treatment ended on October 8 of 2022. I am joyful that ADT is over. I had modest side effects in terms of hot flashes and joint pain but severe insomnia and sexual dysfunction. My PSA has remained undetectable for 18 months.

Family support with prostate cancer

My wife and two sons have stood by me all the way. I now anxiously wait for my next PSA check in January. To those who have just been diagnosed with this insidious disease, be an advocate for yourself and never stop asking questions. If I continued to listen to my family doctor, I probably would not be typing this now.