My Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Saved My Life From Lung Cancer

By CommunityMember338

1 min read

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in February 2020. If Covid wasn't enough to worry about! It was determined that my disease was aggressive with a Gleason score of 9.

prostate cancer surgery

I made the choice to have surgery, and it was scheduled for March 25. However, after going through the customary scans, the oncologist who was supporting my urologist noticed a spot on my lower left lung when she viewed one of my scans. She did not feel comfortable moving forward until we understood the nature of the lesion on my lung.

lung cancer diagnosis with prostate cancer

I was promptly sent for a PET scan which did not identify the lesion as cancer. I then had a lung biopsy (not fun at all) which revealed that I have another primary form of cancer. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with fear at the thought of having two different types of cancer. At that point, lung cancer took priority. I ended up having a lobectomy of my lower left lung on April 17. Thankfully, cancer had not spread to any lymph nodes. It was graded stage 1C. After eight weeks of healing from the lung surgery, I had my prostate removed on June 25.

prostate cancer saved my life

Ultimately, the scans driven by my prostate diagnosis revealed another threat to my life. I guess it's odd to say that the prostate diagnosis probably saved my life from lung cancer.

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Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember338" user-id="4722788"/>. Wow, I'm sure that was quite a lot to take in. Sorry to hear about the duel diagnoses, but glad they were both caught. How are the cancers doing now? Also, I want to let you know that we have a sister-site for lung cancer at <a href='https://lungcancer.net/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://lungcancer.net/</a>. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
CommunityMember338 Member
Thanks for reaching out! My lung cancer was caught at an early stage. Thankfully. All CT scans of my lungs post surgery, now two years, have been clear. I get scans every 3-4 months. With regard to the prostate cancer, hormone therapy began before the lung surgery. Following the prostatectomy, I waited 5 months and had radiation therapy. The hormone therapy ended this March (a 2-year course), and I had a PSMA scan. It came back clear. I know there are no guarantees for the future, but I am optimistic while being vigilant about my lung scans, and PSA tests every three months. Thanks to this site for the exchange of ideas and encouragement we can give each other!
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
Similar story here Gleason 9 - I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it was treated first with surgery and then later with radiation and hormone therapy. A few years later it was non-hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) Where they related? Who knows. Your message really underscores the need for men to take responsibility for their health. 
1. CommunityMember338 Member
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3259730"/> Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope all is well with you! I’m rooting for you!
2. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember338" user-id="4722788"/> So far all is good on the cancer side - what has blown me out of the water on so many levels was the recent and unexpected death of my wife in mid May. Taking life ONE DAY AT A TIME these days and in some ways it is very similar to how you handle an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Deep breaths and prayer - all help