Prostate Cancer: The Initial Shock

It all started about 2 years ago in early 2019. I didn’t have much energy at this point. I was in my 60’s so it was mentioned that my testosterone levels could be low. So I made an appointment with my Urologist. He said before we check your testosterone levels, we will have to check your PSA levels.

Prostate cancer testing

So I had my blood work and the results were high. I was over a 14.2, so my Urologist had me do a second lab to test my PSA level. The results were a 12.2 which is still high. He then scheduled me for a biopsy.

The big "C" word

After the biopsy, the results shied that I had prostate cancer inside the right side of my prostate. It was a T3/T4 level. It was contained inside my prostate. My left side of my prostate was benign.

Initially when hearing the big C word. You are like in shock and in disbelief. He addressed a few options with me. I was referred to a Specialist with prostate cancer. Again discussing my options.

Treatment decisions

I decided to go with the 25 treatment plan of radiation and then the HDR which directly placed a strong dose of Radiation concentrated directly into my prostate. There were long needles used in this procedure. The process was not that bad at all. I stayed positive through this treatment. This took place in October of 2019.

Routine PSA tests

I had my PSA levels checked in April of 2020. They went down to a .05. Which was at a 14 before my treatments. Then six months later in October of 2020, my PSA levels were at a .056. I have to get my PSA levels checked every 6 months for 3 years.

The only advice I can give to anyone is to have your PSA levels checked routinely as a preventative. The only time I had my PSA levels checked was in February of 1998. I was definitely not too proactive.