Rich's Story

I had colon cancer in 2012 and that started my regime of doctors and doctor visits. I started seeing an endocrinologist because I had hyperthyroidism and could not have surgery until that issue was resolved. I am cured of colon cancer and still get a colonoscopy every 2 years.

Diagnosis & treatment choices

I continued seeing my endocrinologist and I had urine tests. The tests revealed blood and it was recommended I see a urologist. I had a cystoscopy and it was revealed blood vessels in my inner bladder wall leak a small amount of blood. I continued seeing the urologist and started getting regular PSA tests along with the "manipulation".

In 2017, my PSA started taking a faster rise. In 6 weeks it went from 2 to 4. I was scheduled and had my biopsy. Results were 1 core of Gleason 3+3=6, and was focused in one core, a small tumor. Doctor and I agreed to active surveillance for another year. In that time period, my PSA dropped all the way to .85, remember it was at 4.

Biopsy results in 2018 revealed 3 cores of Gleason 3+4=7. I had done some research about prostate cancer and elected to have my prostate removed. Surgery took place last year.

Where I am now

At this juncture in time, my PSA is still at a non-detectable level and hopefully it stays that way. Last summer I had urinary issues after surgery and I had scar tissue in the urethra at the suture site. I am scheduled for another cystoscopy to find out why I cannot urinate like a fire hose. After they found the scar tissue, I am now having to catheterize myself once per day to keep my urethra open. I don't enjoy it, but am used to doing this now.

My post operative issues are still some urinary incontinence, but it's not real bad. I still wear a pad once in awhile if I'm going on trips. I am also basically impotent as a result of surgery. I can get partially erect but when I do, it is painful. I have seen my surgeon and he thinks it is nerve pain I am feeling.

My advice for all the guys I work with and talk to is Get Checked! A finger is smaller than a turd and a pin prick for a blood test is easy. Stay on top of your health. You are the one that is ultimately in charge of your health, not the doctors.