Like most men of a certain age, I was quite cognizant of the possibility of Prostate Cancer but generally ruled it out as a "not in my body" thought process.
I had always been the "iron man" with no significant diseases, heart problems, cholesterol low, blood pressure 120/68 and this at the young age of 62.
But being prudent (or at least my primary physician was), we scheduled regular prostate exams and PSA (prostate specific antigens).
For a couple of years, the numbers were the same and well within the guidlines of acceptable.
One test, however in July of 2002, showed a slight elevation and we scheduled another for 3 months.
That one had significantly spiked indicating a visit to the Urologist.
After a thorough exam he suggested a biopsy, "just to be on the safe side".
I think the quote also was: "I feel nothing alarming but the biopsy will confirm that you have nothing to worry about".
I left feeling quite relieved.
Then, 3 days later, I was getting ready to take a joy ride in my Cessna when my cell phone rang: This is Dr.
xxxx.
The tests came back and you have a cancer in at least one of your nodes.
" Not a good thing to hear when I was about to go flying.
So, I put the plane back in the hanger and went to a friend's office and announced the bad news.
I was then reminded that another friend and fellow pilot was one of the top urologists in the area and perhaps a second opinion would be a good idea.
In this I concurred and promptly called my friend and told him the news.
The long and the short of it was that I did, indeed have prostate cancer and he felt that I should do one of two treatments: a "seed" implant or b: radical prostatectomy.
I did consult with an oncologist about the seed implants but was not happy with what I was hearing.
Also, knowing myself, I would be worried as to whether these "seeds" were doing their job or if they were doing too much and creating additional damage.
It then occurred to me that: If you have an organ that is cancerous, the cancer had not spread as far as we could tell, why in the name of all that is holy, wouldn't you have it just removed.
I then confronted my Urologist friend and told him that we would have surgery.
He was visibly relieved.
He then allayed my fears about wearing a urine bag (not going to happen) and loss of erection.
His summation: "There are no erections in a cemetery" That put the proper perspective on the whole thing.
Now here I am 5 years later and no problems other than the erection one which is generally taken care of with Cialis.
I am thankful to be here with no serious effects.