I’ve had a high PSA for about 12 years and had 4 biopsies between 2004 and 2011, all negative. I’ve known I have an enlarged prostate for that long. It was getting harder to pee, so I went in and asked for a transurethal resection of the prostate (TURP). The urologist said I needed another biopsy because of over 4 years since the last one. I did that, even though he said after so many other negatives the chances of having cancer was about 3%. Besides, my PSA, which I continued to check, had gone up to 43 from 22 in two years sincce my last check. Lo and behold, I finally do indeed have prostate cancer. When I blogged the time before last, that TURP was the procedure I thought I was going to have.
Without getting into the minutia of the considerations in deciding a treatment plan, in short, my type and stage of cancer has a high probability of cure but is beyond “watchful waiting”. It was a little agonizing to decide on a prostatectomy vs androgen deprivation therapy (ADP) and radiation. ADP and surgery has long been considered the way to go, but recent studies show surgery followed by radiation if necessary might be better. Again in short, I chose the ADP and radiation. Neither way is inviting, but I studied hard about it and got three other opinions plus that of my niece who is a highly respected urological oncology surgeon.
I start on ADP tomorrow. I get an injection every three months. In two months, I get a blood test. If my testosterone is down enough, I start radiation 5 times a week for about two months. Then ADP continues for about two years.
How do I feel about all this? Well, I think I’m fine. I was shocked at first, and worried. Then I lost some sleep trying to decide which treatment to have. Now that I’ve decided, I feel better. I’m that way, not one to second guess myself or regret a decision I tried to make as best I could. I’m going to just go forward from here and be mindful of how lucky I am in general. Myung and I are going out for pizza tonight. I’m a little more conscious during my bites than before. How lucky we are to be able to have pizza.
Be well, all of you.