Reflections 10 Years After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

About a year before deciding to retire, routine primary care bloodwork sent me to a urologist. Lab results showed a PSA of 127, suggesting a high probability of prostate cancer. Work stress kept doctor visits at bay, leading to a six-year lapse in lab bloodwork. At the initial urology meeting, I was physically checked from head to foot with pressure applied to bones. Evidently my urologist expected the worst, a metastatic cancer that had spread outside the prostate. Fortunately, it had not spread. The biopsy results were not promising, showing all 12 samples tested positive for cancer. The Gleason score was 4-3 for a 7 total. The urologist described the cancer as diffuse. Lupron (leuprolide) ADT therapy was begun immediately and would continue nonstop for two years. Three months later, I began a 44-day visit to a local radiology center for radiation therapy.

My initial reaction was fear: Fear of the unknown possibilities of what could happen as a result of this most dreaded diagnosis. The worst scenarios arise given the situation. I was guaranteed a five-year survival and maybe 10 years at the most. To say that supportive information was lacking is being kind. There were no suggestions about diet, exercise or sources for support in dealing with this new diagnosis. ADT therapy along with radiation left me weak, confused and hopeless about the future. Being my own advocate was a new concept and experience.

But, I had faced several life challenges both as a child and adult. Drawing on my experiences and finding what I thought was lost helped to deal with the situation. Listening to motivational speakers helped a lot towards letting me know I was not alone. Les Brown, a famous American motivational speaker, who himself has dealt with prostate cancer, delivered positive messages that inspired me to believe. Having been a voracious reader, my search brought me several books written by doctors on and about their experiences. Dr. Atul Gwande’s “Complications” brought a new and fascinating perspective on how errors, mistakes and human beings are not always correct in their assessments and diagnoses. As Gwande wrote in his book, “a diagnosis is merely a best guess.” Dr. Pauline Chen wrote “Final Exam,” a beautifully crafted story of her experience with a cadaver in med school. Chen inspired me to reach out to a local medical college and be accepted as a cadaver gift donor.

Currently, I am approaching my tenth year of living with prostate cancer. I do not ask my urologist about the future of my situation. Knowing that how one responds to treatment is the best indicator for survival, I am confident and feel both strong and positive about my health and future. Knowing that after receiving an ADT injection, fatigue and mood swings will surface allows me to focus on what I know will carry me through the next three to four months of side effects. Exercise has become an integral part of my retirement life. A full knee replacement six months after the cancer diagnosis has allowed me to walk, jog and lift weights on a routine basis. Exercise is so important to maintain a positive perspective. Exercising has made me able to push myself to work hard at making the time left to be that of good quality.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.