It’s important that I give you, my friends, an update. You may recall that I have prostate cancer. I have not said much about that for about four years. Initially, the C-word gave me an emotional roller coaster ride, but I have come to terms with that. It’s just a little cancer. It’s confined, and it’s treatable.
In the beginning, five doctors told me this low-grade cancer would not kill me. I will die of something else. That sounds comforting. Dealing with the c-word was the hard part; it never leaves the back of your mind.
My treatment plan—for four years—has been active surveillance. It’s kind of like the CIA or FBI keeping an eye on you. PSA blood work and six-month visits with my docs seemed to show things stable. I’ve had four MRIs and three biopsies. The last one, in February, was the last straw. My health care team at the VA sent the samples to Cleveland Clinic and the diagnosis came back as progressive. Time for intervention.
My doc called and said, “Active surveillance is no longer viable. Neither are some of the other treatments we have discussed. So, what do you want to do: surgery or radiation?”
I wanted to share this with you, because as scary as the C-word is, prostate cancer is very treatable, especially when caught early. I had hoped that at age 74, I could live the rest of my life without having to treat this cancer, but that is not to be. So, in order to have a longer life, it’s time to take care of it. Surgery is scheduled for May 14.
Just to show you my optimism, I have a new motorcycle on order. It is a new model and has been on order since last November. It is probably going to arrive in July, just in time for the doc to release me for riding, and I plan to keep riding for a very long time.
See you on the highway.
Brent
I see many in my line of work but when it happens to friends and people close, it hurts. Hope and will pray that your surgery goes well my friend. And I do want to see you on the road.
I say this to my patients: if the Lord wanted you back, you wouldnt be here today… Be optimistic! He loves you and what you do here.
I’ll be praying that all goes well!
May 14th is underlined in my prayer journal. I know you have a positive outlook. I do, too.
Brent, you may remember that I’ve been in the same prostate cancer circumstance as you for some years now. I find myself wondering when “active surveillance” won’t do anymore. Anyway, my best friend Keith just completed radiation treatment for his prostate cancer, and he’s doing great. The treatment wasn’t too troublesome, and his PSA went from 12 to 0.7! My urologist tells me that radiation is generally the way to go with fewer after-treatment issues for us older guys. All the best to you with whatever treatment plan you choose.
And the new bike looks nice! You’re slowly catching up to me with bike purchases!
I had radiation and since then it has been a miracle. Siber knife was the treatment. My PSA is less then one, sometimes a 1.4. I am so grateful that this has worked. I will pray for you and trust God.
Hey Brent. Cancer sucks. It is a scary thing, but I wanted to share that I have two men in my life that were diagnosed with prostate cancer years ago. They both chose radiation ‘seeds’ and are doing just fine. Their quality of life is fantastic and your’s will be too. From one cancer warrior to another I say, “ You’ve got this!”. Thank you for sharing your journey.