Challenges

Two days ago, I learned that I probably have cancer of the prostate. While being tested routinely at the V.A. for various things last Summer, my PSA reading came back at 4.6. In March of this year, it came back at 5.4. Day before yesterday it was 6.0.

That, according to my Urologist, is pretty convincing, as there are apparently no other causes for these numbers, other than cancer. It's a strange feeling. Kind of unreal. I'm a charter member of the "it can't happen to me" club. While I see and hear of people all around me having fatal or near fatal diseases, hey, that's not me, right?

In about three weeks, I go in for a biopsy. There is an 80% chance of it being positive. I'm going to, as far as I can, share my feelings and reactions as this situation unfolds. Prostate cancer, of course, involves the reproductive organs, and details of this experience my be objectionable to some, and perhaps helpful to others.

Right now, I am somewhat ambivalent. This type of cancer is curable in 80 or so percent of cases, and even more, when caught early. Having said that, the loss of bladder control, prevalent in many after radical surgery, and the knowledge that my sex life may be over forever, is to say the least, daunting.

Hopefully, as I periodically write about this new adventure, I will help someone to get checked, and successfully get help for them. If not, maybe just writing about this will at least keep me from whining.