Iam a prostate cancer survivor (one day at a time), and I am grateful that I did my PSA tests every year after the age of 50, which helped me detect my prostate cancer at an early stage (unfortunately, then came COVID-19, lockdowns, etc., which delayed my medical follow ups), but in the end after a high level of PSA in 2018, a false-negative biopsy in 2019 (bad luck!) and 1.5 years of Argentina's lockdown for COVID-19, I got my second biopsy in 2021 which confirmed my cancer, and underwent a radical prostatectomy in Oct. 2021. Yuck!
I was spared of the many nasty side effects (urinary incontinence is one ot them). But my PSA showed that cancer cells had remained behind. So, I went through 36 sessions of X-ray therapy to liquidate any remaining cancer cells, and 18 months of testosterone suppression therapy. None of this was nice (I felt tired, worn out, flabby, emotional, lost muscle mass, the injections were painful, it reallly sucked!)
Sinice then, every 6 months I have a PSA test (and I hate needles!), so far, things are ok, PSA undetctable, meaning no cancer. Which is GREAT!!!!!!
This nasty situation gave me a new life focus. I have a different view of thitns. Now it is sort of Carpe Diem, live the day, enjoy, life is short, You Only Live Once. And I am grateful, I sieze the day, I count my blessings. I revel and take great pleasure in tiny, small things. Life is made of this, the small stuff, you grandson calling you "ampa" (Grandpa), your dog wagginG her tail in delight when you say "let's go for a walk". Your wife making breakfast, the aroma of flowers in spring... you get it.
Unfortunatel, a friend of mine, with whom I shared many years in highschool, died of Prostate Cancer three years ago. He was my age. I miss him. It caught him unaware. It had already spread to his bones. He died, far too young at the age of 63. He didn't take his PSA tests.
My advice: Take your PSA tests, visit your health care provider. Cancer sucks, but inevitable death sucks far more.
I am here, alive and kicking! Yearning for each day.
Get your PSA, see your urologist for your DRE (digital rectal exam) - It doesn't hurt - and live your life to the fullest.
Patagonian Monsters - Cryptozoology, Myths & legends in Patagonia Copyright 2009-2025by Austin Whittall ©
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