Early Monday

[Ed W]

Back in August, I went in for a routine check up with my doctor in order to renew my blood pressure meds.  He called me to say that my PSA level had spiked, increasing by nearly a full point since the last check.  He scheduled an appointment with a urologist in September.  By then, the PSA increased another point.  He set up a biopsy, and long story short, found prostate cancer in 12 out of 12 samples.

This was detected very early, before my prostate began to enlarge.  At this stage, despite being moderately aggressive, it's 100% curable.  I'm going for laparoscopic surgery in the morning.  Recovery should be a few weeks, and I expect to return to work in January.

Please, please, please - if you're 50 or older, get a check up and a blood test.  If there's a family history of prostate cancer, start the check ups at age 40.  My doctor said the routine blood tests established a baseline PSA level for comparison, and when mine started increasing rapidly, it was a red flag.

I haven't had anything but clear fluids and Jello today.  I'm a hungry, cranky man.  There's a cup of chicken broth waiting for me in the kitchen.  It will have to pass for dinner with more Jello for dessert.  I'm a lucky man. 

[RecycleMichael]

I have been a little afraid to go to the urologist because I heard they when they examine you they charge by the pound.

[Red Arrow]

This was detected very early, before my prostate began to enlarge.  At this stage, despite being moderately aggressive, it's 100% curable.  I'm going for laparoscopic surgery in the morning.  Recovery should be a few weeks, and I expect to return to work in January.

Please, please, please - if you're 50 or older, get a check up and a blood test.  If there's a family history of prostate cancer, start the check ups at age 40.  My doctor said the routine blood tests established a baseline PSA level for comparison, and when mine started increasing rapidly, it was a red flag.

Good luck with your surgery.

I would like to add get a colonoscopy for folks over 50.  I wouldn't be here now without having gotten one.

[RecycleMichael]

Let us know if you want us to smuggle into the hospital some beer, pizza or porn.

[Ed W]

I put a couple of long posts about this over on CycleDog, Michael.  They have the icky details.  Let's just say that the prospect of dying after the cancer spreads outweighs any indignities or objections as to what can fit into certain anatomical cavities, and leave it at that.

http://cycledog.blogspot.com/

[TulsaRufnex]

Prayers for the surgery... it's amazing these days they can do laparoscopic, rather than traditional.

It was prostate cancer that was in my family history, so my physical every year went something like... well...  

My suggestion would be to never be afraid to tell a doc if something isn't "right."
It was only after I saw a doctor about something unrelated (winter flu), that I told him about some other stuff that seemed, well... odd.
I got to play with my feces using popsickle sticks, then did my first colonoscapy at age 43, and luckily the golf-ball sized cancerous polyp they eventually removed using laparoscopic surgery was only Stage I.
Now, just six months from cancer free.

Take care.

JEFF

[GG]

Hope everything goes well for you tomorrow.  I will contact Wade to check up on you.   If you need anything let me know I will PM my number to you.   

[guido911]

Good luck with yours today. I have my own cross to bear on Thursday...

[patric]

A colonoscopy these days is like being in the 1960's.
If you were there, you probably dont remember it....

Now the prep ahead of time, that's the adventure.
(Insert pic of swilling PEG from a jug, hillbilly-style)
Good luck with the procedure Ed.

[Hoss]

A colonoscopy these days is like being in the 1960's.
If you were there, you probably dont remember it....

Now the prep ahead of time, that's the adventure.
(Insert pic of swilling PEG from a jug, hillbilly-style)
Good luck with the procedure Ed.

True this.  Not a fun way to spend 36 hours or so.  And that 'formula'.  Ugh.

[Conan71]

Early detection is key and I'm glad they found it Ed.

On my recent annual visit, my doc said they have found that PSA blood screening is preferable to doing the digital seek and find these days and that they were likely causing more harm by doing the probe.

I get to have laparoscopic hernia repair in a couple of weeks with the same surgeon who removed my gall bladder 11 years ago.  I asked if he remembered my gall bladder and he said "vaguely".    Apparently, he's THE guy to go to for hernia repair in the region.  I also managed to help get my orthopedic surgeon's daughter through Wake Forrest with a couple of knee scopes and a shoulder scope.

I turn 47 today.  Since the age of 35, I'm averaging a surgery of one sort or another about every 2.5 years.  Getting old sucks, though I can honestly say I'm in far better overall health than I was when I was 35.

[DolfanBob]

OMG you guy's are killing me. My Doc say's that he is not going to renew my Blood Pressure pills until I give them another Blood sample.
Being how I am uninsured and have to pay the 235 Dollars out of pocket. It makes it kind of tough around this time of year. So Ed you're story hits home in a big way. I don't really have any Cancer related illness in my family history but both my parents had Heart trouble.
Looks like someone is going to get a couple lumps of coal for Christmas. Yes I said it "CHRISTMAS"!

[Red Arrow]

I turn 47 today.

Happy Birthday (anniversary).

[DolfanBob]

Happy Birthday (anniversary).

I totally missed that earlier. Happy Birthday Conan71

[nathanm]

Good luck, Ed!