The Way Out

I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I am seventy years old, so this really came as no surprise. Unwelcome news, to be certain, but all of us who have reached this stage in life should be prepared for such things. I knew probably what most men know when they get the news: not much. This is not a satisfactory state to be in, so I've set about learning as much as I can, and am setting the chronicle of my journey down here.

One of my favorite stories came from the TV show, The West Wing, in which Josh is dealing with PSTD and wants to know why Leo is standing by him. Leo tells the story of a man who fell into a hole and could not climb out. He asked passersby to help, but is ignored until a friend comes by and jumps in the hole with him.

"What did you do that for?" the man said, "Now we're both stuck down here."

"It's OK," the friend says, "I've been down here before. I know the way out."

There are many other people out there who know the way out and I will be forever grateful for the guides I have found, and will encounter, on the way out. I hope to become a guide as well through the pages of this blog.


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Another Appointment Canceled

After reading "The Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers" (thanks to my lovely wife Barbara for the book) I have become more determined to take charge of my life and my PC. As the authors point out, most specialists see things from the viewpoint of their own specialty. It is no wonder, given the years of training and expense they have put into their professions. However, their biases are not necessarily good for me. Or for most men who have a low and medium risk case of PC. Treatments are, mostly, forever. You have to live with the consequences, some of which are quite frankly awful.

Urologists want to operate. That is what they do. And, from my research, most of them are not all that good at it anyway. Look at the statistics, and do the math. Radiologists want to apply radiation. Cryology specialists want to freeze the gland. All of these are fraught with serious and unpleasant risks and consequences, or side effects. None of which I care to risk.

So, the "old, conservative" urologist that my Doc recommended is, all things considered, a urologist and would view my situation from his perspective, which is to "cure" my PC. Right now, I am not looking for a cure, but a management strategy that will allow me plenty of time to access newer and better methods, medicines and processes that will do a much better job than what is available today. Remember, in the 1990's prostate cancer treatment was in what has been called the "iron lung" stage. Things change rapidly and I want to have time to wait on those changes.

So, I canceled yet another urology appointment. I am looking for a good oncologist and a medical team that works with me and my life preferences.

In the final analysis, something is eventually going to get me, whether it is PC or something else, so I am not overly concerned with the fact of my eventual death. I am grateful that I have gotten the support and information I need to deal with this like a real human being instead of a panic stricken male ego.
One fray at a time, as my father once said.
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