Some 18 months following my surgery I remain cancer free. My recent PSA blood work showed that my PSA levels remain at near non-detectable levels - <0.05 ng/ml. As I wrote a few months back, my last bone scan in January showed no signs of recurrence and everything is on track. I'm obviously very happy with this news, as is my family, and I look forward to keeping it that way.
I've had some opportunities to counsel other recently diagnosed prostate cancer patients. Most are "friends of friends" who just needed to speak with someone who has been through it all already. We usually discuss the "news" they have received and talk a bit of what lay ahead for them. As I'm not a physician or an expert, I certainly am not going to try to push a specific course of action on anyone - that's not why I'm here. But, I have been through it and like most things experience can matter a whole lot more.
As with any cancer diagnosis, there are many questions to be answered - some of which can have some harsh realities attached.
As I've said numerous times before, the concern and fear almost always stems from the unknown. It's not like many of us have taken courses in school that would prepare us for being able to deal with any of this. You lean on family and friends for support, and all trust is placed in the hands of the Doctors and your faith in God that everything will turn out alright. Not always an easy task, but a necessary one.
If anyone out there has found this blog, and would like to speak with me directly, I encourage you to do so. You can contact me by email with your email or phone number, and I'll be more than willing to be there when you're ready.
On a side note . . .
I've had some unexpected free time of late, as I was laid off from my job in early March. Like a lot of people these days, it's been difficult to to find another job or freelance gigs. Like my cancer treatment, or anything else in my life, I have faith that God will provide what my family and I need.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
