Prostate cancer...at 48! random PSA test

0-1Months

Richard L. on March 9, 2015

I was Diagnosed with:

Prostate cancer

Employment Status:

Employed in financial industry

Gender/Age:

Male/48

Type and Description of Treatments:

Moved to Boston 18 months ago, and old gp said he wouldn't write any more cholesterol rx until I got a check up. I grudgingly fit an appointment into my schedule & found my PSA score was 22 (normal is between 1-4). I had the test again, and it came back the same & now biopsy has found cancer on part of my prostate. Just went for a bone scan to see if it has spread and will meet my doctors next week to see what the course of treatment is going to be. I'm afraid of loss of function & incontinence, as much as death.

How do you feel today?

I feel fine. I have no symptoms at all.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I found that the friends I have told have all been incredibly supportive.

What is going well for you right now?

Friends, confidence in my doctors.

What is not going well for you right now?

the process of getting a treatment plan seems to take forever. Blood tests, biopsies, bone scans. I want this to be fixed & go back to a normal life.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Telling my children that I have cancer. I have not told them yet.

When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?

Friends

How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?

I have gone ahead and booked vacations in a few months time, assuming that I am treated and have recovered. I am not canceling anything.

What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?

I wake at 4:30am, in the office by 5:45am, and leave at 6pm.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?

Nothing so far.

What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?

The side effects of a prostate biopsy alone are terrifying.

If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?

My Dad is sick with worry. I should not have told him, until I know what the outcome will be. Parents and children should be treated the same! Tell them you are sick, but have a plan. Don't tell them you are sick and you don't know what will happen.