What are the odds?

Odds that I have prostate cancer: 100%

Odds that I will survive it: 97%

I got the call from the doctor’s office Wednesday just before lunch. The lady said I had “a little bit of cancer” in my prostate, and to come in and see the doctor Thursday evening. I asked her if she said, “a little bit of cancer?” and we both laughed. I’m not sure why either of us was laughing. I was wondering if having a little cancer was like being a little pregnant. Turns out it is.

I spent an hour with the doctor and he carefully gave a detailed description of my diagnosis and treatment options. I do have prostate cancer. I thought the part about having a little bit meant they might just need to trim a little off the sides, but what it means is that I am fortunate that it was discovered early and it has not spread out of the prostate. In fact, it appears that it has not spread much inside the prostate, but it still has to go.

Of the options available to me for treating this cancer, surgery looks to be the best. There are two surgery options, open and laparoscopic / robotic. My doctor says I am a very good candidate for the robotic surgery, and has referred me to a doctor who specializes in that. I will call him tomorrow, and the adventure will continue.

Family Pictures 2010

So, the good news is I am not going to die soon from prostate cancer. The bad news is that it looks like I will be going in for surgery and then learning to deal with the changes that come from that surgery.

Until Later,

Scott 

The Dreaded Annual Exam

This will be an update for some, and an announcement of sorts for others. Although there is no concrete news to share, I want to let you know what’s going on.

I had my annual prostate exam a couple weeks ago and the numbers were a little high, and they were a little higher than last year, so the doctor said to get a second opinion. The second opinion said to get a biopsy.

I had an ultrasound and biopsy today. It was a bit like a visit to the dentist, only the chair was different. It will be a few days before the results are in, so this is all I have to share. Before today, the doctor predicted my diagnosis would fall somewhere between, “It’s Nothing” and, “Certain Death.” Today after the closer inspection, he sharpened that prediction to a 60% chance of having prostate cancer.

Until later,

Scott