[imcarthur]

If you are a similar age to me (57) you have probably had your own personal brush with the nemesis of your prostate. My brother was diagnosed with surprisingly early prostate cancer at 47. Aggressive strain as well. This obviously scared the crap out of me. I ran to the GP for the finger test. Enlarged. He sent me for blood work. My PSA was 5. Simplified meaning: low is good with less than 4 being ‘no big deal for now.’ The PSA of 5 plus my obvious family history plus enlarged prostate put me in the 25% chance category.

I went to one of Toronto’s best urologists (my doc has contacts) & he whacked me with a prostate biopsy. This seriously alarming test involves a probe with a bunch of needles that sample the prostate. After the procedure, I fainted for the 1st time in my life. But . . . after numerous very, very tense days, I was given an all clear. This all happened 13 years ago. My last test PSA test was 6 year ago . . . 3.19.

Last week’s was 3.47. Needless to say, I am relieved. Low is good & stable is better. For me, it is one of those things that are always niggling in the background. For the docs in the crowd, I also know that the PSA test is not infallible & only one indicator etc etc. My brother died 3 years ago from PC after a decade of battle including all of the usual procedures & a dose of homeopath, so I know the dark side intimately.

Moral: Get the test.

End of public service announcement . . .

Ian