Once upon a time Dr. Earl Walter saved my life by urging me to get tested for prostate cancer.
Wife Beverly had been after me to have the test, but being a bit stubborn, I put it off. One day Doc Walter laid it out: Take the test or risk getting cancer.
Along about 2001 I finally agreed.
The first number wasnt much out of line. The next test was a smidgen higher. Then a red flag shot up with a number of 5.4, a substantial increase from the last time.
With the Bee Gees disco hit, Stayin Alive, drumming in my head we Beverly always is a part of my healthcare equation made an appointment with a urologist, who indeed, thought there might be a problem.
A biopsy confirmed his suspicions. The best outcome was the cancer was of a low-growing kind.
The news wasnt as shocking as I thought it might be. I accepted the outcome, and made another appointment. A few weeks later the surgery was over. Nearly 17 years later Im still around and feel fine.
THIS RECOLLECTION was prompted by a doctors column recently in the Register that reported some cancers are difficult to detect and often quickly reach critical stage.
Many men will suffer prostate cancer as they age, although for some it comes far enough on the age scale that something else poses a greater threat. Not always, though. Mine occurred before age 60, and I know others younger who have had prostate cancer.
My point: Do not fear the unknown. Have regular medical examinations including the PSA for any man into his 50s then be accepting of the circumstances and trust your physicians recommendations. Or, get a second opinion, if youre so disposed.
Most all of though, dont think youre invincible.
