by Robert M. Traxler

The next stop on the trip through a possible prostate cancer diagnosis, the results of the prostate biopsy arrived today. In a routine physical exam, my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test showed I have an elevated score three times the normal number.  The higher the score the greater the concern for cancer, but it does not always mean cancer.

A man with an elevated PSA score should get a digital recital exam (DRE) and if warranted a prostate biopsy. The biopsy will provide the oncologist with a great amount of data, not least of which is if cancer is present. If no cancer is discovered, then a man will only need to get a PSA test at regular intervals in the future, no harm no foul. Though some will cite the remote chance of infection and the discomfort as a reason to avoid the biopsy, I completely disagree.

The biopsy was not the most pleasant thing I ever did and there were a few seconds of pain, but I would gladly do it again if necessary. Men who in the normal course of life voluntarily subject ourselves to pain and hardship in sports, military service, and other activities are frightened of a short (10 to 20 minute) medical procedure. We big brave men do tend to be big babies at times.

The biopsy did find cancer, very advanced cancer a sobering thing to be told. Prostate cancer is mostly a slow-growing cancer and not as aggressive as some, thus allowing treatment to be highly successful when discovered in its early stage. The cancer I have is advanced.

The next step in the journey is deciding on the treatment regimen to possibly slow the growth; it is not curable. Three more tests will be conducted early next week to see just how far the cancer has spread outside the prostate and set a stage 1-4.

If you research prostate cancer treatment online please be careful to note the source and the date; advancements in the last decade have been impressive, and why take advice from someone in a chat room who has a lot less knowledge than your doctor? Many sites I reviewed were dangerously outdated.

The stage of the cancer determines possible treatment as does your age and physical condition. A number of 1 to 4 will be assigned; the higher the stage the more advanced the cancer and the more aggressive the treatment required. A Gleason score of 1 to 10 will also be used in considering treatment; mine is a high 9.

Dr. DeHann, a very fine physician, has set aside an hour to discuss the possibility of treatment on Feb. 9. More later after that consultation.

My sister, Suzan Couzens, a registered nurse and former Professor of Nursing at Grand Valley State and Calvin College, has been with us and is a valued adviser and friend. Thanks, Sis.

Next time we will walk through the possible options to slow the growth and our reasoning for choosing whatever path we take.