My personal
experiences with Prostate Cancer in more detail
When I reached somewhere around the age of 50, my family
doctor began the dreaded DRE’s (digital rectal exams). Although not painful, DRE’s are just plain uncomfortable.
Some prostate cancers are found via a DRE. My exams never showed any signs of
potential prostate cancer. My family doctor did several DRE’s, and the two
urologists that cared for me also did several, but they never found any signs
despite multiple exams.
Here is more about DRE’s:
My family doctor noticed that despite being low, my PSA
values had been slowly climbing. He referred me to an urologist, who continued
the DRE’s, but had no concern about my rising PSA scores. I had a couple of
appointments with him. I didn’t care for this urologist, so I asked my family doctor
to refer me to another. This would prove to be a good move. I want to emphasize that if you don’t have a
good relationship with a doctor, find another. This has always worked out well
for me.
My new urologist was part of a group practicing out of
Hartford Hospital. He was rather dry initially, but unlike the rushed, rather arrogant demeanor
of my previous doctor, I knew that he would be fine to work with.
He quickly became concerned about my PSA. Though it wasn’t
terribly high (4.5) it had been steadily rising over the course of the last
couple of years. He set me up for a biopsy.
Just the word “biopsy” sent shudders through me. This was the first time
I realized that I could have cancer. I don’t care what type of cancer a person
has – cancer is a scary word.
The biopsy was quite an experience. Samples were taken
between the scrotum and the anus. Some people claim that this type of biopsy is
very painful. I found it to be a little uncomfortable, but not too bad. I liken
it to getting a small electrical shock in a delicate area. I flinched whenever
they took a sample (they took a total of 12). I apologized to the technician when
I first flinched. He told me not to worry – by the time I flinched his
instrument had already taken a sample.
Here’s a little more info on prostate biopsies:
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. The Asbestos Cancer Organization
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