I Joined a new club!

[washley1]

This new club is a pretty good sized one, too and not real exclusive, although a bit sexist. The Brotherhood of Prostate Cancer Survivors. Got the diagnosis last fall, after my annual PSA test came back elevated. My primary care doc sent me to a urologist, and a biopsy was done in November. Got to enjoy family over the holidays, and had the prostate removed in mid January. Needless to say it was a long, trying winter, with no camping...and for a Florida boy, that's tough to take! At any rate, recovery went well, no disease spread, no further treatment required at this time, 90% chance I am completely cured. So tomorrow we are finally heading out with the Big Sky for the first time since October, to spend a week on the shores of Lake Lanier, outside of Atlanta.
Why am I telling you all this? Prostate CA is usually slow growing, and usually not hard to treat. But for some men it is a lot more aggressive. I just want to urge any of you guys over 50 to get your PSA numbers run on a regular basis, and don't don't shy away from the didgital exam. These things can save you life.

[JandC]

Good advise and a good reminder Walt. Glad to hear things are looking positive for you. Enjoy your trip to Lake Lanier!

[NCFischers]

Welcome to the club. I've been a member for 14 years. I also urge men to get regular exams, it can save your life.

[smitty1955]

i to am in the club 4 years now . i had 9 weeks of radition got it all lake lanier is a nice place have a great time

[rames14]

Glad to hear your prognosis is good and you are enjoying life.

[DQDick]

Good to hear things are going well!

[Jay Bird]

I to am in my 5th year since the procedure. I agree that all men actually over 40 should be tested. Also, if you have sons that age encourage them to be tested. Doctors have told me they can be good candidates for prostate cancer also. Glad things are looking good for you.

[mlh]

And remember you can a false positive or a false negative. In fact there are lots of both. My PSA came back high a false positive. A friend had a low PSA but the numbers kept jumping around but always below 4. He had cancer. Another friend has PSA of 20 his doctor checked him and said no cancer don't worry see you in 6 months.
Lynwood

[richfaa]

We do the testing every year.

[stengels]

Great news, Walt!! It will be a year in June since the robot snatched mine out. Great reports since then. Glad to say that full-timing didn't adversely affect my recovery. In fact, my urologist let me adjust the check-ups around my schedule. Plus, you can have a PSA done anywhere. Keep up the good work, and enjoy your time in GA.

[washley1]

We are back from Lake Lanier, although the spring storms tried to wash us away, and find the MOC chapter of the club has quite a few members! Everyone's story is being told, and from the looks of it, plenty are reading them. I do have tow sons, and they are being told to make sure they mention the family history to their personal physicians. Had my blood drawn today for my first PSA check since the surgery. Hopefully the doc will tell me on Tuesday that it is at or near 0!

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

We do the testing every year.

Same here. Medicare covers annual test.

[NCFischers]

I started getting tested at 47 and my brother at 44 due to my fathers history.

[Art-n-Marge]

Please take no offense if I ask you to never ask me to join your club and I hope that fate never makes me join. The best to all you survivors and God be with us all.

[washley1]

No worries!! We have no draft, no recruitment, no quotas, no pressure. Anyone who joins is simply welcomed and we all stand together. We actually hope to remain quite exclusive!!

[Retired Fire]

I have been in the club for 7 years had the radiation and all is good. Glad to here you are doing well!!!!

[washley1]

By the way, on Tuesday the doc said my PSA is 0, see ya in 3 months. News gets no better than that!

[Annaoinga]

Glad you got good news Walt!. Glad to hear of all the positive outcomes!