Here is an interesting article about the option of watchful waiting and active surveillance.
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/20/opting-to-track-not-treat-early-prostate-cancer/
Something else to think about when the diagnosis is finally made and you have treatment options presented. Make sure you discuss these options with your doctor and, between the two of you, decide what works best for you.
As the year comes to a close, we look back on the last twelve months and wonder where the time has gone. Each month has brought new challenges and the opportunity of living each one to the fullest. Did we rise to the occassion? Have we crammed each waking hour with enough of life’s “stuff” to say the year has been really lived? Or, have we just put one foot in front of the other, doggedly moving in a forward progression, grateful to end each day on the right side of the ground? Somewhere in between?
In my life there has been a bit of both plus the days when we are just in survivor mode. Trying to get through the daylight hours with enough energy left over to drag ourselves home and collaspe into bed, only to start the cycle over again. There have been days filled with sadness and days graced with joy; long moments of reflection and introspection, self-discovery and revelation. Every once in a while we have days where it all works, miraculously fitting together into a cohesive picture of where I imagine my life could be. Of course, reality sets in and it’s back to the drawing board for option number 2, 32 or 657, depending on what the day has been like.
Overall, the year has been blessed – there is much work to be done and not enough hours in the day to see it all through. The new year approaches with a list already too long to complete — but, perhaps, enlightenment will find ways to solve those complex taxing problems. If not, then there are always friends and family to share those magic moments and the grace of God to get us through the rest.
Wishing you all the best for the holidays, peace to guide your soul, and love to fill your hearts.
A key government health panel has recommended that healthy men no longer take the PSA test….. see the link to the article published in the New York Times on October 7th, 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/health/07prostate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=psa%20test%20not%20recommended&st=cse
It has opened the door for discussion, controversy, and the perhaps the first step towards the development of a more valid test for this cancer. As always, you should discuss this with your doctor and make conclusions on what is best for your own health regime.
In the New York Times on Sunday last there was an article that everyone should read if you are considering surgery. There are some serious side effects you should discuss with your doctor and make sure there will be someone there to discuss how to handle the outcome of surgery.
Just one more reason to talk with as many people as you can before making any decisions. Men’s help groups are registered in many cities — there is an excellent one in Northern Cincinnati, associated with the Wellness Community in Blue Ash — and men can share their experiences with those making life changing decisions.
Ask for help, seek advice, challenge statistical outcomes and how they might apply to your treatment, and talk candidly to your spouse. Make sure she is involved, as it will impact her life as well.
This was forwarded on to me by the men’s prostate group at the Blue Ash Wellness Community. There is some great information here and some things to think about.
10 MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER
By Dan Zenka, Senior Vice President, PCF, June 2011
With the identification of more than 25 types of prostate cancer by PCF-funded scientists in the past 24 months, and the fact that it remains one of the least talked about cancers, it’s no wonder there remains a great deal of confusion surrounding this disease.
Ask any group of men about prostate cancer. If they don’t abruptly change the subject or take the opportunity to crack a few wise remarks, chances are you will get a wide variety of answers when it comes to what it is, how it should be treated and whether or not (and when) one should be screened for this disease. Against this reality, it is always a good idea to review some of the more popular myths and misconceptions about this disease that claims the lives of more than 32,000 men in the U.S. each year.
Myth #1: Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease.
While it may be true that the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (65% of cases are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older), the fact remains that 35% of those diagnosed, or more than 76,000 each year, are diagnosed at an earlier age. I was diagnosed at age 51 and I have met many men who were diagnosed in their early 40s. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate skyrockets up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 15 for ages 60 to 69.
There are many risk factors to consider. Your race, family history, physical health and lifestyle—even geographic location—are all factors that can increase your likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Myth #2: If you don’t have any symptoms, you don’t have prostate cancer.
Wrong. Prostate cancer is one of the most asymptomatic cancers in oncology, meaning not all men experience symptoms. Many times symptoms can be mistaken or attributed to something else. Signs of prostate cancer are often first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Common symptoms include a need to urinate frequently, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted flow of urination, painful or burning urination, difficulty having an erection, painful ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, or frequent pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor.
Myth #3: Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer I don’t need to worry about.
The answer to this one is sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. With the 25 types of prostate cancer discovered by PCF-supported researchers, we can confirm that there are those prostate cancers a man may die with and not of, while others are very aggressive. Once a biopsy confirms the presence of cancer in the prostate, a physician uses the data contained in the pathologist’s report to characterize the potential aggressiveness of the cancer and make recommendations for treatment based on many factors, including a patient’s age and health status. There are many treatments available for patients and one approach does not fit all cases. Patients need to understand the complexity of this disease and make treatment decisions that are right for them in consultation with a trusted medical professional.
The good news is that we believe, with the accelerated pace of scientific discovery, we will soon be able to identify the specific cancer a patient has at time of their diagnosis and match the most effective treatments for their prostate cancer and their biological makeup. This will enable us to cure more and overtreat less.
Myth #4: Prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family, so the odds aren’t great that I will get it.
Wrong. While a family history of prostate cancer doubles a man’s odds of being diagnosed to 1 in 3, the fact remains that 1 out of 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This compares to 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. African-American men are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.4 times more likely to die as a result.
Family history and genetics do, however, play a role in a man’s chances for developing prostate cancer. A man whose father or bother had prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease. The risk is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed in a family member at a younger age (less than 55 years old), or if it affected three or more family members.
In 2010, approximately 218,000 new cases were diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 32,000 men died as a result of this cancer. The number of new U.S. cases could exceed 300,000 per year by 2015.
Myth #5: The PSA test is cancer test.
Incorrect. The PSA tests measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate, not cancer. PSA is produced by the prostate in response to a number of problems that could be present in the prostate including an inflammation or infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or, possibly, cancer. Think of it as a first alert smoke alarm, instead of a fire alarm. The PSA test is the first step in the diagnostic process for cancer. It has made detection of cancer in its early stages, when it is best treated, possible. Experts believe the PSA test saves the life of approximately 1 in 39 men who are tested. Personally, I believe the PSA test saved my life and will continue to save it as we track my response to treatment.
Myth #6: A high PSA level means that you have prostate cancer and a low PSA means you do not have prostate cancer.
Although prostate cancer is a common cause of elevated PSA levels, some men with prostate cancer may even have low levels of PSA. PSA can also be diluted in men who are overweight or obese, due to a larger blood volume, and a biopsy should be considered at a relatively lower number (i.e. 3.5 instead of 4). Again, elevated levels can be an indication of other medical conditions.
Myth #7: Vasectomies cause prostate cancer.
Having a vasectomy was once thought to increase a man’s risk. This issue has since been carefully researched by epidemiologists. Vasectomy has not been linked to increasing a man’s chance of getting prostate cancer but has led to the prostate being checked by the urologist more often and prostate cancer consequently being detected in the clinic.
Myth #8: Treatment for prostate cancer always causes impotence or incontinence.
While erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are possibilities following surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, it is not true that all men experience complications. These side effects can also be highly dependent on age and physical condition. Numerous therapies and aids can improve erectile function and limit incontinence following treatment and nerve sparing surgical procedures have improved outcomes for patients as well. When selecting a surgeon, patients should inquire about the surgeon’s outcomes for ED and incontinence as well as the number of surgical procedures (open or robotic) performed.
Myth #9: Sexual activity increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.
High levels of sexual activity or frequent ejaculation were once rumored to increase prostate cancer risk. In fact, some studies show that men who reported more frequent ejaculations had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Ejaculation itself has not been linked to prostate cancer.
Myth #10: You can pass your cancer to others.
Prostate cancer is not infectious or communicable. This means that there is no way for you to “pass it on” to someone else.
What men can do about prostate cancer.
The first step in dealing effectively with prostate cancer is knowing the facts and eliminating confusion. Recent studies have shown that lifestyle decisions such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, such as walking 30 minutes a day, may also play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of getting prostate cancer and surviving it if you get the disease. Talk to your family and friends about prostate cancer and, if you are over 40, talk to your physician to develop a prostate health and screening plan that is right for you.
It has been quite a long dry spell between entries. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to take the time to breathe, slow down, sit quietly, think small but quiet thoughts, and gather our energy together. Such is the case with both of us ~ errands to run, appointments to keep, jobs to work at in order to pay the bills, animals to feed…it all takes up our day, leaving us drained and exhausted at the end. We collapse into bed, sleep (sometimes fitfully, sometimes not much at all) and get up the next morning to do it all again.
While all this nervous energy gets consumed, what happens to the body? When does it get the rest it needs to repair and strengthen the immune system? Recover from the stress of trying to squeeze just one more thing into the already crowded agenda? Relax?
Do we take the time to eat a balanced diet? Fix a healthy meal and then eat it slowly, actually tasting the food and enjoying the delicate aromas that fill our senses? Go for a walk? See the colours of the sunset? Listen to the animal world around us and notice the unfurling leaves on the trees? Look for signs of Spring?
Take a moment and look around you. A miracle happens every day. What did you see today?
It just goes to show that you never know when an article will enlighten you or strike a chord. I was reading the Costco Connection magazine, which shows up monthly in my mailbox, filled with a mixture of articles about just about anything. And, lo and behold, there is an article about “Men vs. Prostate Cancer” written by Angela Pirisi… http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201101#pg48
Apparently the NFL and the American Urological Association (AUA) have teamed up to launch a program called “Know your Stats” – to raise awareness and acquaint men with the stats about prostate cancer. It is a very well written and informative article and might provide you with some additional resources to assist you in your decision making process.
Who would’ve thought?
We have been fortunate enough to work with some extraordinary people – those who have gone out of their way to guide us and assist us on this groundbreaking enterprise. Having survived the first year of existence with the granting of both trademark status and nonprofit status, we felt that it is time to let the rest of the world know we are here.
One way of raising awareness is through the use of t-shirts and hats — we have gotten smiles and questions doing both. If you would like to help spread the word, the items are available for purchase through the website. Go to the “Support Us” tab and a drop down box will open. The shirts are available in limited quantities at this time, so hurry and be the first in your area to sport these stylish shirts. Help spread the word that men’s cancers are in need of better testing, improved treatments, and neighbourhood support groups.
Thank you for your help and support.
It’s December — in America, that means that shopping for presents and gift giving moves rapidly to the top of the list of things to do. We have been programed since childhood to make lists of things we might want to add to our collection of stuff. Parties to plan and attend, music to learn, perform, and sing. People to see, places to go. Lights to string from trees and homes. The busy-ness of the season takes hold of our lives and propels us forward, almost against our will, towards the culmination – December 25.
All of this works unless you are sidetracked by illness – or someone you care about is involved with illness. Then each day takes on a new meaning. Rather than preparing shopping lists you prepare the lists of doctor’s visits, testing rounds, chemotherapy appointments, and various other life-reaffirming tasks that will allow you to see December 25th - to experience the joy of living and sharing with those you love the simplicity that also is connected with Christmas. The joy of watching the snowflakes float gently to the ground and wonder at the beauty of the covered landscape (without having to worry who is going to shovel the stuff out of the way so you can go shop!). The pleasure of sharing a quiet moment where the worry of what the next day will bring is suspended for a brief time — to allow you to pretend it really isn’t happening. The respite from the storm that surrounds your waking moments — that is a true gift indeed.
Prayers of all sort rise from your soul and go forth into the universe hoping to be heard and answered in ways we can understand. We don’t always get what we want for Christmas — a rude awakening to some of us as adults. But, we can look beyond the material world and perhaps help a friend along their path, to spend time with those who struggle with illness and alleviate their loneliness and isolation from the hectic and frantic pace of the holiday season. These are gifts indeed beyond price – for they are from the heart.
Our wish for this season. Be well. Be safe. Enjoy each day as a gift beyond measure. Love. Laugh. Heal.
It’s been about a month since the last post…Cancer has changed the way we do business and live. It’s unexpected arrival into our lives has forever changed our journeys. Just the verbal mention of the word causes you to stop whatever you are doing and pause – to catch your breath, beating back the fear that accompanies those six letters. Then, a stillness seems to settle around you, isolating the sounds of the everyday world from your ears and you listen– hoping to hear your heart still beating and your lungs still expanding and contracting. No, it isn’t you that harbours this disease but it still alters your universe. And, someone you care very deeply about is torn from your life. Their universe is consumed by the war waged against this beast while you stand hopelessly by and watch your future sacrificed on the battlefield.
Has this happened to you? How do you cope? How do you find that magical rhythm that seemed to be unique? Do you channel your energies into bigger fights, into finding ways to ward off the invasion? It does raise your awareness of the fraility of life, the speed at which your illusions are shattered about retirement, long postponed vacations, and the restful years enjoying the grandchildren. Each day brings the gift of life and the search for knowledge…..
That is what we hope to help you find — alternative ways to deal with this tradegy and struggle. Please feel free to share ways you have found to cope with each day, successes that have carried you forward, insights to lighten each step. Perhaps you can help someone else along the road you have traveled.