A PSA about your PSA

[dreinecke]

Let me preface this post by saying that this is not about sympathy - it is about awareness.

Many of you know that I lost my dad in December of last year to lung cancer. During the time this was all going on, I had my physical in October with a brand new doctor. As my father had had prostate cancer almost 10 years before that, I had been getting my PSA checked as well as having a physical annually. Well, my doctor found an irregularity with mine. To add to the fact that my sister and I have always known one of us would win the genetic cancer lotto with our family, my biopsy was scheduled for December 29th - the fetching Mrs. Reinecke's and I's anniversary. It was quite the hot date, let me tell you.

A few weeks later, the results were in: I have prostate cancer at 49 years old. Now, it is not uncommon for men my age to get it and as about 50 percent of all men have prostate issues, no real surprise. Luckily, mine was caught early and was found to be a fairly slow mover. It had not spread outside of the prostate itself, which was great news. Due to all of this information, I was able to put off treatment until this week.

Because of my young age, there was really only one option for me; removal. Radiation and other therapies do and can work, but in my case if they didn't I could die of this by my mid-50's. That was not a chance I was willing to take. My father had a very good friend die at 61 as the radiation seeding did not work on him.

After much prayer, discussion, and consultation, we made the decision to remove it and as of yesterday morning, it is history.

Now the recovery isn't fun, I can already tell that as I spend my second and hopefully last insight here in the hospital. There are side effects for men that are nothing more than serious joke fodder, and I am laid up for a little while.

So, since we are one happy family here I thought I'd share this and HIGHLY encourage everyone to get this checked. Nobody should ever die of this in today's age.

RMS Resins will be shut down for a few weeks while I get back on my feet, but I'll be on the forum when I can.

[Gameover]

Glad all is going good doc. Thanks for the update you sent to me. Meant alot to me. Let me know if you need anything brother!

[4424ever]

That sucks sorry to hear this but hopefully the outcome is good you have my prayers

[MoparGreg]

Thinking of you David. Its great to hear the procedure went well. If you need anything let me know.

[chappyman66]

Dave,
My prayers are with you for a speedy and thorough recovery.
Let me know if there is anything you need.

[TsgtRet]

Hang in there, Dave. You know your PSA is not lost on me!

[nhdungeonracer]

Hope your recovery goes well there Doc...

If you need more Dum-Dums to help you while you recover, I'll see if Steve is available... :D

[Retro Racer 44]

Get well soon Dave, and thanks for the reminder.

Keith

[RazorJon]

Lost my dad to this when I was in my 20's, hope you get well soon :music-rockout:

[Brumos RSR]

Get well

[chris]

Guess you will be a bit saddle sore for a while but great news that you're OK.

Wishing you good health,

Chris.

[CJR]

Dave, prayers in the air and good vibes being sent your way.

Chris

[Audi1]

Hope you have a speedy recovery, David. Good that you got this taken care of and put behind you. With its removal and with no spread outside the prostate, you should be NED from this point forward.

Allan

[mnfordguy]

Best to you and your family for a speedy recovery. You are in out thoughtsand prayers.

[Lou E]

Wishing you a quick and full recovery and thank you for being brave enough to share this, with all the stigma surrounding prostate exams hopefully this will be the push someone needs to get themselves checked.

My grandfather died of it and my Dad won't get himself checked, I'm not at that age yet but the minute the doc says its time I am not putting it off.