Prostate Cancer

[Rick C.]

Sorry this isn't a technical post, but having read the Jerry Clark post below, I want a little soapbox time. I was one of those who did not want to go to the doctor. Didn't want to get poked, stuck, and prodded and did not want to hear about anything that might be wrong. About two and a half years ago I finally went for a physical at the insistance of my mother, of all people. My PSA was high. Subsequent PSA tests over the next year revealed some concern. A biopsy done in the fall of 2005 found prostate cancer. I was only 53 years old. Five days before Christmas 2005, I had the prostate removed. Since then, so far so good.

There are no surefire symptoms of prostate cancer. Guys over the age of 50 need to have their PSA checked. It is only a blood test. The needles used today to take blood are much smaller than they were years ago and you can hardly feel it. Go - it's not that bad. Remember the oil filter commercial of some years ago? Pay me now or pay me later!

[Wayne P.]

Re: Prostate Cancer

I will echo what Rick says. Mine was discovered as a check up on kidney stones. In less than 6 months the psa had more than doubled. Subsequent test proved cancer of the prostate. I had seed implants done 2 weeks ago. Hoping for the best.

[John G.]

Re: Prostate Cancer

One guy I know flat refuses to get 'poked', even though though he might be at elevated risk for this disease. His own father died from prostate cancer. I've heard other guys say they'd 'rather not know' if there was something lurking inside their body.

Past the age of 50 regular yearly physical exams should be the norm. Just never know if something not good might be developing. You want to see the doctor when feeling good, not the other way around!

[Clem Z.]

Re: Prostate Cancer

make sure the doc gives you the "finger wave" AFTER they do the blood test. i was giving a false reading because of the "finger wave" being done first.

[Mike B.]

Re: Prostate Cancer

Prostrate and colon cancer runs in my family. I've been getting tested and poked since I was 41. It's not pleasant for sure, but it beats the alternative. Fortunately my doctor is a knockout redhead. Take my advice, have a woman with long, thin fingers and a cute smile do your checkup!

[Gary Schisler]

Here's my soapbox pitch.

I am four months out of prostate cancer surgery and the "finger wave" and PSA blood test saved my life. I wouldn't wish the biopsy on anyone but it does detect cancer.

I am 56 and now my PSA shows me to be cancer free! I hope and pray that subsequent PSA tests come back at zero. Btw, no symptoms, no issues, just an elevated PSA.

Guys, you don't need a "finger wave" if you are over 50 (although it is suggested by most urologists), just a PSA test which is nothing more than a blood sample. Trust me, prostate cancer can be an ugly killer. Borrowing a line from the Red Neck Comedy tour "get 'er done".

Gary

[Clem Z.]

the one time i was in for my test

the doc gave me the "finger wag" test and present was a young lady who was a intern. the doc asked if it was OK for her to do it because i have a strange shaped prostate most likely from birth. "i told him go ahead because i was sure her finger was smaller than his" mrs clem said only i would come up with something like that

[Chuck L.]

Re: Prostate Cancer

I just think it's so interesting that this subject has had 612 hits so far, way more than any Corvette subject on this list. Does this show you how we admire and trust the advice of our members.? Wow! Good Stuff!