We look after our eyes, teeth and hair, our lawns, cars, clothes and homes. We don’t always seem to care as much for our heart, lungs, liver, kidneys — and prostate. Yet, most men, if they live long enough, will have some kind of prostate problem — prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or cancer.
My doctor suspected I had a prostate disorder at my yearly check-up in 1996; I was just past my mid-fifties. Initial biopsies proved negative, but subsequent tests and biopsies led to my diagnosis with prostate cancer in January 1998. That was the red flag that got me thinking more seriously about my health and searching for information on ways of healing the cancer and nurturing the body.
Two years later, I finally decided on surgery as my treatment. I had a bilateral nerve-sparing retropubic radical prostatectomy in March 2000, and six weeks later, felt almost as good as new! I believe that two things helped pull me through so well: my positive mental attitude and my good physical health.
When it comes to making treatment decisions, there are many things to consider: your age, physical condition, stage and grade of the cancer, availability of medical expertise, beliefs about health practices, your fears and attitudes, family and financial situation. People you meet, books you read, the risks you’re willing to take, and things you’re prepared to give up will also all affect your choice as well as your recovery. Even though most doctors think they give their patients enough information to make informed decisions, many men I’ve met still feel they lack understanding. When I was diagnosed, my urologist recommended surgery for me, but he also mentioned other options such as watchful waiting, external beam radiation and brachytherapy. I left that session without having taken in what I’d heard, except that I had cancer and they recommended cutting me open and taking it out. I knew I wasn’t yet ready to either agree or reject that option.
Find your comfort zone
I didn’t feel comfortable with my level of understanding about my condition. The information I had was limited and beyond my level of comprehension, especially given my frame of mind. I didn’t know what questions to ask or what I really wanted or needed to know. I couldn’t see the big picture. I was reluctant to undergo surgery without more understanding of what all the options involved and their side effects.
I embarked on my own research, mainly because I didn’t want to waste my doctor’s time trying to educate or comfort me. I also didn’t want to feel pushed into a decision. While many men express similar sentiments, others don’t want to be bothered with the details, but just want to get on with the treatment recommended by their specialist. Some people are comfortable making decisions immediately, whereas others want time to digest the news and understand their options more clearly.
No one person can give you all the information you want or need. Some books offer information about side effects of treatments that most people don’t talk about. In most cases, you’ll have time to read, ask questions and digest information before you have to make your ultimate decision. You should have a proper diagnosis by an experienced urologist. A second opinion may also not hurt. But in the end, the decision is yours. My advice is not to lose valuable time doing nothing. That could lead to wasting a wonderful, precious life — yours!
Live “sensationally”
I believe that maintaining a positive mental attitude helps awaken our personal healing potential. I work on nurturing my own faith and belief system and connecting it with my personal mission: to live life fully in happiness and health; to inspire and empower others to better their way of life; and to always be “sensational.” I also believe one of the most important things we can do is to learn more about our health, adopt a healthy lifestyle and be aware of any genetic risks.
