Friday, October 22, 2010

My Prostate Cancer

I appreciate the concern expressed by so many concerning my recently diagnosed prostate cancer. Some has come personally, some by phone call, email or cards, and some on Facebook. Many have prayed for me. Thank you. This email is to honor that concern by keeping you apprised of my situation.

When my urologist called to tell me the results of the biopsy, he said it looked like we caught it early (Stage 2) and that it should be completely curable. He wanted me to get an MRI and a bone scan to confirm that it likely was limited to the prostate and hadn’t spread.


Monday I had those two tests. I had an appointment set for today for Lindsey and me to see the radiation oncologist. At this appointment we were to learn the results of the two tests and hear what kind of treatment would be recommended for my condition.


Yesterday I got a call saying we needed to postpone the appointment until next Thursday because the doctor had a meeting scheduled that he needed to attend. We didn’t want to wait until next week to get the results of the tests, so I asked for a copy of the test results to be sent to me.


It was good news—the cancer appears to be contained within the prostate. The tests didn’t show evidence of extension outside the capsule of the prostate (nothing shows in the lymph nodes, other tissue, or bone). 
Lindsey and I were able to relax some. We still have to wait until next Thursday to determine what treatment will be used, but at least we know the treatment will be limited to the prostate. Whatever the treatment, it will not start until December (so the prostate can recover from the biopsy first).


Thank you again for your concern and your prayers.

Update: The urologist's nurse just called to confirm that what I saw in the report was true. It is localized to the prostate.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great news Rudy. Treatments have come a long way and I know you have an abundance of prayers surrounding you. Keeping you close, Robin