'Early detection saved my life'
Published:Wednesday | August 28, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Deacon Clive Chambers, Contributor
I discovered that I had prostate cancer in December 2002 after having a second biopsy done a month before. I had done an earlier biopsy in June that year and received the good news that no trace of cancer was seen. This was short-lived, however, as medication used to correct what was thereafter thought to be an enlarged prostrate gland failed to work.
My prostate-specific antigen (PSA) score did not change significantly from the high level at which it was.
On the advice of my urologist, Dr William Aiken (who is also a volunteer urologist with the Jamaica Cancer Society), I repeated the biopsy in November 2002, and that was the one that proved to be positive. One of 13 or so tissue samples taken in the biopsy came back positive, I was told.
How did I know something was wrong with me? Well, there were absolutely no physical indications or any warning signs that I could detect by myself. It was only by having an annual check done at the doctor's office that made me aware that something was wrong. I had a digital rectal examination done, followed by a blood test to check for the level of PSA in my blood.
two simple tests
Had I not done these two simple tests, I very likely would not have known that something was wrong until there were physical indications that I could detect for myself. Had I waited that long, the consequences could have been deadly.
My wife, Janice, accompanied me to the meeting with Dr Aiken where the options for treatment were discussed. We opted for surgery. This was performed on January 16, 2003, 10 and half years ago.
After my surgery, I had to receive follow-up treatment as my PSA score began to inch upwards again. I had seven weeks of radiation treatment done at the Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica on Ripon Road between December 2003 and February 2004. After the completion of the radiation treatment, I started three years of hormone therapy, which was completed in February 2007.
Currently, since my last PSA test in April of this year, the level has remained at zero, as it has been for the last seven years or so. I continue to remain positive and hopeful and have adjusted my lifestyle to suit the reality of my life today. Exercise, diet, faith in God, relationship with family, friends and others all play an important role in my life after cancer.
Since my cancer was discovered in December 2002, I have had tremendous support from my wife, children, friends, the church, co-workers, Dr Aiken (who is always available) and many well-wishers in general. Without such support, it would have been impossible to have had the strength to remain positive and hopeful.
My message today is to our men who, for the most part, remain afraid of or even sceptical about getting tested for prostate cancer. Please, I appeal to you, my brothers, most sincerely, don't be afraid to go and get tested. Early detection can save your life. I am a living example of that, and there are many others like me who were not afraid and can also share their stories with you.
As always, my advice is: If you are afraid to go see your doctor alone, take your wife, girlfriend, mother or a sibling along with you and have that person be present when you are tested. Remember, a simple test can save your life and can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Start to do the test as soon as you turn 40. For some, depending on family history, you may need to begin a little earlier than 40. Consult with your doctors, however, for further advice.
There is life after prostate cancer, especially if you are blessed with wonderful people around you as I have been. There are many men out there who can testify to that.