02-04-2019, 10:13 AM
PLEASE READ THIS. No it is not one of those pass along things. These are my own words to motorcycling friends around the world. It’s long, but the advice I provide may save you a lot of pain.
Each May thousands of motorcyclists in Ottawa and other Canadian cities take part in the Ride for Dad to raise funds to save men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research. I do not like riding in pacts, so for several years I ignored their invitations and their advice.
Two years ago my family doctor sent me to an urologist because my PSA number was climbing. A high PSA number is a sign of possible prostate cancer, the number 1 cancer risk for men, as well as, the Number 2 cancer killer (behind lung cancer). The urologist asked if I wanted wait to see if it got worse or have a biopsy. Are there 2 answers to this question? Of course I avoided a biopsy and walked away.
The same year a model railway buddy of mine in Ogdensburg, NY told me his lower sore back was diagnosed as prostate cancer and it had moved into his bones. Despite 4 stages of treatment including radiation and chemotherapy, I watched him fade away and die within the year. I was saddened losing a friend this way, but did nothing to check my own health despite often waking up with a stiff lower back.
Months later my family doctor sent me back to the urologist as my PSA number had risen again. No choices this time, and I agreed to the biopsy. The results showed there were cancerous tumors in my prostate gland. A bone scan and PT scan were taken to ensure the cancer had not spread and the results came back clean.
I was given the choices of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Surgery or radiation procedures. At 72 I had no intentions of having children, so I chose the surgery to eliminate any further chances of this gland causing any further health problems.
On Tuesday morning January 29 the gland was removed. When I woke up 3 hours later I found the catheter painful, so I was given 2 Tylenol to kill the pain.
At noon the next day I was sent home. A milligram of hydromorphone let me enjoy a long night’s sleep.
But the next morning I felt cramped and bloated. A large bran muffin and a mug of coffee were consumed. 15 minutes later I was called to the throne and all my pain was washed down the pipes. Each morning since, that has been my breakfast choice and have not suffered any pain at all.
Friday morning I go back to the doctor to have the catheter removed and the tiny shiny staples removed from the 5 bullet holes and knife wound under my belly button. After that if the tap doesn’t leak, by the start of riding season this will all be behind me. This May perhaps I will take their offer to Ride for Dad.
So my advice to all of you is ask your doctor what your PSA number is. And then ask to be tested every year after that. Unfortunately for us males it’s not a matter of whether we will suffer prostate cancer, it’s just a matter of when.
Each May thousands of motorcyclists in Ottawa and other Canadian cities take part in the Ride for Dad to raise funds to save men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research. I do not like riding in pacts, so for several years I ignored their invitations and their advice.
Two years ago my family doctor sent me to an urologist because my PSA number was climbing. A high PSA number is a sign of possible prostate cancer, the number 1 cancer risk for men, as well as, the Number 2 cancer killer (behind lung cancer). The urologist asked if I wanted wait to see if it got worse or have a biopsy. Are there 2 answers to this question? Of course I avoided a biopsy and walked away.
The same year a model railway buddy of mine in Ogdensburg, NY told me his lower sore back was diagnosed as prostate cancer and it had moved into his bones. Despite 4 stages of treatment including radiation and chemotherapy, I watched him fade away and die within the year. I was saddened losing a friend this way, but did nothing to check my own health despite often waking up with a stiff lower back.
Months later my family doctor sent me back to the urologist as my PSA number had risen again. No choices this time, and I agreed to the biopsy. The results showed there were cancerous tumors in my prostate gland. A bone scan and PT scan were taken to ensure the cancer had not spread and the results came back clean.
I was given the choices of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Surgery or radiation procedures. At 72 I had no intentions of having children, so I chose the surgery to eliminate any further chances of this gland causing any further health problems.
On Tuesday morning January 29 the gland was removed. When I woke up 3 hours later I found the catheter painful, so I was given 2 Tylenol to kill the pain.
At noon the next day I was sent home. A milligram of hydromorphone let me enjoy a long night’s sleep.
But the next morning I felt cramped and bloated. A large bran muffin and a mug of coffee were consumed. 15 minutes later I was called to the throne and all my pain was washed down the pipes. Each morning since, that has been my breakfast choice and have not suffered any pain at all.
Friday morning I go back to the doctor to have the catheter removed and the tiny shiny staples removed from the 5 bullet holes and knife wound under my belly button. After that if the tap doesn’t leak, by the start of riding season this will all be behind me. This May perhaps I will take their offer to Ride for Dad.
So my advice to all of you is ask your doctor what your PSA number is. And then ask to be tested every year after that. Unfortunately for us males it’s not a matter of whether we will suffer prostate cancer, it’s just a matter of when.