Michael, United States

My PSA number suddenly jumped from below 1 up to 5. My urologist informed me that we should do a biopsy. About a week after the biopsy was done I had an appointment with my urologist to review the results. The doctor walked in and greeted me, although somewhat more solemn than his usual manner. He sat down with his head down and announced, "You have prostrate cancer." Hearing those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I was completely numb. I felt no emotion. I didn't know what to say or how to react. Completely numb. My first thoughts after that were feelings of dread in having to tell my spouse and my mother. My doctor then said, "Look, you are 70 years old." My mind jumped to: "Ok, here we go with the old man speech. He's going to tell me that this is to be expected when you get old." The doctor, continued, "You have a lot of years ahead of you. We are going to take care of you. We will treat it, at least that is my recommendation." He went on to inform me that we would schedule an appointment with the oncologist and go from there. I was encouraged by his kind words and caring attitude and was able to make the appointment and then head for home.

I would say the biggest challenge was the physical treatment. I was still employed. This was during the Coronavirus pandemic so I was working from home. I took my job very seriously and was determined that this was not going to impact the work I was doing. I was an information technology professional and was involved in a major project in assisting with the migration of one company's computer systems onto the platform of another company. I would be undergoing Radiation Therapy and Hormone Therapy. I scheduled the 45 treatments of radiation for as early as I could. 7:10 AM Monday-Friday. I was on a restricted diet. The foods that I love and that seem to be best for you were forbidden because of their potential to cause gas. I had to get up at 5AM every morning, shower, empty my bowels, drink about 32 ounces of water and be on the road to the Cancer center by 6AM. I would consume about another 32 ounces of water on the way. I had to arrive at the center with empty bowels (including no gas), and full bladder. If the bowels were not completely empty or the bladder not full, I would be unable to receive treatment. Having empty bowels was the most challenging part for my body. I learned that 8 ounces of prune juice was enough to prompt regular bowel movements and that made all the difference. I would complete my radiation treatment by 7:30AM then stop at the gym on the way home for about a 45 minute workout (it is important to exercise to help maintain strength during radiation therapy), then be home to be in my office by 9AM to start my days work.

I would say that my faith in God is what primarily got me through. My family and many friends are Christian and I called on them for prayer. Knowing the prayer support I had along with my own prayers I was able to face and conquer each day as it came. The support I received from my employer and my work friends was amazing as well. I was constantly being told, "Mike, don't worry about trying to accomplish too much. You need to take care of yourself." I received constant support from my supervisor and other work friends as well. Another thing that helped was the group of men that were also going through the radiation treatments around the same time as me. Each day while we were awaiting our "turn" for treatment we were gathered in a small room where we would talk and laugh while sharing our struggles with diet, emptying our bowels, filling our bladder and then lay still through the daily treatment while trying to hold our full bladders. They were a great group of guys and it was easy to share with each other since we were all going through the same thing. The 45th and final day of my treatment I went in excited that I was going through my last session. I said my goodbyes to all my treatment personnel, rang the bell (symbolic of the last treatment), and walked out the door. As, I started across the parking lot to my vehicle I suddenly was overwhelmed with emotion over what just happened. I began to sob and was thanking and praising the good lord for seeing me through!

My experience of the healthcare system was all positive. Everyone from the admission staff and up to the doctors were incredible. All treated me with respect and expressed care and concern for my well being. All my questions and concerns were addressed promptly with care and respect. I was totally included in decisions about my care. However, there was only one experience which I felt could have been handled better. One day, I showed up for treatment and when the radiation therapist checked her screen she could see that my bowels were not empty. I had no idea. I felt absolutely nothing that would indicate that I needed to relieve myself. The radiation therapist came across as angry and made some rather rude comment about my full bowel. The other therapist and nurses were very nice and encouraging. Try as I might I could not empty. I inquired one of the nurses as to what I could do. She said, if I was willing, I could do an enema. I did the enema and was able to empty my bowels and complete my treatment. I just chalked up this experience to the radiation therapist having a bad day. But, regardless, I don't think that someone undergoing these treatments should get that type of treatment.

You can survive. I am going on five years as a cancer survivor. Surround yourself with a great support group or groups. If you know someone who has had cancer, lean on them if you can. My daughter is a breast cancer survivor and she was an incredible source of strength and encouragement while I was going through my battle with prostrate cancer. Even though her cancer was different, I found that many of the thoughts and emotions that I was dealing with were very similar to her experience. So, having the opportunity to talk and share with her was very helpful.

To the healthcare professionals....You are incredible in what you do. I appreciate all that have participated in my care in any way they may have been involved. Please, just keep in mind that when dealing with cancer patients you are dealing with people who may feel as if they are staring death in the face. Make their experience as pleasant as possible in a not so pleasant experience. Please, please, please, be respectful, be kind, be encouraging, be helpful, and be loving. This will be most helpful to someone that is dealing with a disease they hoped never to deal with and having an experience they never wanted.