Thomas, United States
Family has always come first for me.
Between my two children, two stepchildren, and nine grandchildren, I have plenty of reasons to stay healthy and present. Living just a short drive from the New Jersey shoreline, my wife and I enjoy the simple things: good meals, evenings by the ocean, and time spent visiting the kids and grandkids. At this stage of life, my top priority is being around for them.
That commitment to family is what made me so diligent about my health. My father faced prostate cancer in his fifties, and his experience stayed with me. Because of that, I asked for PSA tests at every annual checkup. He didn’t have the options I do now, so I promised myself I would always stay on top of it. Getting a PSA checked is quick, and it gives you control over your future.
My PSA numbers stayed steady until my early sixties, when they suddenly started to rise. An MRI and biopsy revealed early-stage prostate cancer. With my doctor’s guidance, I chose active surveillance, checking my PSA every six months and monitoring any changes closely. During that time, I experienced symptoms common with an enlarged prostate, including disruptive nighttime urination and occasional erectile dysfunction. Those symptoms reinforced how important it was to stay proactive and take the diagnosis seriously.
Four years later, another PSA spike and MRI progression made it clear that it was time for treatment. My doctors and I agreed that radiation would be the best option — effective, yet less invasive than surgery. My wife and I carefully reviewed every option together, discussing what it meant, the potential risks, and what our lives might look like after treatment.
When my doctor explained how the Barrigel™ spacer could create space between the prostate and rectum, helping reduce the likelihood of rectal side effects from radiation, it was an eye-opening moment for me. I knew gel could be used in joints for arthritis, but I hadn’t realized it could be used this way during radiation. Learning about Barrigel spacer gave me peace of mind before treatment even began.
I had also seen a close friend suffer severe side effects from colorectal radiation. While prostate cancer radiation can be different, that experience made the decision feel simple. Without seeing what my friend went through, I might not have fully understood how important Barrigel spacer could be as part of my treatment plan. After reviewing it again with my wife, the choice felt even clearer. Creating distance between the rectum and prostate meant less radiation could reach it, which further reinforced my confidence going into treatment.
I had the Barrigel spacer procedure before beginning 28 radiation sessions over six weeks. The procedure itself was painless — essentially taking a nap — and by that evening I was up and eating normally again.
About four months after completing radiation, my PSA dropped from 5 to 1.4, a 70% decrease. With continued monitoring, my doctor and I remain optimistic that my numbers will continue to decline.
Today, I keep busy with grilling and home projects. My wife and I spend our free time by the ocean, enjoy visits with family, and take pride in our backyard garden. I feel great, and most people wouldn’t even know I had prostate cancer.
One of the biggest changes for me has been becoming an advocate. I’ve become the person who asks friends about their PSA levels. Men are often willing to give each other tough advice about jobs or relationships, but they don’t always talk about the things that can save a life. Men need to start talking more openly about their health.