Prostate Cancer

Well, it does not come as a shock to me that my dad got the diagnosis.

He had elevated PSA tests and the ultrasound showed swelling of the prostate gland. He had the biopsy last week and his doctor called to confirm the diagnosis. Dad has a very treatable cancer. I would be freaked out about this more if I didn't expect it... I would also be more freaked out about it if he didn't receive the news that he has ANOTHER aneurysm of the aorta. Poor Dad! Can you imagine learning you have cancer and an aortal aneurysm the same week? Super man has already survived a triple bypass at the age of 43. At 63 he had an abdominal aortal aneurysm which ruptured. If not for the alert emergency room staff he would not have survived. My dad survived and was released from the hospital in under a week -- less time than most patients who have aneurysms repaired in a scheduled surgery vs. and emergency rupture situation. This is not to mention the heart attack I watched him have in the hospital when some sort of levels were off after the surgery.... Superman shocked his doctors and awed the hospital staff. It is a funny feeling to sit in the ICU with your father as different residents and surgeons pop in to see the miracle man. I am grateful.

Dad is strong. He is a good man. I will be going with him this week for the appointment where he learns about his treatment plan. I am so grateful he is allowing me to go. I am researching prostate cancer and will soon be your local expert. Please don't hesitate to ask me for information in the coming weeks.... I will know whatever you need to know by the time his appointment rolls around this Thursday. I love his doctor who commented "I guarantee that it will NOT be prostate cancer that kills you." Dad laughed and said, "I wonder if he's been talking to my aneurysm surgeon?"

First we deal with the prostate cancer, then in 6 months they will do another CAT scan on the aortal anuerysm. Most likely he will have surgery to repair it at the 6 month mark, but for now it is watch and wait. Watch and wait may end up being the protocal on the prostate cancer with treatment to be done following the aneurysm repairs. Which will come first, the chicken or the egg?

Dad and I had an amazing conversation on Saturday. It was the conversation I never had with my mom when she got sick. I didn't know for certain that he had cancer at the time. I was grateful that we'd gotten to talk and that I'd heard those precious words... that he is proud of me. I am grateful again. I am also grateful he is allowing me to go with him to the doctor. I don't want him to face this alone. I once again ask for prayers for my dad. The only good thing I can say about losing my mother is that it forced me to appreciate my dad. Funny how life teaches you these lessons. Live and learn.