Many who follow me know I have fought the Cancer battle. I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three years ago. My sister had died of Breast Cancer which metastasized to her brain. Many people do not realize the genes for Breast and Prostate Cancer are linked, so hearing I had Prostate Cancer was a blow.
Initially, my doctor had suggested a wait and see approach due to my young (haha) age. But, he had also done a genome test on the cancer biopsy. This suggested it was an aggressive form and we should take more dramatic action. So I underwent surgery which was much heavier than I had thought and took longer to recover from than I had imagined.
After the surgery, I had some ongoing tests to check everything was clear. Signs to me seemed to indicate that something was not right. My doctor was more relaxed till last year when in a three month period my Ultra-Sensitive PSA test, which was supposed to be undetectable had doubles, which it had been doing over a period of time each six month check in my opinion.
Now I had another round of the fight on my hands. Radiation and hormone treatment were recommended, so I undertook that last year and then again began the regimen of six month testing to monitor the PSA level. I had my most recent test a few weeks ago and was declared clear of any issues.
I mention all this as I want all you men to make sure you get tested regularly and to say I do not consider my self a survivor but a Victor in this battle. As such a friend made me this reminder using the beer mats from one of our local craft breweries Victory, I have been wanting one of their T-shirts but they seem to sell out of the Large and X-Large Revel in the taste of Victory T-shirts. So for now this will be my reminder.
Every day I see this and it reminds me I am Victorious, no victim mentality here. And in the meantime, I will stay alert for any sign it needs to have its butt kicked again. Gentlemen, get your PSA levels checked every year and stay alert.
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