I never thought that it would happen to me. But, as life has taught me (and all of you), things happen and there is nothing we can do about it. Let me fill you all in on this and what the title above really means. A few weeks ago I was visiting my new urologist and had my PSA tested as part of the standard procedure. I receive a call a few days later asking me to come in and discuss the results of the PSA test. Needless to say, the first bit of apprehension crept into my mind - "Why does he want to see me?" - "Why can't they tell me the results over the phone?" You have to understand that my brother had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had his prostate removed - so this was on my mind.
The appointment time came and I arrived and was ushered into the office. After a wait of 10 minutes (reading Sports Illustrated while trying to remain calm) the doctor arrived and told me that my PSA test was a bit over the mark and that the free standing PSA test was also in the open zone - nothing definitive but, due to my brother's history we needed to go futher. So the appointment for the ultrasound and the biopsy was made. I was given the booklet explaining it all and the prescription for the antibiotics (a freeby at Publix I might add). The appointment was set for 2 weeks and that was that. Just to be a bit out of the ordinary I came down with a light case of the flu so that appointment was pushed ahead another 9 days.
The day arrived and I was there. No need to go into details on the time spent in the examining room. For those of us who have undergone the regular examination (assume the position takes on a whole new meaning) just know this is an extended examination - I will say no more.
Now came the wait. I was to come back in 10 days for the results.
The 10th day was yesterday, September 30th. The lead up to the day was all OK. I have to admit that it was not utmost on my mind as my girlfriend and I were in Boston for a wedding and I was busy and did not give it a second thought. We arrived home on the 27th and I was still not thinking about it too much. But on the 29th and the morning of the 30th things changed. I found myself thinking about it and found myself being very positive. "Only good thoughts" I told myself.
Being me I arrived to the appointment early, signed in and opened a magazine. Now the thoughts started to be a bit more focused but nothing that I couldn't handle. In fact I was amazed that I wasn't more nervous at this point.
"Alan Graubard" I heard and was handed the container. All patients after a biopsy have to have a urine test - so I contributed and then returned to my seat. After another 10 minutes I was called into the inner sanctum and brought into the same examination room that I had met with the doctor when he told me about the results of the PSA test - was this a sign? Now the mind was working overtime. OK, what am I going to do if the news was bad? Early enough and they can radiate; remove the offending gland as so many others have gone through - my only fears on that had to do with having to endure a catheter ("you are going to put that where????") and the loss of the sex drive. Hey, you think about these things!!!!
After reading the same Sports Illustrated issue (actually not reading at this time but turning pages) my doctor entered. "Good news" he said with a smile.
"Just wanted you to know that right away" he added as he sat down.
We talked and he gave me a prescription for a drug that helped keep a healthy prostate (side affect is that it grows hair - now that is something I'm waiting to happen)!!!
I come back in 6 months for my regular PSA test.
I now was thinking how many of you out there have had different results from your own tests. I know how many of you have undergone the treatments and, in some cases, radical procedures to save lives. I also know that you all have your own stories to tell. I just wanted to get mine out there and share it with all of you.
October 1st 2010 - the first day of the rest of my life.
