Time-Life Medical

 

Prepared For Recurrence
(continued)

Even though my treatment seemed to be successful, I set out to learn as much as I could about prostate cancer. I used to be a teacher and a school superintendent, so gathering information is a natural step for me. I learned I had one of the risk factors for prostate cancer. I am African-American, and blacks have men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. I do not have a family history of prostate cancer, though. My father had no signs of prostate cancer into his mid-90s. I was also only 61 at the time of my diagnosis.

A Strategy For Recurrence

During my research, I found out external beam radiation has a high rate of recurrence. I realized I needed a strategy to deal with the possibility of recurrence. I began reading and collecting studies on prostate cancer. No one respects your life as much as you do. In gathering information, you have to be careful to sort out biased opinions and doctors who are not abreast of new developments. In prostate cancer treatment, there are many opinions about the best treatment. I felt, as the patient, I should be prepared to make those decisions in conjunction with my doctor.

If my cancer does recur, I'll be able to talk to the doctor and decide what to do based on my knowledge of the disease and the location of the cancer, which dictates what treatments can be used. My "recurrence plan" isn't on paper. But in my mind I have plans for every contingency from A to Z, all the way to metastasized prostate cancer. It's scary to think about these things, but a prostate cancer patient must.

Because of my background, I am now heavily involved in educating others who have prostate cancers. I wrote a book called "How I Survived Prostate Cancer ... And So Can You." I discovered prostate cancer raises very touchy issues. I spoke at a hospital before 300 prostate cancer patients and their spouses, and I said, "Each one of you has to consider the chance he may get recurrence of the disease." At least 40 to 60 people walked out. They don't want to considered recurrence, but they should because there are precautions you can take now.

Keeping Healthy After Radiation

After my treatment ended, I started an exercise program. The combination hormone therapy had been debilitating, My muscles were flabby and I wanted to restore my physical condition. I set the goal of exercising three times a week.

I set some other quality-of-life goals for myself. I changed my diet. I now eat red meat sparingly, since studies suggest red meat may contribute to prostate cancer. I have my PSA tested every three or four months. I participate in at least one psychological healing workshop each year.set some fun goals, too, including to travel extensively to 10 places and meet new people by the year 2000.

Keeping Healthy After Radiation

I am now active in two support groups. I serve as a sort of workshop leader for one. I've noticed people tend to use support groups incorrectly. I'd say 70 percent of cancer patients come to a support group after they've received treatment. I think every man diagnosed with prostate cancer should go to a support group before treatment, so you can listen to ideas and gain the wisdom of men who have a similar condition.

I remember one person who had come to the support group after undergoing a radical prostatectomy . He didn't even know his PSA level! It's hard to imagine someone would consent to surgery without this kind of basic knowledge about his condition. I think that's the fault of both the doctor and patient.

I must admit I didn't start going to support groups until after I received treatment, but if I had gone before it might have changed the treatment I selected. Changes in prostate cancer treatment are occurring at an astounding rate. If I were diagnosed with prostate cancer today, I would definitely seek out a support group to help me sort out these many complex choices.

My wife also came to the support groups with me. This helped us with some very practical issues, such as how to deal with a husband's incontinence and what options to take for impotence.

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