Prostate Cancer Survivor Knows the Value of Knowing Your PSA Level

Moe’s journey began in 2012 when his doctor raised concerns about his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels.  He saw a local urologist who ordered a biopsy. Moe and his wife met with a urologist to review the results, which confirmed he had prostate cancer. Moe’s urologist laid out treatment options: a radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation, implanted radiation seeds or watchful waiting.

Moe and his wife then met with an oncologist who informed them Moe had six months to decide on a course of treatment. In making this decision, Moe met with a radiation oncologist as well as with prostate cancer survivors. Moe was anxious.  Moe was told that once he decided on a treatment, the anxiety would go away. It did. Moe opted for the surgery.

Moe’s urologist performed robotic assisted surgery in 2013.  It was a stressful time for Moe and he did not enjoy using a catheter as he healed before he could use the bathroom. As Moe healed, his son came in from out of town to help him get through it.  After a brief period of incontinence, Moe found that Kegel exercises helped him to regain bladder control.

At first, follow-up PSA testing showed undetectable numbers. But, a few months later, they began to rise again. Moe’s oncologist determined Moe now had micro-metastatic prostate cancer.  He said Moe’s one option was external beam radiation. There was a one in three chance it would succeed and there wasn’t  a moment to lose. So, Moe chose to have radiation therapy. In the spring of 2014, Moe underwent 36 radiation treatments. After those treatments, Moe’s PSA was once again undetectable!

Moe took advantage of exercise programs for cancer patients. It showed him the importance of exercise to regain his stamina and rebuild his immune system. Afterwards he migrated, first to a hospital-based gym program, and then to a Silver Sneakers membership at the YMCA.

Moe’s doctors continue to monitor his PSA. While it has begun to creep up, his doctors advised him it was likely stray cancer cells that have learned to live in harmony with his body.

For resources to learn more about prostate cancer, click here.