Get your PSA checked.

[L78M22Rag]

My doctor noticed a nodule on my prostate in my early 40’s (about a dozen years ago). She sent me to a specialist for a second opinion. It didn’t hit me how serious this was, until I found out that specialist was at the Cancer Center. They made a big deal about how I was one of the youngest patients they’ve had. Their counsellor did a terrible job of trying to assure me that I could “probably” still have a somewhat normal sex life if it was, in fact, prostate cancer. I had a biopsy which turned out to be benign. Apparently, biopsies aren’t 100% certain because the biopsy might miss a localized cancerous growth? Needless to say, I had many restless years watching my PSA closely and getting my prostate examined by both my doctor and a specialist (not at the same time). My specialist always joked, as he held up two fingers, saying... I was fortunate that I only needed a second opinion and not a committee approval (as he wiggled the five fingers in his other hand).

I’ve had an annual physical every year since, and last year my specialist said that I no longer need his second opinion. I still have that slight nodule, but it hasn’t seemed to change.

Thanks for all your testimonies guys, and the good words of advice. Especially sorry to hear about the hardships and losses for some of you, and thankful that others have overcome such hardships.

Another terrific thread by real friends on the best site ever!