The Dream Dean

Who would ever think that a number could change your life?

My number was “8” – the number of my first Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. The PSA Test is a test for Prostate Cancer. A number between 0 and 4 is normal…and I was 8. Second PSA Test was 9, third PSA Test ballooned up to 28, which lead to an immediate Biopsy, where they found that 10 of my 13 samples had high-grade cancer cells. An MRI a week later found that the cancer had metastasized (spread) to my hip bone. The initial prognosis: Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer – about a 33% chance of living to 5 years.

And I find this out the second month of my retirement.

Needless to say, retirement has been a series of doctor visits, check-ups, and tests. Right now, I’m on an aggressive treatment plan, where I get a hormone shot (Lupron) every 3 months AND take a hormone treatment drug every day (Erleada) to eliminate the testosterone in my body. The side effects of these drugs are hell – hot flashes every 1-2 hours throughout the day, constant fatigue, and zero sex drive. I also experienced a severe rash across one-third of my body, which sent me to a dermatologist. So, life is interesting right now…but there is positive news here:

• I’m alive.
• My PSA is now down to 0.03 (the drugs are working for now).
• The metastasized spread of cancer has disappeared in my hip.
• I can still workout, although less than before.
• I’m more empathetic. 🙂

I share all this because I want to encourage at least one male to get a PSA Test, especially if they’re over 50.

To be honest, why would I EVER think that I would get cancer? I worked out every day, ate reasonable well, engaged in work that I loved…and yet, I got cancer. Maybe I can be a model for others to follow.

Just so you know, I am doing well. I have great spirits and now live each day to the fullest. I don’t know when things might change, but for now, I’m going to be as active and engaged as I can be.