CANCER

There are many blessings in the world.  February 4th 2014, I was phoned by my urologist who notified me that I presently had aggressive early stage prostate cancer.  

December 2013, I had taken an annual exam and was absolutely sure that I was cancer free.  There were no uncommon symptoms. However, the urologist had become excited immediately after the exam.  The urologist felt a bump. He excitedly advised a biopsy.  I decided upon a second opinion and the second urologist recommended a biopsy as well.  At that point, my denial ended.

Fortunately, I have my methods in my three books to support the processing of my feelings reflective of my emotions.  Truly, I am blessed.  My methods facilitated my reflection, responses, reactions, and most of all facilitated my proactive research and above all my actions.

The urologist referred me to one Doctor who did intensive radiation known as IMRT and yet another Doctor who did removal of prostates.  I decided against both options.

My research concluded that "Proton" therapy would be my best option.  There is fifteen proton therapy centers in the USA at present.  In the city where I reside unknown to me, a center was being constructed for the past three years and it was nearing completion.  The initial urologist (though he was from the same medical group) did not inform me of the new Proton Center.

The blessing was the Proton Therapy Center opened on February 12th and my first appointment with the oncologist was on February 11th. Otherwise, I would have had to travel a hundred miles to the next closest center.

This is a series of blogs regarding my experience with aggressive early intermediate stage prostate cancer and my subsequent actions to resolve the issue.  More later.

Best

Joel V.