A diagram showing the difference between a normal and cancerous Prostate : Courtesy of WebMD |
A few weeks ago, I noticed some blood on my faeces, so I saw my doctor. While trying to determine what could be the problem, the doctor asked me; do you have any difficulty passing urine?
Hmm; I paused. As my father and uncle had prostate cancer; I knew instantly that I may have an enlarged prostate gland since I do have slight difficulty passing urine.
However, the doctor couldn’t wait for my reply as he simply told me to lie down so that he could examine me. He put his finger through my anus and within seconds announced to me that I have an enlarged prostate gland.
He subsequently sent me to 2 Specialist Consultants to undergo 2 separate tests - Colonoscopy and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Colonoscopy being performed - Courtesy of Wikipedia |
Colonoscopy is a process by which a fibre optic camera on a flexible tube is passed through the anus to examine mainly the large intestine for any polyps that can lead to colon cancer.
Thankfully, the specialist didn’t see any polyps but saw a sign of haemorrhage caused by excessive chilli pepper consumption.
By the way, those over 50 are advised to go for Colonoscopy because the earlier the polyps are detected the higher the rate of survival.
Unfortunately, my blood test showed that my PSA was high. And thus, the doctor sent me for an MRI scan to see what was happening in my prostate.
And then, she prescribed Tamsulosin capsules to enable me to pass urine freely. And she warned that one of the side effects of the medicine is retrograde ejaculation, which is that semen will enter the bladder instead of passing through the penis.
A week later, I went for an MRI scan, which showed a suspicious image that required a biopsy to determine what it was. I was told to come back in 2 weeks for the result of the biopsy.
Anyway, on the day of the final result of my tests, instead of seeing a doctor, I saw a specialist nurse. At this point, I started wondering; why am I not seeing a doctor? Does it mean my tests are negative?
But, before I could conclude working out the situation, the nurse started narrating to me how and what brought me to their clinic.
Of course, I know what brought me to your clinic. And that was when I knew all was not well.
Nevertheless, she said to me; “I am sorry to tell you; the tests show that you have prostate cancer.” I laughed and I am still laughing.
As you can see, I am upbeat and more than 100% sure that I will not die from this ailment, moreover, I am not dying soon.
And hence, I am not writing this post to draw sympathy from anyone. But if you would want to pray to God to save me, please, let it not be on the internet but in your heart, so that your prayers will get to God
quickly.
Likewise, those people who would pray (don’t know to whom)
that this stubborn guy with some obnoxious views should die from this disease,
please pray harder not on the internet, but rather, in your hearts, so that your prayers would be heard quicker.
Altogether, my reason for this post is to tell some men out there, according to the Specialist doctor; that 1 in every 3 men over the age of 50, especially black men, has prostate cancer.
Overall, it will be a thing of joy to me if by reading my story some lives will be saved. So, take care of yourselves.
I am on a journey and I have allowed myself to be enrolled in some medical research; stay ‘tuned’ for further updates.
If you can; please spread the message by sharing this post!
If you can; please spread the message by sharing this post!
…to be continued
~ liberate your mind
your write up has opened my eyes! But on what probability is the ration 3:1 for black males...? & what are the steps to guide on this as am a 30yrs old black male? Thnaks abunch ( michaelagwu@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteIt’s predominately in black men
DeleteOh...ok Good then. thnkx
DeleteSo sad to hear this news Doz. But it is well. Just keep believing. Thanks also 4 sharing this. I would help open a lot of eyes. Cheers
ReplyDeleteThanks for your concern. Please spread the message
Delete