Wednesday 2/10
9am. Uncharacteristically sunny Eugene winter day. I casually stroll to my biyearly physical.
10am. I exit knowing all is well. Feeling great and smug. I note that doctor requested a lipid panel in the near future.
Monday 2/22
7:30 am. On the stroll over to get the blood draw for the lipid test, I decide, oh what the heck, they are taking blood, let’s add a data point to my 10 year running log of PSA levels. I arrive lab, get a little push back on my request, but it goes smooth enough.
8:15 am. I exit knowing all is well. Feeling great and smug.
The next two weeks:
Receive my first ever evening call from my concerned primary care doctor. PSA = 18.1 – way up from 1.9, 20 months ago. He says, he can make time; come see me very soon. DRE does not look good. Refer me to urology specialist. They make time. Diagnosed with cronic prostatitis, recommended treatment of 30-day drug regiment modified to to 20-regiment in order accommodate my pending departure for my major Red Rocks climbing journey.
Wednesday 3/23
8 am. Blood draw for PSA test and upcoming urology appointment to confirm cronic prostatitis diagnosis. Hoping drug treatment is working. Feeling good, little less smug.
Wednesday 3/30
9am. Laurie and I cycle over to the urologist shop. PSA = 36.5. Biopsy recommended and scheduled in 5 days. Informed that probability of positive cancer diagnosis will be about 70%. Discussion a little more intense. Mood darkening. PSA ordered.
Thursday 3/31
We struggle with how to inform family of unfolding situation. Climbing friends especially impacted because of pending RR trip. Insufficient data makes it hard to accurately portray. Don’t want to alarm, but want to be fair. Hard to do, but know it is the correct plan.
8 pm. I write first “Health News” email (attached), shyly strike the ‘send’ key. Phone rings in less than 4 minutes. Lana’s concerned, yet soothing voice on the other end!