St. Andrew Council 11275
Upper Arlington, OH
Lecturer's Notes
My recent experience
3/10/2008
Having numerous urologic workups for an old injury, several urologists told me I was normal and just had to learn to live with some urinary problems. So, I did not have a PSA test for about 5-6 years.
When the prostatitis came back, I took a bunch of antibiotics I had at home and got better. But I promised myself not to pretend to be a urologist. So I saw a new urologist who confirmed that I had another bout of prostatitis - and the PSA was 6.8. He was worried about cancer - but acknowledged the PSA could be caused by other things. Did I want to watch and recheck in 6 months? I asked about other options. He said a biopsy would be somewhat aggressive but appropriate with the PSA being so elevated.
The biopsy came back with one of 12 samples positive for cancer. In thirty days I had a robotic radical prostatectomy. I was home within two days and back to work in four weeks. The good news was the pathology report: less than 1% cancer in the gland with no involvement with the margins or nodes. 90 days later in follow-up with my urologist, my PSA is less than one. No cancer.
Moral of the story: PSA each and every year - no matter what. Aggressive use of biopsy. Prayer works.Most who hear this story are amazed that something so tiny could even be found. I am too.
My church community and family were a tremendous support during the difficult times.
Prostate cancer is curable. The diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are easily available. Find a good urologist - have your PSA checked each year - and praise the Lord for all blessings.
Finally: Urology thought leaders changed the PSA level to a lower upper limit of normal several years ago. I understand that there is serious discussion about changing it to 1.0. Furthermore, you MUST consider age when interpreting PSA. Find a good urologist - one who is knowledgeable AND aggressive.
If you are reading this - I understand the dark night and thoughts of cancer. I also understand prayer and the demands upon your faith. No matter what happens, remember, "...Thy Will be done." He will send you comfort and grace. You will never be asked to carry a cross that is to heavy or too big.
Read about St. Peregrine.
May God bless you and keep you.
Tony Jay
The Human Community
1/14/2008
Dear Brother Knights,
As men, we see the world through the eyes of men. Through God's grace, we sense the need to seek God. As we do so, we come to realize it is actually God who is seeking us - and calling us to Him.
As men, we are creatures of the world in which we live. It is our human tendency to become "of the world." The more we say "yes" to God's grace, we come to the realization that even through we live in the world we have a spiritual nature and God is calling us to perfection in Christ. We do so by living fully in the world He has created while not becoming "of the world."
In the world we live, so too live our brothers and sisters. Each and every one of them has the same human tendencies and the same spiritual needs.
God Calls upon us to see the face of Jesus in all of them.
As we close our Christmas season and begin looking toward Lent, let us ask ourselves how we might live better in the world while serving others in the coming month.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Brother Tony Joseph, Lecturer
Reference: Catholic Catechism: Life in Christ - Chapter Two, The Human Community
