Sidelined for a time to deal with prostate cancer

As a reporter for the Monterey Herald, my byline didn't appear in print for some time recently. I wish I could say my absence was because of some exotic getaway, but instead, I was dealing with a health issue.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2021.

There is a reluctance among men to talk about such a sensitive topic. My first inclination was to deal with it privately. But I hope by sharing my experience it helps to remove whatever barriers exist, raise awareness, and foster dialogue between men, their doctors and those closest to them.

Over about the past 20 years, my doctor tracked the possibility of cancer through periodic PSA blood tests that showed an increasing level each time. Those numbers prompted needle biopsies and MRI scans showing no signs of cancer, until recently.

My last physical in October showed another PSA increase. It was time for another MRI and scheduled for early November. I opened my results believing I would again be found cancer-free, but that wasn't the case.

The words “area of concern” and “very likely cancer” knocked me for a loop. I made an appointment to go over my results with my doctor who confirmed what I already suspected, tissue samples would need to be taken and analyzed for an accurate diagnosis.

Those days between getting my MRI results and having my first appointment with a Stanford urologist, would be filled with thoughts of a worst-case scenario stoked by memories of losing my partner/husband of 21 years to pancreatic cancer over four years ago.

It wasn't just those memories, or what lie ahead for me that kept me up at night, but what would happen to my family. Updating my legal documents and having heart-toheart talks with my partner of three years, gave me some peace of mind.

I underwent a biopsy in early December. Three of 16 samples showed “high-grade cancer.” But according to my urologist/oncologist, my prognosis was excellent.

He said a bone scan would be needed before deciding on treatment because prostate cancer nearly always spreads to the bones first. A wholebody scan was scheduled for the first week of January.

The scan was performed and I received some good news — there was no evidence the cancer had spread.

Now treatment options could be considered.

Doctors went over the procedures for both surgery and radiation, possible side effects, and outcomes. My partner and I asked questions and requested additional information to help make an informed decision.

I chose surgery, which was to be a robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure, and set for late January.

I now had complete information on my diagnosis and a surgery date so it was time to inform my family and closest friends. It was important to especially talk to the men in my family since the cancer could be hereditary.

I also spoke to family members and friends who had gone through their own cancer experiences to gain perspective.

The day of surgery, I was mentally in a good place and ready for it to be completed.

About five hours later, I woke up in my hospital room. Everything had gone well. I was hungry and eager to video call with my partner who wasn't able to come into the hospital (thanks COVID).

The next morning I was sitting in a chair, eating a light breakfast, and afterward would be walking around. I was discharged early that afternoon.

Six small incisions across my abdomen would show where robotic arms and tools helped my doctor perform the procedure, not giving scope to the major surgery I had undergone.

A week later, the pathology report came back with more good news — the cancer was confined to the prostate, completely removed, and had not spread to the lymph nodes.

I realize I'm fortunate in many ways, especially having localized cancer, but also with the support from my partner, family and friends, which helped me prepare and recover.

My partner cared for me during the first half of my first phase of the recovery period which lasted about six weeks.

I say “first phase” of recovery because I still have a long road ahead to getting back to something close to normal, but I'm working with my doctors and physical therapists to aid in that, and I'm well on my way.

Considering the alternative, I'm happy to put in whatever work needs to be done.