Fatherhood possible with prostate cancer Handle the routine chores, Sagittarius
Dear Dr. Roach: After blood analysis revealed elevated PSA levels, a urologist felt a lump on my prostate and arranged a biopsy. Of 12 samples taken, three were cancerous. The doctor recommends removal instead of radiation or any other therapy. He said that it is just cancer and won’t spread in a month or two but I should not wait too long to have the surgery.
I am concerned about negative physical consequences, but realize whatever they are it won’t be as bad as the cancer growing and spreading. At 61 I am not wanting to give up the prospect of being a father. I understand that there will be no ejaculate and freezing sperm is expensive. Is it possible to extract sperm from the testicle, and will my sex drive be diminished? — R.T.
If you are going to get surgery (and I have no information to recommend against it), I agree you shouldn’t wait too long. But let me answer your question about fertility. Although the testes, which make sperm, are not usually removed in prostate cancer surgery, the loss of the prostate gland and the nearby seminal vesicles (which make most of the volume of semen) prevents sperm from being ejaculated during sexual intercourse, so fertility is usually impaired. Therefore, banking sperm prior to treatment is probably the best option. Sperm can be extracted from the testes, but the success rate is less than 50 percent. This is also a very expensive procedure, so your odds for fertility are better and you will probably have lower costs if you choose to have a child with the frozen storage method.
The LIVESTRONG Foundation has a discount program for freezing sperm, oocytes and embryos for people with cancer. You can find out more at www.livestrong.org/what-wedo/program/fertility or call 855-844-7777.
Today’s Birthday: Benefit through community contribution this year. Consider purpose or mission. Domestic revelations illuminate.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (8) Research and writing projects can advance if you can avoid distractions. Sometimes you need to tear everything apart and put it back together.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (9) Take care of business. Generate income by providing valuable services. Your ideas are attracting attention.
Aries (March 21-April 19) (9) Harmony may require effort. Don’t share unfinished work. Watch for structural problems. Pamper yourself with rest and hot water.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) (6) Rest, and recharge your energy. Consider where you’ve been and what’s ahead. Peace and quiet soothes your spirit.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) (8) Sometimes the best way to care for a friend is to let them be. Listen more than you speak.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) (8) Focus on getting the job done. Distractions could get expensive. Heed recommendations and warnings.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (8) Widen your perspective. Consider alternative stories. Keep to practical destinations, and avoid stepping on toes.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (7) Make payments, and send invoices. Keep your end of a bargain. Stay in communication to get through a tight spot.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (8) Support your partner through a challenge. Avoid confrontation or conflict. Pull your share of the load and more.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (8) Practice your physical routines without pushing too hard. Slow down. A sunset walk would be nice.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (7) Handle the routine chores that keep your family running. Take out the trash. Keep your promises.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (7) Focus on home and family over the next few days. Clean up messes, and reduce clutter. Listen and share solutions.