Cancer Doesn’t Have to Be a Death Sentence
The Letter
I received a letter in the mail in 2013. It stated that my primary care physician, Dr. Logan Rose, wanted to talk to me. Dr. Rose is a wonderful doctor. However, I sometimes feel that he overreacts to anything that is not in perfect working condition in my body. Never-the-less, I’ve learned that when I get the ‘call me’ letter from him, it requires my prompt attention.
The Test & Treatment
Dr. Rose told me that my *PSA levels had been rising, so he wanted me to see a specialist for further tests. He referred me to urologist Dr. Kia Michel, who is part of the Cedars-Sinai medical system. Dr. Michel, another outstanding physician, did extensive tests. He diagnosed me with prostate cancer.
I was given two options for treatment. One, surgery to remove the prostate. The other, get radiation treatments to the prostate. I consulted with other experts regarding the options of surgery or radiation. Dr. Michel, who would perform the surgery, also referred me to a radiation oncologist as an option.
The oncologist, a young African American female physician, assured me that her facility would be an excellent choice. I then went to the City of Hope, which specializes in cancer treatment. I met with both a urology surgeon and radiation oncologist. Each, of course, favored their own treatment speciality, but both agreed that the other could be effective.
The Choice
I chose to have surgery. As Dr. Michel explained, “Once the prostate is removed, the threat of prostate cancer is removed.”
I had robotic surgery in 2014. The procedure went well and recovery was quick and painless. So painless was post-surgery that I refused any pain medication. However, a nurse came into my room one day and began to inject a substance into my IV tube. When I asked her what she was doing, she evaded my question. As I insisted on knowing what she was administering, she said that it was pain medication. I reminded her that I didn’t need/want any. Unfortunately, it was too late as she had already expelled the medication into my veins. I suspect it was for the purposes of increasing the charges to my insurance.
Warning: be on guard for the ‘slick-Willies’ in the medical profession.
Surgery was successful, my PSA had dropped to near zero and I was able to continue my normal activities by late 2014.
The Cancer Battle: Part 2
In early 2018, I received another ‘call me’ letter from Dr. Rose. Once again, my PSA was rising. I was back in Dr. Michel’s office. After additional tests, he offered only one option; radiation therapy. When I pressed him on the ‘Once removed…” statement he made in 2014, I didn’t get a definitive answer. He said that microscopic cancer cells could have been hidden in the prostate bed; undetected by tests and unnoticed during surgery. Or, it could be a new episode. Whatever the case, tests confirmed that it had not spread to my bones, lymph nodes or organs. For that, I thank God.
Treatment
I began 38 sessions of radiation in August of this year. Treatments are quick (10-15 minutes) and painless. The only uncomfortable aspects are the 2-3 hours spent behind the wheel each day traveling to and from the radiology center. Also, keeping a near-full bladder of water during treatments, though manageable, can be eye-crossing :-0
There is the other, but most important treatment I take on a daily basis. On my drive in to the radiology center, I listen to my recording of ‘God’s Word: the Power to Heal‘. This consists of 100+ promises of healing scriptures from the Bible. While I am thankful for modern medicine, my ultimate source and assurance of deliverance from cancer is GOD!
Recommendation
No one wants to hear the word ‘cancer’ diagnosed in their body. There are ways to avoid or mitigate the disease.
- Eat healthy: plenty of fruits and vegitables
- Take supplements as necessary (vitamins, probiotics, etc.) Note: Supplements should NOT be a substitute for healthy foods.
- Drink plenty of water: The ideal cleanser for eliminating waste from the body. I recommend alkaline water with electrolytes.
- Exercise daily. The benefits are both physical and mental fitness. If overweight, loose it!
- Regular (yearly or semi-yearly) complete checkups. Specifically get tests that would detect early stages of cancer. Men (especially African American), get prostate exams. Women, get breast exams) Early detection is key to effective treatment and full recovery.
- Ask plenty of questions of your health care professional such as: Is this procedure necessary? Is this medication necessary and what are the side effects? What are all options. Etc.
- Never let a thought take root in your mind that cancer is your death sentence!
- Most importantly: pray and study/meditate on scriptures from the Bible for spiritual fitness. Read Proverbs 4. Verse 22 states: [God’s words] are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
What’s Your Story?
If you are a cancer overcomer, or you’re presently in the battle, or you have questions, your comments/questions are welcome.
The Art
Artwork above: Dr. Rose’s office.
See more artwork here.
*PSA: Prostate Specific Antigen. A test for PSA may be used to screen for cancer of the prostate and to monitor treatment of the disease. PSA is tested by drawing blood; typically from the bend in the arm. It is relatively painless.
