Something happened to me that I wish to share with each one of you. I sincerely hope that you are having an annual physical. I had my annual physical this past May and I was found to have prostate cancer. The blood test showed a PSA of 15.9. Needless to say, I was devastated. However, after a couple of weeks, I came to realize that the good Lord had a plan for me. After a bone scan, a CT scan and chest x-rays, the cancer was found to be isolated within the prostate and had not spread. After praying about this, myself, Aline, and doctor, a urology specialist, decided that since the cancer was isolated that seed implants (which give out radiation and would kill the cancer) was a good procedure for me as opposed to regular surgery where the prostate was removed. To make sure the cancer had not spread even a microcosm, exterior beam radiation was recommended. This would kill any cancer that may have spread and that the bone scan, CT scan and x-rays had not picked up.
I began exterior beam radiation treatments at Good Samaritan Hospital on June 21, 1999 and these continued 5 days per week for a period of 5 weeks, and concluded on July 23, 1999 for a total of 25 treatments. Then on August 3, 1999 I had a pre-surgery examination which consisted of an ultrasound into the prostate and a check of the bladder to insure that there were no abnormalities of the bladder. The ultrasound determined examination which consisted of an ultrasound directed into the prostate and a check of the bladder to insure that there were no abnormalities of the bladder. The ultrasound determined exactly how many radiation seeds would be implanted into the prostate.
On August 10, 1999 (which happened to be our 41st Wedding Anniversary) I entered Good Samaritan Hospital as an outpatient to begin the procedure to up the seed implants into the prostate. The procedure took 2-1/2 hours to complete and everything went according to plan as set by the doctors. These seeds put out 2 to 3 times the radiation that external beam radiation does and radiate for about 3 months. I am now back to work as I type this message to you (August 16, 1999).
The reason I am sharing this with you is that I feel a calling by God to inform you how simple it is to have a PSA test done. Just call your doctor to set up the appointment or contact Urology Specialists on South Sixth Street here in Vincennes. It just May save your life. I urge you, No, I insist that you get the PSA test done annually. We all know that God is the great physician and whenever you go with Him in prayer, please keep my family and me in your prayers. This is my prayer, and may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Warren Oglesby
P.S. In the even you experience this problem in the future and want to discuss your situation with me, then by all means, give me a call. We'll talk about it and have a prayer.