Brian S

When we are young and seemingly invincible, our thoughts are not in the least on health issues. Our diet does not seem to matter and unless we are subject to fairly rigid parental guidance, we don’t have any question about eating “fast food” on a regular basis. I sometimes wonder if that was a contributing factor to my prostate cancer, which was diagnosed at age 61. Read More.... - 42 KB

Don N

I really had no knowledge of my prostate as long as everything was working normally. However, in my early forties I had a incidence of urinary blockage after taking an “over the counter” cold medication. This was checked out by the medical experts who assured me that my prostate was large for my age but felt normal. This however was an indication that I should, at my wife’s prompting get yearly medical exams including the dreaded “digital rectal exam”! The verdict each time was “large but feels normal”. Read More.... - 71 KB

DON J.

I’d like to share a little about my own experience with prostate cancer, in the hope that I will touch upon something that may be of particular interest to you, or might spur on some questions. Read More.... - 30 KB

FRANK S.

Problems with my prostate began at 64 years of age when I was forced to find a new doctor because of the reluctance of my family physician to give me a proper examination of the prostate. The only symptoms were frequent and difficult urination and I was determined to find out the cause of the problem. Read More.... - 94 KB

GIL C.

It was after my annual medical at age 58 I received a call from my doctor. The digital exam showed the prostate gland was enlarged but smooth and soft. The result of the PSA came back 7. My doctor was concerned and sent me to an urologist, which took about four months waiting time. Read More.... - 1 MB

GARETH M.

I have a very good friend, the same age as myself and annually we would sit down and compare notes and pat each other on the back. What great shape we were in and how lucky our wives were to have such wonderful specimens as partners. Read More.... - 26 KB

MIKE S.

My prostate cancer experience started when I was 56 years old. Up to that time in my life and still today I enjoy excellent health. I had been having yearly DRE and PSA testing done for more than 7-8 years at the time. I had noticed that I was having more frequent urinations, especially at night. Read More.... - 86 KB

Doug D.

I’ve always worked hard to further my art and design career: some of you may remember the 'Mona Lisa' billboard on my old business address, Metrographics Design and Advertising on 12th Avenue downtown, or perhaps you've seen one of my big murals downtown. The 'hands reaching for the dove' just off Olympic Plaza, on the CUPS building, or the 'oil men and rigs' on the back of the Petroleum Club are a couple of my favorites. But it was my wife Gayle who was assuring my longer-term 'success' by asking me to make her a promise. On her birthday 3 years ago (I was 45 at the time), she asked me give her the present of getting a medical once a year. Like a lot of guys, a trip to the doctor was 'normally' reserved for virtual neardeath events (which had been very few), so this was a medical promise required a little more action than I was used to. I was very lucky, as it turns out, to have been blessed with a GP who believed in the usefulness of the PSA test. My first two years' tests were clear, but to everyone's surprise (no symptoms, no family history) my third test indicated the probable presence of prostate cancer.

The Rapid Access Clinic had just been launched by the PCI, and I was one of the first, on the first day (!) to be admitted. A fast biopsy and surgery later, and it's now been two years of living cancer free. Since then, I've enjoyed rediscovering the capabilities of my middleaged body, no longer taken for granted! A walking routine became a running program, with plans for my first marathon this year. My personal artwork has also been challenged and motivated: in the year '07, I completed an art project that had me painting a self portrait a week, 52 images done in the year. So... my summary 'of it all': I wish 'it hadn't happened', but as God has allowed this in my life, there have been many, MANY silver linings. I think I'll even get to the place of calling this leg of the journey a blessing. In fact, I think I'm almost there.