Jim Hobbs: Prostate Cancer Survivor

Prostate Cancer Online Journal Week 1:

As I wrote this, Tiger Woods was sinking a 50-plus-foot putt for eagle on the eighth hole in the final round of the 2009 Masters. He went from 5 under par to 7 under par. It got me thinking about prostate cancer. Here's why:

In the spring of 2008, I went for my annual physical with my family physician who is on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. I had been having regular annual physicals for the past seven years or so — that, compared to infrequent annual physicals for the previous 10 years and seldom an annual physical before that. You guys know: Who needs to see a doctor if you’re not sick or injured, right? I can count on two hands the number of times I went to the doctor since high school though my 20s and 30s. After turning 40 years old, being a father of four daughters, and a history of heart disease from my father (four heart attacks and ultimately bypass surgery), I decided to pay a bit more attention to my health. I went for my first “adult” physical. No one gave me a heads-up on what to expect...

It was then that I learned about, or rather experienced, the joy of the prostate digital exam! Didn't know anything about it — wasn't expecting it — and afterward, wasn't sure I wanted to have it performed again. But then the test results came back from the blood work. To my relief, I saw low blood pressure, low cholesterol, and all sorts of other “good” metrics. I saw my first PSA score and asked the doctor what it was. He explained the test as a screen for the prostate-specific antigen, and my score (can't recall what it was back then) was certainly in the “good to excellent” range. I never gave the test and screening much thought again for quite some time — except for the occasional stand-up comedy routines, and of course, the scene in the movie, Fletch!

So what's this connection with watching the Masters? Low score wins ... the golfer with the fewer number of shots takes home the victory.

Well, the March 2008 physical showed a doubling of my 2007 PSA metric. It went up from 2.2 to 4.4 in one year. But 4.4 is still a good number from what I initially thought – but I’m still not a good golfer!  I asked if he felt anything on the DRE (digital rectal exam), and my doctor stated he didn't feel anything too extraordinary. He recommended I see a urologist. I was referred to a urologist on the medical staff at Baylor Dallas who, on May 14, 2008, performed a much more serious (read: less fun) manual procedure to extract fluid to view cells under a microscope. Noting nothing out of the ordinary, he suggested an antibiotic for 30 days to counteract any low-grade infection that might be causing an elevation of my PSA - and to come back in 90 days for another PSA test.

On July 14, I saw my urologist again for a PSA test. A few days later, I got the news - I was losing “strokes.” My PSA score went up another 20 percent following the antibiotics. It was clear that a biopsy was warranted. Anxiety was setting in. Just the word biopsy scared me. So on Monday, August 11, I went back to my urologist and had a biopsy. I took my iPod and earbuds with me and listened to classic Eric Clapton as I felt a bit more of my dignity disappear. After the necessary instructions on what to expect following the biopsy, I went home. The procedure was uncomfortable, but not too painful. The next few days were filled with negative thoughts, anxiety and fear.

The results came back the following week. I was at work. My doctor gave it to me straight - I had cancer. Eleven of the 12 samples taken had come back positive. Eleven out of 12?! That's a good metric for lots of things: free throw shooting, at bats, putts within 10 feet, etc. But not for this. Panic set in. He suggested I come in for a consult. I immediately began to hit the Internet. I became more informed - and more confused. Too many options. Some folks telling guys like me to do this, do that, or do nothing. Needless to say, I met with my urologist again pretty quickly.

But here's the catch: there is no question in my mind that things would progress and the cancer would ultimately spread beyond the prostate capsule. I was not willing to take that chance. Things worked out pretty well since I had surgery. As I think back on 2008, I don't think the surgeon saved my life. That's meant for a higher power. But I firmly believe surgery saved my future. The early detection gave me a lot more confidence, or maybe expectation, that the cancer is gone. And as a matter of fact, I have had three PSA checks since surgery. All results have come back as undetectable. I feel better knowing I did everything I could to take control and stop it before it was too late.

So the 2009 Masters is over. Tiger didn't win. But he gave it a good effort on the last day - six birdies before bogeying the final two holes. He ended up tied for fifth place. Not a winner, but certainly able to play, and his game is without a doubt competitive. I am happy to still be in the game. You should be in the game, too.

Don't wait.

Get checked.

Know your score.

Be aware if it changes.

Find out if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

Find out everything you can before you need to.

Had I not been diligent with my annual check ups, I am certain that my road to recovery would have taken a much different path. We are blessed in our community to have access to some of the best treatments and technologies available, and it should be a right for every man to have access to prostate cancer education, screening and early diagnosis. Please join me in supporting the EveryMan™ prostate cancer campaign sponsored by Baylor Health Care System Foundation. With your support, there are many men here in the Metroplex that can benefit from the services Baylor offers. You can learn more right here on this Web site.

Next week I will share my story on what went into making the decision to have surgery.

Oh yeah, and if you are feeling anxious about having your PSA checked, having a biopsy done, or anything regarding my experience with prostate cancer and recovery, don't hesitate to get my contact info from the great folks at Baylor.

Best,

Jim