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Hernando Today

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 28, 2007

Missing Period

Cause For Alarm

The article in the Health Today section of Hernando Today on Dec. 27 may have given a personal, frightful experience endured by one patient with prostate cancer, but the most important item the writer presented was extremely alarming, considering anyone without knowledge of prostate cancer may find their lives in danger. This is not to criticize Dr. Vikas Malhortar, since his expertise has brought longevity to the life of patient Al Halderman. Mr. Halderman is very fortunate to have the dedication of a professional to assist him through the trauma of this life-threatening disease.

As I read the article, I found it of personal interest due to my experience with prostate cancer a few years ago. Half way through the extensive article, I did a double- and triple-take on one particular figure. I was in shock, felt a sense of anger and felt it of immediate importance I comment on the inaccuracy.

The statement that Mr. Halderman's "PSA level was 55" was a misprint but I am more inclined to put the blame on the journalist and that either she had poorly researched the subject or someone failed to proofread the article. Perhaps if there had been another reference to PSA levels it would have given the reader a hint there was a discrepancy but this was not the case. I assume the actual PSA level was 5.5, an extremely high figure.

Five years ago, in June 2001, at the age of 51 I had my first blood test as part of a complete physical. My complaint was stomach pains, which would eventually be addressed, but my primary care physician suggested I be referred to an urologist to determine whether a PSA level of 2.5 warranted further testing. Typically, a benchmark reading of 3.0 suggests further diagnosis.

Dr. Stephen Brooks at the Florida Cancer Institute, part of Winter Park Memorial Hospital in Winter Park, felt it wise to do a biopsy of the prostate. It was not a pleasant experience and quite disheartening that Dr. Brooks felt the initial lab results gave different prognosis, both of which were inconclusive. In total, five referrals, including Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic, still indicated no immediate action necessary since only one indicated "probable" cancer.

Some may think it odd, but I felt a comfort with Dr. Brooks that didn't warrant my need to obtain a second opinion.

The doctor gave me the various options, including a radical prostratectomy, which removes the organ. Other options would have required frequent doctor visits - and hours upon on hours of lost opportunities to meet sales quotas at my job, which would have no doubt ended my employment and medical benefits.

Some may question my rationality, but I felt it the only means of easing my mind that there would be no concern of future problems. The doctor was extremely considerate with a demeanor that took me and my family's emotional traumas into primary consideration. Although I was given the option to delay the operation until after the first of the year, I chose for it to be done in December. I had already met a health insurance deductible and would have about six weeks to recover, including Christmas and New Year's holidays and my January birthday.

During the whole ordeal, my worries were minimal with an attitude that I will do all I can to be responsible for my health. I was prepared for any eventual fate. Family and friends were concerned more than myself. I joked that I was "prostrate about my prostate!"

The post-surgery biopsy proved the cancer was 75 percent invasive, a silly millimeter from reaching the urethra, which would have sent the cancer throughout my body.

I was fortunate to have a family doctor and a specialist to identify the need to address a PSA level that possibly didn't warrant immediate attention but which saved my live. Post-operate side affects were many, but time has lessened the concerns.

This December marks the fifth anniversary; a period of time that signifies the dangers of reoccurrence is an unlikely prospect. I will have a blood test soon. If the PSA level is anything other than zero, I will have to reconsider my life expectancy. I would again place my fate in no one other than Dr. Brooks, if the worst is realized.

The article is filled with many facts that warrant attention, especially to have yearly exams. Visit the Web site for the American Cancer Society for extensive information; the facts are not questionable.

The final result for what drove me to visit my family doctor five years ago, in regards to those stomach pains? It took three different doctors and three colonoscopies within an 18-month period to remove all of the non-cancerous polyps. Unfortunately, the procedure is recommended every five years. Woe is me!

Ron Rae

Spring Hill

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