LETTER TO EDITOR: GET YOUR PROSTATE TESTED

Image by RazorMax from Pixabay

In September 1999, I went for my normal physical check up at the Key Largo VA Clinic.  Everything looked fine on my blood work.  But Dr. Rommel said, “You’ve been on cholesterol medicine for many years, so stop taking it for three months.”

After three months, my cholesterol had gone up. But my PSA score that checks for prostate cancer had changed dramatically.  My score has always been a 4. It was now 11.65! Above 6 or higher is a problem. 

God must have a plan for me. If the doctor had not stopped the “statin” drug, I would not be here today, as prostate cancer will expand, usually to bones first. The statin was masking the PSA score. 

With prostate problems, a man never feels anything.  I certainly didn’t.  After tests at the VA in Miami, I had a major problem. In 2020, I had my prostate removed, took hormone pills for 30 days, had hormone treatments, then 34 straight weekdays of radiation. I drove from Key Largo to Miami all those days.  Other than the surgery, I never felt a thing.

I was asked by the Miami VA doctor about a digital finger prostate exam. I said it had been years. If I had the finger exam several years before, the problem would have been detected and treated before it was Stage 4 cancer.

Most doctors, including the VA, say that the digital exam isn’t necessary as they rely on the PSA score. I am living proof that isn’t true. Certain drugs, especially a statin, can cover up that score. My blood tests prove this.

Now my plan that God has for me is: Save someone’s life by letting men who are over 45 years old to get the finger test. Men don’t like it and it hurts. Just grin and bear it. Say, like the country song that my friend wrote, “Some Beach, Somewhere!”

Doctors do the digital exam. Men get the digital exam. If your doctor won’t do it, get one that will.

Stop the silent killer.

I still feel good, lead a normal active life, and get monitored and tested frequently, since I still show a low PSA score.

I am willing to talk to anyone, including medical doctors or organizations who deal with prostate cancer.  If I can help, please let me know. 

“God is good all the time.”

— Neal Steen, Key Largo