Undetectable

By: Sam Dick - Email

Posted: Thu 2:14 PM, Sep 01, 2011

Undetectable. It's a word I had little use for a year ago. Today it means life, health, and happiness.

Undetectable. It's a word I had little use for a year ago. Today it means life, health, and happiness. Back on December 9th, my life turned a major chapter. I had my prostate removed, and hopefully all the cancer with it. Although the surgeon thought he got it all, we wouldn't know for sure until my first PSA test about seven-weeks after surgery. For men who've had their prostate removed, the gold standard of whether all the cancer is gone revolves around the PSA test. It's a simple blood test. My doctor told me if the PSA number came back "undetectable," they would feel good about all the cancer being gone. If the PSA number was point-one, or higher, that meant there might still be some cancer left.

Seven-weeks after surgery I had my first PSA test. I had to wait a few days for the results. The phone call came, and the word was "undetectable." Thank God! The next hurdle was a PSA test in six-months. I didn't really get nervous about that test until the day before. The day of the test I was on edge. What would it be? My urologist walked in the patient room, and delivered the good news-"undetectable." And he added, "you are cured." I was greatly relieved. I was surprised to hear the word "cured." To be honest, I don't feel 100% I am cured. There will always be that lurking feeling way in the background that the cancer could come back. We'll see, but for now I am extremely happy and blessed.

In the last few weeks I've heard from more men who are either just got diagnosed with prostate cancer, or who have had surgery recently. I am happy to share whatever I can no matter how personal on this subject. Just drop me an email,

samdick56@gmail.com

, or leave a phone message in the newsroom, (859) 299-0411, ext. 1303. Glad to help if I can. Thank you for all your support during this journey."

For our viewers who have experienced prostate cancer

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