Prostate cancer, unlike some other types, is fairly easily to identify: the docs give you a blood test and check the PSA Level. The higher a man’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is, the more likely his prostate is growing abnormally.

There are some other factors: farmers or truckers (Dad is both) tend to have slightly higher than normal scores due to the extending sitting. (I imagine that as the technicians of the current computer industry begin to age there will be a similar correlation there.)

At any rate, a high-but-normal rating at Dad’s age is about a 3. Two years ago when they did his yearly High BP bloodtest, it was a 3.1 or 2.9 or something. “Within tolerance”, basically, given his careers. This year it was a 5.2 or something. Big jump, which sent up the red flag, which discovered the cancer, etc.

So Dad’s radiation therapy wrapped up last month, and the plan was to wait a month and check the PSA levels.

(Let me tell you folks: that’s a long 30 days around my dad, who taught me everything I know about quiet patience.)

Anyway, they took the tests at the end of the week (which I did not know, because he got them to do it a few days early). The intent/hope was to use the radiation to get the PSA levels as close to 0 as possible.

Current PSA: <0.1

It’s a pretty good day.

Yay Dad!

WOO-HOO!

good.
good to hear.

Huzzah!!

What FANTASTIC news! Yeah!!!

Congratulations! What a relief it must be for you AND your dad. I'm hoping for continued good fortune.

Whew! I know exactly what you went through...my dad was diagnosed last year and finished his radiation treatment in March. Went from a PSA of 7 (highly aggressive) to below 1. It took him a while to fully recover but he is enjoying life again. A great relief for our family. Tell your dad "Way to tough it out!" for me!

Good to hear. My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer a few years back. Scared the shit out of me. He underwent successful treatment, though, and is fine now.

Great! Hope things stay good. Pass the good wishes along to the fam.