Confronting Prostate Cancer

At 82 years old, 18-year survivor Paul Henry looks toward the challenge of running a marathon.

After several years of rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) scores and a couple of red flags from biopsies, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 63.

My urologist gave me the talk that he must have given to countless men before me. He said: “Mr. Henry, you’re too young to do nothing.  You need to make a decision. Get opinions on the various treatment options and let me know in three months what you’ve decided.”   

I did my homework, interviewed oncologists, and in January of 2008 underwent a bilateral robotic-assisted prostatectomy.

The procedure was successful, but prostate surgery can have adverse effects.  I had to face the fact that my new life would be profoundly different from the old one.  But most importantly, I had life, and I was deeply grateful for that.  

Today, 18 years after the surgery, my PSA remains undetectable and I continue with the vigorous physical activity that I love. I just completed my first half marathon and look forward to new challenges. Is there a full marathon in my future?  As all cancer survivors know, there are no guarantees—but there is always hope.

Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or loved one touched by cancer, your story can have an enormous impact. You can provide hope and inspiration to someone recently diagnosed with cancer or a patient undergoing therapy.