It Turned Out I Had Prostate Cancer

I wasn’t feeling well and went to see urologist Dr. Arnold Sarazen.  As it was, I had a urinary tract infection (UTI). When the infection was concluded, Dr. Sarazen was concerned with my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level. The PSA level came back higher than it was prior to the infection. Dr. Sarazen thought it would be a good idea to re-check the level and to perform a biopsy to” rule out cancer.” Thank God he made that decision, because it turned out I had prostate cancer. I didn’t have a single symptom, but was diagnosed at Stage 3-C. That diagnosis was pretty devastating. I was 61 years old and had just taken an early retirement two years prior and had planned to have a long and fulfilling future. 

After the diagnosis, I did a huge amount of research and decided that my best course of action was to have surgery—a decision supported by my doctor. My only caveat was that I wanted to be well enough to go to Disney World with my grandchildren three months after surgery. We accomplished that, and six months after surgery, I was in Hawaii with my beautiful wife of 50 years, Betty. Both vacations were even more precious because I know how close I’d come to not being there for my family. Well, here I am 10 years later, cancer free and still enjoying my retirement thanks to Dr. Sarazen’s diligence.

-Roger G.