I'm glad you guys are discussing the importance of these tests and physicals at least yearly. Any of you who aren't having these tests and a yearly physical done please consider doing so. I have my PSA checked yearly along with the standard blood panel for lipids, cholesterol, thyroid, etc. I have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years as my dad died of colon cancer when I was only 19. Best of health to all you guys.

Rick, we are so sorry to hear about your SIL...Sandi and I are heading to Ontario this week for a cancer related funeral. I went to see my buddy 5 weeks ago and now he's gone...I have been getting annual PSA checks done for over 20 years now. Don't put off making that appointment...it can save your life.

My doctor noticed a nodule on my prostate in my early 40’s (about a dozen years ago). She sent me to a specialist for a second opinion. It didn’t hit me how serious this was, until I found out that specialist was at the Cancer Center. They made a big deal about how I was one of the youngest patients they’ve had. Their counsellor did a terrible job of trying to assure me that I could “probably” still have a somewhat normal sex life if it was, in fact, prostate cancer. I had a biopsy which turned out to be benign. Apparently, biopsies aren’t 100% certain because the biopsy might miss a localized cancerous growth? Needless to say, I had many restless years watching my PSA closely and getting my prostate examined by both my doctor and a specialist (not at the same time). My specialist always joked, as he held up two fingers, saying... I was fortunate that I only needed a second opinion and not a committee approval (as he wiggled the five fingers in his other hand).

I’ve had an annual physical every year since, and last year my specialist said that I no longer need his second opinion. I still have that slight nodule, but it hasn’t seemed to change.

Thanks for all your testimonies guys, and the good words of advice. Especially sorry to hear about the hardships and losses for some of you, and thankful that others have overcome such hardships.

Another terrific thread by real friends on the best site ever!

Thanks Lynn, This is so important. I tell my wife all the time- "never underestimated a man's ability to convince himself that he doesn't need hospital or doctor"!
Going in tomorrow for the physical and review blood work. Fingers crossed- turning 52 this year.
Stay healthy everyone so we can enjoy life as long as possible!
Cheers
Jerry

Glad everything worked out well for you Lynn!
Buddy

I lost Dad in November of 2016 to Prostate cancer at 65. I have a birthday coming up and I'm now at the that age for all the checkups and tests that none of us enjoy. I'm glad your doing well Lynn. Thanks for the reminder

Tommy

Lynn, glad you caught it early.....

I going to schedule some test.....no issues, but that does mean anything from what I'm reading!

Had my first colonoscopy today, and I'm all clear, thank Jesus. I recommend getting it when you turn 50 (I'm 51) and even though the prep is mildly annoying, it's definitely a good idea to do it on time. Now I'm good for 10 years.

Late to find this thread. Lost my Dad to mesothelioma in '15 (worked in a Kelsey Hayes plant here in Detroit -asbestos masks and bibs.) Was dormant for 40 years before symptoms were present. Mom diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma in '16. Successful treatment and a fantastic Oncologist. Really plays tricks with your mind and turns you into a borderline hypochondriac. Turning 5-0 in a couple of months. Camera time but beats the
alternative...

Just a FYI for the So Cal car guys.In Sept they have the Cruise for a Cure at the Orange County Fair grounds.They have free Prostate screening there.Although I get a screening every year along with a stress test I get the free screening while at the show.I guess another opinion cant hurt.Tom