UPDATE - Issue 11 - April 2002
A bloodless coup
Robert Johnson's story
The doctor said you have a PSA of 10. This didn't mean a thing to the uninitiated, the reading having been obtained by a simple blood test. He politely pointed out that while it was high, it was not necessarily bad news, but that was the start.
It had been the diligence of my wife Carol, following an article she had read in an Awake! magazine published by Jehovah's Witnesses, that prompted attention to the possibility of my having a prostate problem. The helpful chart for checking symptoms all proved negative, but the article did stress the importance of keeping an eye on this part of a man's anatomy if you have a family history of prostate disease, and I have.
Follow-up biopsies confirmed our worst fears, but MRI and bone scans fortunately showed the cancer to be confined to the prostate. This opened up the opportunity for a radical prostatectomy that my wife and I considered the best option for my long term well being.
One surgeon I consulted said that it was normal to have a blood loss approaching four pints. That would be a big loss for me as a Jehovah's Witness, as I would not accept a blood transfusion. The scriptures show throughout that blood is sacred to God and so I would not wish to go against Him, even in an operation.
The operation was carried out by Professor Roger Kirby and his well qualified team. He routinely operates without the recourse to blood transfusions. The loss in my case turned out to be less than one pint, due to the blood conserving surgical techniques employed. We as a family are very grateful to them for their diligence, care and concern for their patients.
This unwanted experience however has shown us the benefits of trusting in God. The strength I derived from prayer helped me through this difficult time. I also had the loving support of my wife and family, who each in their own way were able to bring help and reassurance to me.
In short, if a problem with the prostate is suspected, don't delay in seeking help, find a consultant and surgeon you can trust - I did.