LIVESTRONG BLOG

Chad Ward’s Story

Aug 27, 2010 by Guest

8 Comments

• Tweet

Chad took part in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program and shares his story below. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA supports people affected by cancer to reach their health and well-being goals.
Programs have been implemented across the country with 150 locations nationwide expected this year. For more information about the program go to www.livestrong.org/ymca

On April 4, 2009 I held my dad?s hand when he took his last breath, ending his struggle with prostate cancer that had started 25 years earlier. He had done everything he could to prolong his life. When diagnosed he got his prostate removed, 10 years later he had radiation, the last 8 years of his life his treatments included hormone therapy, more radiation and finally chemo therapy. During that last year since we live in the same neighborhood and we were best friends, I attended most of his doctor?s appointments with my mom. During the last month or so it was just the two of us. He wanted me there, but he didn?t want my mom to experience those last few appointments when nothing more could be done. The experience was the most difficult of my life and changed me significantly and helped prepare me for my own journey with prostate cancer.

I?m 53 and because of my family history I had been tracking my PSA for years. It began going up, so I had it checked twice this year. I foolishly avoided getting a biopsy for a while because I wasn?t sure how I would react if the results were bad. Emotionally I was empty from worrying about and working on a melanoma tumor that took 3 surgeries and most of November and all of December to get clear margins-and I needed a rest before the next battle started.

But with a little prodding from my brother Marc, and with a lot of support and encouragement from my wife, I made an appointment with my dad?s urologist and asked him if I needed a biopsy. He said I did and on May 5, 2010 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 6.

When I got the news I was shocked and I still don?t quite understand my own reaction. How could I be so shocked by something I knew might happen? I was numb to the news-I felt like it was a mistake, and that my results were mixed up with some ?sick old guy?s? biopsy at the lab. It still wouldn?t surprise me if I got a call from the lab right now and they told me there had been a mix-up.

Like every one that is diagnosed, I had some difficult and important decisions to make. Surprisingly, the decision dilemma I faced was not much different than what my dad had faced 25 years earlier. I had to really resist the tendency to think my fight was going to be just like his. After his operation his sexual function never returned. After radiation his cancer came back and finally could not be controlled with hormone treatments.

I was told I had a couple of months to decide how I wanted to approach my treatment. I am so grateful for that time. Prostate cancer most often grows slowly; most cancer patients don?t have that luxury. My wife Susan and I were thankful for the time we had to calm ourselves down and really research the options. During those two months my uncle Keith died of prostate cancer-that added to the heartache and stress we were feeling as we approached the moment of choice.

Since I had melanoma I pay attention to the all things cancer. I almost memorized the LIVESTRONG mission statement that hangs on the wall in the weight room at the Boise YMCA. I embraced the principles expressed in the mission statement and consequently was not afraid to get second third and fourth opinion. We finally ended up at the prostate cancer clinic at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, in Portland Oregon where my wife and I met with an urologist (I had already spoken to a few), an oncologist, and a radiologist all in the same afternoon. We were given an opportunity to learn about the different options, and we were assigned a care coordinator who set appointments gave out email addresses and guided us through the process. The experience gave us more than just information about choices; it gave us confidence and made us feel we were in control again. When we felt we had deliberated, discussed and prayed enough it was up to me to make a decision, and it was the most difficult decision I have had to make in my life and I chose IMRT radiation treatments at OHSU. Today I have had 21 radiation treatments and have 7 to go and I?m feeling lucky.

Like everyone I am hoping for a cure and my chances are good, in large part because I was diagnosed early. I am sending this letter with the hope that someone might read it and get his PSA tested and quit putting it off. I hope that someone who is hesitant, like I was, will get a biopsy, if one is recommended. Finally, my advice is to carefully, and if you are a believer like me, prayerfully select a treatment option that works for you. It is your body and it?s your life. Be wise. Follow your heart and that quite voice in your mind that gives you hope-then follow it, with faith that your treatment choice will succeed.

God Bless,

Chad Ward