Prostate, the ordeal of an old man (2) by 09-0365

The Wanyeki’s were all saddened by the fact that no doctor knew what was wrong with the Patriarch of the family. A man well known in the village of Kamakwa, Nyeri, for his activeness in church and friendly mannerism was lying on the hospital bed in dire pain. One look at him and your eyes would be filled with tears said the old man’s first born, Margaret Wambui. The family moved Mr. Wanyeki from hospital to hospital trying to find out what was wrong with their father. The bills became strenuous. Finally, the once healthy and strong man was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
There are no known causes for this kind of cancer. It affects the reproductive health. Age however, is a predisposing factor. Other factors are family history and certain prostate changes.
Mr. Wanyeki has become one among the many who make up the statistics in Kenya. Reported cases have risen by 75% from 80 cases in 2004 to 140 2008. This is an alarming rate that needs to be addressed.
Men are encouraged to go for the test known as prostate specific antigen, PSA. If Mr. Wanyeki had taken this test then probably there would be less time spent on finding out the problem. The test is meant to prevent the cancer from forming in the first place. This being a silent killer, it might be too late when one is seeing the symptoms. The test determines whether there is benign prostate or prostate cancer.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer are such as urine problems, that is pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, being unable to start or stop urine flow, weak urine flow and the need to urinate frequently especially at night. Other symptoms are difficulty in having an erection, blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs. These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions. This was a major reason as to why the doctors could not diagnose Mr. Wanyeki immediately. If such symptoms should occur the patient is advised to talk to the doctor who will guide them on the way forward.
The treatments available for the patients are many. Consultation with the doctor should be done in order to determine the best kind of treatment and the side effects to be expected. For Mr. Wanyeki a combination a treatment was what the doctor sought best. He underwent radiation therapy and surgery. This was very difficult mostly because of the old man’s age but that was the best way to counter the tumor. Other treatments are active surveillance, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
As he recuperates at home, Mr. Wanyeki is grateful for his children’s support. They have been there for him no matter how difficult the times became. At his home in Nyeri, he has started a platform to educate men. He encourages them to get tested and also hold talks about the struggles that come with the disease. Mr. Wanyeki is happy with the turnout of men who meet for his meetings. “I will rest a peaceful man.” said Mr.Wanyeki.