On June 21 I had prostate surgery. The operation was a success and my recovery has been smooth. But this isn’t about me. It’s a plea to men out there who are over forty.
Talk to your doctor about PSA testing. All the test requires is a blood sample. Even if your PSA is high, or still in the safe zone but significantly elevated since your last test (that’s what happened to me), it doesn’t mean you will need treatment. It could be nothing. Or the PSA number could signify there is cancer present but it isn’t aggressive and just needs to be watched.
No cancer, or “wait and watch” are the likely results. But sometimes surgery or another procedure is warranted and this could save your life. It probably saved mine.
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Most people don’t like hospitals but, guys, try not to be a big baby about this. Talk to a doctor. Be smart about your health. Be smart today. Thanks for listening.
James Patterson received the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community at the 2015 National Book Awards. His other awards include two Emmys, the Edgar Award, and the Children’s Choice Award for Author of the Year. He is a tireless champion of the power of books and reading, exemplified by his new children’s book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: “We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY Book to say: ‘PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK.’” He has donated more than one million books to students and soldiers and has over four hundred Teacher Education Scholarships at 24 colleges and universities. He has also donated millions to independent bookstores and school libraries. Patterson will be investing proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.
