My name is Rodney BriƩ. My past work experience included five years actve duty in the United States Navy; several years in the United States Naval Reserve Program; and, over 25 years in the Federal Service as an auditor. I married the love of my life at 23 and was blessed with two big healthy boys who are now grown men. I am now semi-reƟred living on Federal, Military and Social Security pensions.
My journey to this point was not always easy. Very early in my life, my wife became ill. She was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Her being a Registered Nurse, she was able to understand the path forward for her. Following her decision-making process provided me with a realizaƟon of what's required mentally and physically to combat a cancer diagnosis. She has now been over 30 years cancer free. Early on I learned that you are your own best advocate and that when it comes to your health you need to remain vigilant in determining how to obtain the best outcome.
Being reƟred, I went about doing what most reƟrees dream of doing which included traveling, playing golf and overall enjoying the fruits of my labor. However about six years ago in November 2017, my physician who I regularly see once a year for an annual physical and blood work called me and said I needed follow-up tesƟng in about six months because my PSA had risen from 3.2 to 3.9 within the past year. Accordingly, I went back to my physician’s office and obtained the addiƟonal blood work. My PSA had risen again to 4.7 in the six months. As a result, my physician referred me to a urologist. In April 2018, I met with the urologist who examined me and stated that the elevated test may have resulted from having an enlarged prostate gland. He performed a digital rectal procedure and determined that my gland was of normal size. He stated that I would need to have a biopsy to rule out prostate cancer being present.
The process for obtaining the biopsy became challenging. The urologist that I met with had me schedule an appointment for about two weeks later. However, a few days later I received a call from his office staƟng that he would not be able to perform the biopsy due to previous plans and I would need to reschedule the appointment. As it came close to my rescheduled appointment date, I had not received any confirmaƟon from that urologist of my test Ɵme. Not feeling comfortable with this situaƟon, I sought to go to another urologist for the procedure. I chose a second urology group close to my home. However again, at my appointment date that office had power issues and I had to again reschedule my appointment unƟl by this Ɵme August 2018. In the meanƟme, I conƟnue to enjoy traveling and in fact took a three-week vacaƟon to Hawaii with my wife and some of my high school classmates.
Upon my return from Hawaii, which was a wonderful vacaƟon, I finally met with the urologist who would perform the biopsy. The results of the biopsy indicated that there was evidence of cancer in 10 of the 12 samples extracted. I was considered to be in Stage 1 with a Gleason Score of 6 but progressing to Stage 2. Upon hearing that and receiving the specific results, I of course was concerned for my life but had the reassurance of the discipline my wife exhibited in addressing her cancer diagnosis and treatment. I began reading more about prostate cancer, and I shared my posiƟve diagnosis with many in my family. The urologist who performed my test set me up with an office within his pracƟce to discuss treatment opƟons. Those opƟons included gland removal, radioacƟve seeds and targeted radiaƟon.
That urologist encouraged me to consider either the radioacƟve seeds or the targeted radiaƟon. In discussion with my family members, including a cousin who also was my college roommate and had received a similar diagnosis, my mother who indicated I should obtain a second opinion, and my physician, I made an appointment with a recommended urologist at the John Hopkins Urology Group.
The Hopkins urologist I saw was an expert and performing gland removal. AŌer receiving my detailed test results and having his lab do addiƟonal analysis this urologist called me and stated that my condiƟon had been going on for about one year and that I should not delay treatment as many in my situaƟon wait unƟl it is too late and become Stage 3 or higher. My cousin stated to me that he had chosen to have his gland surgically removed and my physician stated if there was the opportunity to have surgical removal it may be the best soluƟon to ensure that I would have the best outcome.
I made the decision to have gland removal and in November 2018 I underwent surgery with minimal complicaƟons. Since having surgery my PSA has been less than .02 percent. I currently undergo a PSA screening once per year.
While recovering from the surgery, I was approached about joining the board of Emmanuel Health EducaƟon, Inc. to perform outreach to educate individuals; Especially men about health-related condiƟons which will promote them to being a self-advocate and assist them with obtaining the best outcome in their lives. I say what I say because I firmly believe we are all God's Children, created to make a difference for one another. I am happy to be a part of Emmanuel Health’s Board.
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