My Prostate Has Cancer
Words Have Power, Part 1
WE HAVE TO TALK! WHEN WE TELL OUR STORIES, OUR TRUTH, WE ARE NOT ONLY LIBERATING OURSELVES, BUT THOSE WHO WE ARE COMMUNICATING WITH.
When I lost my Dad in January, 2014, I was left with strict instructions; “Take care of your brother and 'sister, and be sure to take “the test.'”
“The test” was a genetic testing that he had performed after his 4th bout with a reappearing cancer issue. A test he had performed when he had become all but exhausted with having completely cleared the hurdle time and time again. At the suggestion of his Oncologist, he took the CancerNext test. He tested positive for a mutation (or change) in the MSH2 gene which is associated with Lynch syndrome.
"As a songwriter, I understand that words have power. It’s even Biblical that the tongue can bring life or death. I choose life, so I choose my words carefully."
- Kipper Jones
Individuals that carry this gene mutation have up to an 80% lifetime risk to be diagnosed with colon cancer and a 70% lifetime risk to be diagnosed with uterine cancer. There is also about a 12% risk of ovarian cancer and an increased risk of small bowel and stomach cancer. A gene carrier can also pass the gene mutation onto their children who will have an increased risk of cancer. So he was adamant that I take the test.
I turned 50 in 2012, and started doing semi-annual Colonoscopy/Endoscopy procedures then. Although I wouldn’t take “the test” for another 8 years, I felt like I was doing the frequent screenings that would be called for if necessary. But there’s no power like the power of knowing. I took the test in the Summer of 2020. The results were exactly what I expected. I was positive for Lynch Syndrome, just like my Dad. And in my recent routine Urological exam, my PSA level was elevated. Instead of a maximum of 4, mine was 20.
My Urologist immediately scheduled an MRI and Biopsy, as well as another PSA for 2 weeks later, (a level of 21), to either confirm or refute the first one. It did in fact confirm. So did the MRI. It showed two lesions. The Biopsy was also confirming. At present, I had a Bone Scan today, (Friday, May 13), and I will have a CT Scan (Thursday, May 19), which will give details as to whether cancer is isolated to my Prostate, if it has spread, and if so, to what extent.
So, yes, my Prostate has cancer.
"I am a believer, and as a man of faith, I am a witness to the hand of God, and know that healing is mostly in my outlook."
- Kipper Jones
As a songwriter, I understand that words have power. It’s even Biblical that the tongue can bring life or death. I choose life, so I choose my words carefully. My Prostate has cancer, and I have a fight ahead of me to show up for. I’ve had to show up for my life before. And with God’s hand, and the family, friends, and tribes God has blessed and connected me with, I will do it again!
I’m being very matter of fact with you here. I am a believer, and as a man of faith, I am a witness to the hand of God, and know that healing is mostly in my outlook. So please excuse my bouts of humanity, as they will coexist. Stay tuned.
TO EVERYONE READING THIS, PLEASE GET YOUR CHECK-UPS. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN, MAKE IT YOUR 2022 GOAL TO SEE ONE AS SOON AS YOU CAN.
Love you madly,
Kipper