April, 2007. I want to know why I'm tired a lot, want to take a nap in the evenings. I get my testosterone checked and it's in the toilet. It was borderline a year ago, now it's time to do something. I go in for my annual DRE and PSA prostate exams. My physician, Danny Cox says ok to start the testosterone gel. Five days later he calls and says he doesn't like my PSA and Free PSA, wants me to see Paul Hatcher, urologist. I actually argue but am a good patient and go. A year ago my PSA was 2.4. It came back 2.7 but repeat showed 2.4. I schedule an appointment. Before my appointment I check my PSA again. 2.7. I'm still optimistic.
May, 2007. I see Dr. Hatcher. He tells me he can feel a ridge on my prostate which Dr. Cox didn't feel. He recommends a biopsy. I hear scary things (pain) about this but also reassurance.
May 9, 2007. I see Dr. Hatcher's partner Dr. Jay Mounger. Funny guy, older, quit doing most surgery, just does biopsies. He uses a local anesthetic and grouses and tells jokes. "If it hurts, you don't have enough Novacaine!" he says. The next day I see two fellows who've had biopsies by other docs in the last year with no anesthetic. How cruel.
