How a doctor’s visit helped save my life

In the last two years, Bill B. has battled and won the fight against not one, but two different cancers. A true survivor shares his story.

Bill and his wife Debbie with grandchildren Bryson, Brandon and Ryder.

Bill had always been a good patient and followed all the rules. He ate right, went to the gym, kicked his smoking habit 20 years ago, didn't drink too much and took care of himself. He and his wife, Debbie, made an effort to cook healthy dishes, and relaxed by traveling frequently throughout the west. After 31 years as a VP at Del Monte, he retired and focused on spending more time with his grandchildren.

In addition to pursuing a healthy lifestyle, Bill was religious about going in for his annual physicals. Little did he know that several unexpected doctor visits would eventually help save his life.

In 2009, Bill had persisting pain in his left lower back that became a concern. An ultrasound found swollen glands that weren't progressing, but also weren't healing. Over two months, he lost 20 pounds. He knew something was wrong, and so did his oncologist.

After a negative first biopsy, a second biopsy tested positive. At the age of 58, Bill was diagnosed with stage two non-Hodgkins Lymphoma just two days before Christmas. Pursuing treatment as quickly as possible, Bill underwent chemotherapy from January until April of 2010.

Later that year in December, Bill went in for his annual doctor’s visit, and everything looked fine. His prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was normal and his digital rectal exam (DRE) didn't reveal anything notable. But in March of 2011, Bill was told that he could not receive hearing aids until he visited a general practitioner at the VA. A blood test there revealed his PSA had shot up to 5.1.

In April, he sprained his back and a blood test showed his PSA had gone down to 4.1. Heeding the advice of his general practitioner, Bill made an appointment to see urologist Dr. Jeremy Lieb. Upon his visit to Pacific Urology, he learned his PSA had gone down again to 3.6. With a lowering PSA, the cause for concern was eased. The PSA test could have risen and lowered because of a prostate infection, which can be brought through normal activities such as intercourse. However, his DRE revealed alarming changes in shape and texture.

A biopsy revealed the presence of prostate cancer. Just 16 months after completing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Bill found himself undergoing a prostatectomy and having his lymph nodes removed. Dr. Stephen Taylor performed the operation using the Da Vinci robotic surgery system.

“I was shocked that I had prostate cancer,” says Bill. “I was still in treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma—and my wife Debbie had been recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It seemed like too much to handle. But we both stayed strong together and fought through it.”

The surgical process was swift and successful, and within 24 hours Bill was recovering at home. Bill was grateful that the cancer had been found when it was. If he had waited for his scheduled annual exam, his cancer would have likely spread to his lymph nodes and been much more severe.

Today, at the age of 61, Bill lives a life with no fear and no regrets. He credits his wife Debbie, children Erin and Kevin, and grandson Brendan with an immense amount of support that gave him the strength to get through such hardship.

“My entire life, I always tried to be a glass half-full type of guy,” he says. “Truthfully, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and prostate cancer were a blessing in disguise. I appreciate today like I never did before and I don’t let things bother me. Now, I can truly live in each moment.” Right now, the moments that mean the most are spending time with his newest grandchildren, Ryder and Bryson.

Bill doesn’t consider himself a religious guy, but he knows that someone was looking out for him. A string of unexpected doctor visits indicated a heightened PSA level, allowing him to diagnose and treat the cancer in its earlier stages. “Even life’s little decisions can be life altering,” he says.

After his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and prostate cancer, Bill made a conscious decision to lead the healthiest life possible. He has successfully kept off the 30 pounds he lost during treatment and is currently in the best shape of his life, enjoying frequent walks and trips to the golf course.

Now that he and Debbie can focus on life after cancer, they spend their time touring the California Wine Country in their convertible, and traveling to places like the Grand Canyon, Mexico and even Europe. To give back, Bill volunteers at a local hospital to help inspire others on their path to health.

Reflecting on his experiences, Bill is surprised that he never felt sick with prostate cancer. He never even had any symptoms. He found out his PSA was high seemingly on accident.

“Just because you feel good doesn't mean everything is good on the inside,” he says. “It is imperative to get checked out and do an annual PSA and DRE. It saved my life, and it could save yours.”