Mindanao Advice

I’m 77 years old and have prostate cancer. It was discovered early, and I’m now in the process of killing it.

Like many men in their sixties, I started having problems urinating. The solution for me was a procedure called TURP – a surgical intervention where a tiny probe is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue, which improves urine flow. The first time I had this done, I was 66. It helped a lot, but nine years later, the problem returned. A second TURP followed the next year, and I felt fine again – but unfortunately, something much more serious was developing.

When the suspicion of cancer arose, a biopsy of the prostate was needed, with a two-week wait — and then another two weeks to get the results. A month of uncertainty is hard to live with, so I asked ChatGPT-4o to give me a preliminary diagnosis since I know AI is up to date regarding medical information from all over the world.

I provided the key information I could access in my medical records: three PI-RADS 4 findings, a PSA increase from 3.2 to 4.7 in three months, and the fact that I had undergone two TURP procedures.

The answer came instantly: I most likely had T2 prostate cancer (localized) with a Gleason score of 3+4, and the best treatment for a man my age would be radiotherapy combined with four to six months of hormone therapy. It was a convincing opinion delivered in seconds, giving me peace of mind. Since the cancer was caught early, my chance of getting rid of it is around 90%.

That instant answer eased the uncertainty that a month-long wait would otherwise have caused. If the biopsy turned out negative, it would simply be a relief. If positive, I would be well prepared. I already knew about AI’s capabilities in the medical field and how to evaluate the answers, so for me, it was a big help. It was a smart tool to prepare for the diagnosis that might come.

But remember: This is no substitute for a doctor! It’s just an illustration of how AI could ease the situation for me.

The urologist was serious when my wife, Grace, and I entered his office. He looked at me and said, “You have cancer.”

“Yes,” I replied, showing him the diagnosis ChatGPT had given me. “Does this match?”

He nodded and confirmed the diagnosis was 100% correct and that the recommended treatment was exactly what I should pursue.

The cancer was discovered in December. In January, I began hormone therapy with one Orgovyx pill daily for six months. I have just started a series of radiotherapy sessions at the Centro Oncológico de Galicia in A Coruña (COG). At the same time, Grace and I are staying at a nearby hotel with good opportunities to explore this vibrant city with a modern vibe and ancient charm.

There are challenges, of course. But I feel lucky. Lucky it was caught in time. Lucky to have support. Lucky to live in a place where good care is possible and where the side effects are softened by small, beautiful things.

A special thanks to the approachable and caring people at Hospital Virxe da Xunqueira (Cee), the CHUAC, and to the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer for arranging everything so well. Also, thanks to my Union, the Writers’ Guild of Norway, for helping me solve a problem and to the always kind and smiling team taking care of me at COG.