Just thought I'd stop in and post something . . .

There's really nothing more to share.   My next appointments are on April 6th, the Tuesday following my birthday (April 2nd if any one is interested).


For now, work is keeping me busy and I'm dong my best to not think about "cancer" on daily basis.  Even though the prognosis looks to be good (see previous blog entry), it is hard to not think about it - there are so many things that remind you every day.


I am trying to turn this into a positive thing by getting involved with some support groups to help to promote early detection of prostate cancer.  A fellow prostate cancer patient/survivor from North Carolina, Rick Lyke, started a grassroots organization, "Pins for Prostates" to help men to recognize the importance of early detection and to have their PSA level checked beginning when they turn 40 instead of the "standard" 50 years of age.


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Rick's idea is to utilize the "universal language of beer" in order to reach out to men with this critical health message of early detection. Getting men to understand some of the risks and how many new patients are diagnosed every year is the key, but in a relaxed & casual atmosphere enjoying great beers and conversation.


I have been in contact with Rick and I am working with him to organize a couple of events in Connecticut for 2010.  If you'd like to help us out, or donate in support of the efforts of Pints for Prostates, or any other Prostate Cancer support organization, just drop me a note and I'll pass along whatever information you'd like to have.


Once dates for the Connecticut events are set, I'll be sure to post the information here for all to see.


Thanks again for all your support and prayers.


Cheers!


Chris

The word of the week . . .

is surreal.

This trip has been already been mind blowing.  So let's quickly review  . . .


August 7th - Blood work showed PSA of 63

August 24th - Biopsy

August 28th - Diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer (Gleason 8 of 10, PSA 63)

September 7th - Bone scans & MRI's

October 14th - Laparoscopic Radicial Prostatecomy

November 20th - First post surgery PSA test result is <0.05

December 23rd - Second post surgery PSA test result is <0.05

January 5th -  Follow-up visit with surgeon:

My PSA level remains at <0.05 - good news so far. And, as much as I am still trying to get my head wrapped around the latest news, I may not have to go through radiation treatments at all. At least not in the very near future.

After all the mental prep for the expectation of beginning radiation at the end of this month, it's all become pretty surreal taking into account how fast it all happened and to have this crazy outcome. 

Obviously with this I'm taking it all with a grain of salt and holding off on expelling a huge sigh of relief for a while. So for now I'll just be getting my PSA test done every 3 months. And, if it begins to rise, I will go through radiation at that point.

Again . . . surreal.  Right?

Thank you all again for your continuing prayers and words of encouragement.  It has been a great source of comfort to know you have all been there for my family and I. I have truly felt blessed.

Not sure when I'll post the next update, but thanks for being on the other end.

CJP