whether you're having fun, or not.
This Thursday, October 14th, marks the first anniversary of my prostate cancer surgery. I have to say, it's been an interesting 14 months since my diagnosis.
The good news to this point, is that there's nothing much to report. I completed my last radiation treatment, and my last hormone injection, more than two months ago. Still dealing with some post-surgical side effects, things I'm just going to have to learn to accept and live with as difficult as it may be. Hey, I'm still here and that's what matters.
This Thursday, October 14th, marks the first anniversary of my prostate cancer surgery. I have to say, it's been an interesting 14 months since my diagnosis.
The good news to this point, is that there's nothing much to report. I completed my last radiation treatment, and my last hormone injection, more than two months ago. Still dealing with some post-surgical side effects, things I'm just going to have to learn to accept and live with as difficult as it may be. Hey, I'm still here and that's what matters.
My next follow-up and blood tests will be done in early December. Looking for "free" PSA levels to continue on the low side. My PSA level has remained at <0.05 since my surgery.
I find myself trying to really comprehend all that I've gone through in the last 14 months. It has been one heck of a rollercoaster - one I don't encourage anyone to ride if you can avoid it. The hardest thing to deal with these days, and it really seems stupid when I think about it, is that there's nothing really for me to be doing now. After a year of going through countless blood tests, doctors appointments, MRI's, bone & CT scans, laparoscopic surgery, recovery, counseling, more doctors appointments, meds, daily radiation treatments and hormone therapy - it's quite a change, and sometimes difficult to adjust to.
As a Christian, we are taught, or know, in difficult times that we need to turn everything over to God; all our fears, our worries, our pain and just let it all go. Let God take it all on Himself and know that He is taking care of it all. As a cancer patient, you do a lot of praying through your whole ordeal - even those who don't call themselves "Believers".
In the early days of my diagnosis, and as the day for my surgery approached, there was really only one time that I really felt any kind of concern and anxiety. That happened during the walk to the operating room. Until that time, I felt very much at peace with all of it. There was of course some sleepless nights, and some tearful discussions with my wonderful wife, Janet. But, my heart and mind were very much prepared (seemingly) for anything about to come. I know where that strength and sense of calm was coming from, and I was not afraid of whatever the outcome may have been. There was still a great number of unknown factors until the surgical team were able to get a good look. I knew that the possibility that this could be "really" bad was real, and I did what I could to prepare myself for whatever news may come once I was out of the recovery room.
My prognosis remains positive even though my diagnosis had the "metastatic cancer" tag added to it back in March of this year. It's a sobering thought knowing how close I came to this disease reaching a level of incurable. For now though, I'm focused on all the positives, on my family and my Faith.
Thank again to all our friends and family for all of your love, prayers and support over the last year. One year down, and, hopefully, many more to go.
Cheers!
CJP
As a Christian, we are taught, or know, in difficult times that we need to turn everything over to God; all our fears, our worries, our pain and just let it all go. Let God take it all on Himself and know that He is taking care of it all. As a cancer patient, you do a lot of praying through your whole ordeal - even those who don't call themselves "Believers".
In the early days of my diagnosis, and as the day for my surgery approached, there was really only one time that I really felt any kind of concern and anxiety. That happened during the walk to the operating room. Until that time, I felt very much at peace with all of it. There was of course some sleepless nights, and some tearful discussions with my wonderful wife, Janet. But, my heart and mind were very much prepared (seemingly) for anything about to come. I know where that strength and sense of calm was coming from, and I was not afraid of whatever the outcome may have been. There was still a great number of unknown factors until the surgical team were able to get a good look. I knew that the possibility that this could be "really" bad was real, and I did what I could to prepare myself for whatever news may come once I was out of the recovery room.
My prognosis remains positive even though my diagnosis had the "metastatic cancer" tag added to it back in March of this year. It's a sobering thought knowing how close I came to this disease reaching a level of incurable. For now though, I'm focused on all the positives, on my family and my Faith.
Thank again to all our friends and family for all of your love, prayers and support over the last year. One year down, and, hopefully, many more to go.
Cheers!
CJP
