My urologist appointment regarding my prostate issues was yesterday, and while I was not looking forward to the event, at least I would know if I have cancer or not.
The doctor reviewed my blood work, and stated my prostate specific antigen (PSA) count went from a 2.9 to a 3.1 in a week. Similar to the first visit, the doctor said my numbers would not be alarming for a 75-year old, but for someone who is five months shy of fifty, they are mildly alarming. The doc said he doesn’t believe I have cancer, but if I do, and we wait another six months, it may be too late.
So, the doctor will be delivering a bouncing baby biopsy next Tuesday.
This was arguably worse news than finding out I have cancer. If I had cancer, we can get right into treatment, but now I need to wait another week – or more – to know the results. It’s both frustrating and frightening.
Today would have been my first day back to work after my days off, but I took a sick day. I needed a day at home to process all this, so I’m not sure if there will be any more posts today. If not, regular posting will appear tomorrow.
The O.K. Corral 
Do what you need to do for yourself. Take some time and be selfish for a change. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
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I sent a prayer for you. Hoping everything is ok.
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Strong positive thoughts en route to you. I have found that some lab results can vary between labs for the same test on the same day. My doctor has been watching my blood every 3 months after an episode with viral hepatitis several years ago, and the numbers “bounce” a lot.
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Prayers your way. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.
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Ronni – Topless shots of random Iowa women! No, I’m okay. Today has been terrible, but I’ll be fine tomorrow. I feel the depression creeping back, but I’ll put it off.
TXNick – A week for the test and probably much longer for results. Thee stress will kill me before the cancer does.
Mike47 – I know, but they never have variations in my favor. That would be nice for a change.
RG – That’s my hope, and if I knew results Tuesday, we could already be treating it. But no, I need to wait for more tests and who knows what’ll happen by then?
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“five months shy of fifty” Wow. First time I ever heard the word “shy” to describe you, Wyatt!
We’ll be praying for you.
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Mike – Thanks. Staying home from work was a mistake. I sat in the basement, with History Channel on in the background, and ruminated over all the awful things which could happen. I did, however, job five miles, because my coworker who beat colon cancer said the better shape you’re in, the more likely you are to survive chemo, etc.
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Take care of yourself! Hopefully it’s just lab variation and nothing to worry about.
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Feel for you, Brother…ECHO cardiorgram last week showed badly functioning heart..two cardiologist appointments tomorrow to see about plans, prognosis, defibrillator implant, ….apparently with what I have, high incidence of sudden death…50% w/i 6 months, 80% w/i one year…getting old ain’t for sissies…good luck with the biopsy…
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Will be praying for you as well. Have you seen/heard of the Kardia mobile EKG monitor? It’s about $100, but seems to me it might be worth having. I agree with you about this getting old crap. Hang in there. I think there are other vendors making similar products.
https://www.amazon.com/l/9057386011
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I’m going to ask my cardiologist about it next time I see him, but I don’t think that’s until February. If I die before then, I’m going to ask them to chisel “Irony” in my headstone.
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Jenn – If it’s cancer, the urologist believes it’s 100% curable. I mean, honestly, that’s a guess on his part, but I’m in decent shape – just passed 300 miles walking/jogging for the year – so I’ll at least fight it like hell.
Doc – Screw my biopsy. YOU get better. You have my prayers.
RG – My cardiologist mentioned that to me when I was in the hospital. He seems to think it’s a good device, and is pretty accurate.
Mike – I’m a fatalist – when it comes to me, anyway – and I am already thinking about what i’ll need to do if I do have cancer. Finances, cemetery plots, who is barred from my funeral…. oh, that was John McCain.
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*sigh* Sorry it wasn’t good news. My beloved wife is in the same boat re her lymph nodes. More tests next week. You are in my prayers, good sir (and if you have the time and inclination, I would appreciate the same).
Godspeed, Wyatt.
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Toothy – Absolutely. Send my love and prayers to the lovely Mrs. Toothy.
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Will do. Thank you much, friend.
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Praying for you sir.
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