Already 2 years...

It's hard to believe it has already been two years since we got the dreaded diagnosis of the beast.

At times, it seems like it was just yesterday and at other times it seems like it's been a lifetime ago.

Anyway, the first July we spent in shock... the second July moving back home after radiation... and this July, well we spent 12 days exploring the Caribbean! A much better way to spend July.

Given Mr. Worry's grim prognosis and how he is doing now, it seems like nothing short of a welcomed miracle.

We do know that things can turn on a dime, but we're not standing idle waiting for that to happen.

In the last three months we have seen 7 -8 countries that we had not seen before.

Our next travels will take us back to MD Anderson and then Dr. Scholz.... then on to ROCHESTER!

This beast sux, but all in all LIFE IS GOOD!

Thanks to all of you who have helped us get to this point.

We are beyond blessed with the new friendships formed.

Which Rochester are you referring to? NY or MN? I'll be heading to the MN Rochester (Mayo Clinic) in September for my annual physical, which will also include my 2 year (actually 22.5 mo) PSA test.

For me, it was also 2 years ago, on August 5th, that I was diagnosed. So we're probably going through similar thoughts. In one sense it seems like yesterday, in another it seems like a long time ago.

Here's hoping that life remains great for both of you!

Chuck

Resident of Highland, Indiana just outside of Chicago, IL.
July 2011 local PSA lab reading 6.41 (from 4.1 in 2009). Mayo Clinic PSA Sept. 2011 was 5.7.
Local urologist DRE revealed significant BPH, but no lumps.
PCa Dx Aug. 2011 at age of 61.
Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma in 3 of 20 cores (one 5%, two 20%). T2C.
Gleason score 3+3=6.
CT of abdomen, bone scan both negative.
DaVinci prostatectomy 11/1/11 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), nerve sparing, age 62.
My surgeon was Dr. Matthew Tollefson, who I highly recommend.
Final pathology shows tumor confined to prostate.
5 lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, extraprostatic soft tissue all negative.
1.0 x 0.6 x 0.6 cm mass involving right posterior inferior,
right posterior apex & left mid posterior prostate.
Right posterior apex margin involved by tumor over a 0.2 cm length, doctor says this is insignificant.
Prostate 98.3 grams, tumor 2 grams. Prostate size 5.0 x 4.7 x 4.5 cm.
Abdominal drain removed the morning after surgery.
Catheter out in 7 days. No incontinence, occasional minor dripping.
Post-op exams 2/13/12, 9/10/12, PSA <0.1. PSA tests now annual.
Semi-firm erections now happening 14 months post-op & VERY slowly getting a bit stronger.

Chuck,

I'm pretty sure she is talking about Rochester NY. That's where the GFMPH autumn gathering is taking place. I plan to be there, too.

Logo,

We're from Cajun Country. :)

Initially, we were planning two 15 day back to back cruises in Europe. We tested the waters to see how much we would like cruising and it is great, however, our fish aquarium is not too found of us being gone for more than about 15 days total. :) We'd have to find someone to tend to it for anything longer and that's not an easy task.


Chuck,
Yes, I was talking about Rochester, NY. GFMPH has priority status. :)

SC... Thanks!

Peter... We plan to be on that Alaskan cruise! And, flights are booked for Rochester GFMPH! :)

Water Guy... Thanks, he's certainly trying! Yea Mon, we do have Jamaica!

Europe seems to have lost some of its luster for the time being, as we've become very intrigued with the US and British Virgin Islands and everything in between that's tropical.

We sort of like "No worries, Mon! We are very much on time! Island time!" :)

M&M WW – So happy for your turnaround from 2 years ago; glad to see you kicking the crap out of the beast and living life to the fullest. Keep it up!

-- M&M Tigerfan

My favorite part of your signature in the 2 year journey is:  04/25/13 - PSA <.1

For those of you curious about the word "sal***er" in the tall one's comment above. The program that stars out dirty words found the word t-w-a-t in the middle of "salt water" and redacted it.

Peter,
I was posting and did not see your post until after.

I thought it saw something else.

Fantastic news for both of y'all.
Traveling does do wonders. Plan on retiring at the end of the year. Patsy & I are going to Australia in March. I hear they have crawfish there. So happy things are going well.
bertb

Wow, you guys have come such a long way in two years. What a ride, huh?

I'm glad to see that the Mr. is in good health, and I'm especially glad to see you both enjoying life so much. Looking forward to seeing you both at GFMPH.

Jonathan

Congrats on living life. We will be calling you shortly to set up Rochester. Sonny and I will start working on the route.

Cajun Jeff

you go Ms WW.  and go and go and go.... !

ed

 

Thanks Sonny, Bert, Jonathon, Jerry, Jeff, Bronson, & Ed!

Kathy... Will "Thelma" be attending? Louise wants to know! ;)

Sonny & Cajun Jeff.... I feel like a kid... "Are we there yet?" :)