Do You ever get used to those blood tests?

Just curious. I don't think I handle it well. I have to get a variety of blood tests every 2 months now, including a PSA test.

I had been getting very nervous/depressed starting about 2 weeks before seeing the vampire. That was in the setting of rising PSAs, and some liver/kidney issues due to the drugs. The last time, I was much more confident and relaxed, only getting uptight 2-3 days before seeing the vampire.

I just HATE SO MUCH this intrusion into my life.

But I suspect the nervousness will start typically a week before.

So, I guess my question is:

How well do you handle these frequent tests? Particularly those who have not had the good fortune of maintaining very low, non-rising PSAs after primary tx.

Mel

I think the horrible feeling at the pit of the stomach is related to two main factors:
1. How much you have to lose
2. The lack of certainty based on recent previous readings.

And of course the third factor is temperament.

I think I stress out with PSAs because I am a naturally anxious person, I know we live a pretty dreamy good life without medical difficulties and I desparately want it to stay that way and I am a little wary of the fluctuations in Paul's PSAs between 0.01 and 0.02 in the last 9 months.

So every test does upset me a little, although much less than it used to. The year of 0.01s that led up to Paul's 3 year anniversary relaxed me a lot.

I think these factors come into play whether your PSA is high or low.

An

Ive got to the point where it doesn't bother me at all now....having it start at 92...down to a .6, back up to a 381 and down to a 1.5 and now a 5.....I just don't care anymore...its just a number. Only thing that makes me a little nervous is running out of options....still have Xtandi and chemo left.

Jazzman, I agree. It's the wait between the blood draw and the results where it gets harder to remain at peace.

As I've said before, I cope with it by claiming I'm ok until some number says I'm not ok. So, I'm going to let the result of each PSA just be a surprise. Worrying about it doesn't change it. If the number goes wrong, then we have to do something about it. But it is utterly useless to fret about it beforehand.

We lose the joy of this wonderful day, worrying about the possibility of a dark tomorrow. Embrace each day for its own beauty.

Given my history of bone mets...it's such a fun time waiting for monthly blood results and scans every 6...

N O T.....

But I'm slowly transitioning from being anxious to thankful...I never thought I'd go this long on IHT...I realize I will be going back on HT eventually so each month I don't...well, that's just a bonus ... like Sonny says..

I don't let them bother so much anymore. I just won't let anymore. Living well and letting things be is a much less stressful approach for me.

I think everyone worries or lies about it .

ed

OK, I don't worry or lie about it. I know it is going up. What's to worry? I have a PSA that defies gravity. Maybe there will be a posthumous prize for that.

1.7 in March, up from 0.something in December. I don't remember off hand. I calculated doubling time as 83 days. Will go back on HT in June.

I hate needles, I DREAD getting the blood test done. Anxiety is much worse than reality. As for PSA monitoring I've only done one blood test since surgery. The second one is coming up and with positive margins I worry about the next few years...

It doesn't get any easier for me. My personality is to worry and stress. I've had good PSA's until the last one. Doctor wanted a second test. I went in last Thursday and office was closed on Friday. I am sitting with my mind racing waiting on the results. I know it is counterproductive but it is my make up.

I think we all have that anxiety. It's normal. Blood draws don't bother me. Needles don't bother me. I had a leg ripped off in a bike accident 35 years ago; pain is relative.

What the test means is another thing. I'll just deal with it as it comes. I can't change what occurs, but I can endeavor to enjoy what I have now.

I'm not going to pretend to be completely blase about it, but it is what it is.

I get a bit antsy about 2 weeks before a test. I don't mind the tests themselves as much as the fact that it reminds me that I'm a member of the cancer club.

What I'm going to say next might sound a little weird, so you might want to queue the Twilight Zone music but it almost seems like negative energy is attracted to me during those 2 weeks. I find during these times, complete strangers will be rude to me in situations where I'm often just minding my own business. I'm usually pretty low key but during this time I find myself in unusual confrontations that seem to come from "out of the blue". Perhaps the logical explanation is either coincidence or just that I'm more likely to react during these times but the frequency seems uncanny. It is almost as if people's radars pick up a vulnerability and go into attack mode.