My Story

Well, like usual we've moved from winter to summer in 48 hours here in east central Illinois. I think the time lag between furnace off and AC on was about 3 days. It hit 89 today. Got home from work today, changed into shorts and a tshirt, and went out and mowed the grass. Broke a good sweat. Came in, slurped down a hospital mug full of ice water, took a shower. At no time along that period did I think about, worry about, or be frustrated by PCa. A small victory. I'll sleep well tonight.

I think it's time to bump this. I'm 4 months today since surgery. Back in January, you guys told me that PC and RALP would be a bump in the road. And, it's proving to be so. I go for days and don't really think about PC at all. Yes, I have scars on my belly, and I have occasional leaks. ED is a non issue. My limitations in that area feel more about being 56 years old with a post-menopausal wife than due to PC.

What this whole process has given me...and yes, I'm trying to consider it that way....is a much clearer view of what is valuable and important. Six months ago, I was saying things like, "I'd like to be able to retire at 62, but I just don't see it happening". Now, it's more like, "I'm going to retire at 62, the only question is which date will I pick?"

As some of you may also recall, I had a serious car wreck 2 weeks ago. I came out of it with a cracked sternum, some bruising and abrasions on my forearm from the airbag, and some lower back pain.

What I'm saying is that I'm having a wakeup call. I've had 2 serious life-altering events in the last 6 months that came out much, much better than they could have. I'm asking myself....ok, what else is there that I'm supposed to do with my life? I'm paying attention.

Since I am now officially six months post surgery, it feels like a good time for an update.

First off, my 6 month blood draw and Uro visit is Monday the 24th. I'll post the results when I get them. I have no reason to believe that I'll have anything other than a "<".

Looking back, the last almost-a-year has been one heck of a roller coaster ride adventure. It all started in mid-September when I called my PCP to schedule my annual physical. Who knew where that simple, regular activity would lead? In my case it led me to the urologist, then to a biopsy, then to THIS PLACE, then to offices and consultations and research and books to read. Never mind the phone calls to my mother, my kids. The planning and scheduling. Getting to know, in the virtual sense, a lot of men and a few women who showed the way through with grace and courage and more than a few laughs.

I'd like to be an encouraging voice to the many men who are scared to death of what could happen as a result of treatment. In truth, my only lingering side effect seems to be a dramatic shortening of the time I'm able to 'hold' my bladder. Other than that, everything is working just fine. I have a stock of the thin Depend shields, and I wear one occasionally if I think I'm going to be in a situation where bathrooms may not be readily available...or if I'm wearing white pants.

ED is a non-issue. I'm able to "rise to the occasion" when called upon. Yes, things take a little longer to get ready than they used to, but I fail to see that as a bad thing. The Mrs is happy with it, and we are both satisfied, so that's another good thing.

The other long term effect I see is that I do, truly, look at life differently. I'm a lot less willing to put up with unnecessary baloney at work than in the past. I'm a lot more willing to call others on their BS. Life is too short to not enjoy it. The big decision of the year....after the tx decision that is....that I've got a solid date in mind for retirement. Now, there could be things that would drive it later, but the goal is real.

And, last but not least, I really do embrace what I feel like is my obligation to this forum. You guys were here when I came in, and told me what I needed to hear. I hope to do my best to do the same for the next new guy.

I just noticed that this will be post 998 for me. That seems like a lot for only about 10 months. Either I'm way too bored, or I'm just a bit obsessed. Either way, it looks like you're all stuck with me. For those going to GFMPH in a month...I'll see you there!

Good luck with the PSA results Halbert, although i doubt you'lll need any luck.
And good post, to encourage the newbies.

Thanks for your dedication. I appreciate the reassurance you and many others on this forum have provided me.

This week, I'm coming up on my one-year anniversary of RALP. When I look back on the last year, it's been quite a ride. I've made some mistakes to be sure, but I have no regrets. I'd like to think that even if things had gone badly, I would have been able to move through it without anger or resentment, but who knows?

For those new to this thread, I started this before my surgery to put a complete story out there in one place, hopefully to benefit others from my experience. In short, I was diagnosed in December of 2014, following years of monitoring my PSA and responding to a rise that showed doubling every year for 3 years in a row. I chose surgery for my primary treatment, and have come through it very well, with little to no side effects.

The two most important things I've learned (and gained) from my experience are these: First, I learned that a PC diagnosis is not the end of the world. That it is manageable. Life changed, to be sure. I'm not the same person I was before diagnosis, and that's not a bad thing. Second, I've gained all of you. Yes, all of you, even those who drive me nuts (and probably a few that I drive nuts). We're fighting the same fight, we're all in this together, and that is a comforting and valuable thing. I know you've got my back, and I've got yours.

The summary of outcome is this: I'm (so far) cancer free, I don't have ED issues, and I'm fully continent with occasional drips. I have been working hard on embracing all that life has to offer, every day. If I'm able to help a newcomer (or an oldtimer) along the path we're on, then that is enough for me.

Hi halbert!

Hope you and Pat are doing well and enjoying Valentine's Day. We are buried in snow here in Cleveland with frigid temps. Good day to share some chocolate covered strawberries and watch TV!

Can't believe that we "met" on this board last July -- seems like it's been so much longer than that! And it was especially nice to meet in person at the Sept GFMPH.

Even though Steve went in a different direction treatment-wise, you've always been a caring supporter and encourager -- so appreciated!

If you've got tests coming up soon, we'll be rooting for you!

Suz and Steve

Thanks for the update. Been wondering how you like the new job and area. Are you still planning on retiring soon?
Beth

All the best!

halbert- Glad you're doing well. I got to this site a bit late, actually after my surgery. I just reviewed your story and wish I'd seen it during my "due diligence" stage. I always like having more information.

I wrote my story as well. I note you have linked your story in your signature. Does the signature area accept hyperlinks?

Thanks for everything you've shared. Best of luck.

HI Halbert, my husband is going to have MRI and fusion biopsy in two weeks. We still didn't confirm whether he has PCa but I am very frustrated and depressed. You don't know how much your story inspires me. Thank you very much. All the best to you and everybody here!

Halbert, good luck on the results, we will celebrate when you get that undetectable, that we all expect that you will get