compiler update

Howdy. Time for an update.

You may recall that I fell, severely injuring my spine, due to severe spinal stenosis (previously unknown to me). I lost all feeling in my arms and legs, and I am in the process of trying to learn how to walk again.

I spent 9 days at Scripps Hospital and then 6 weeks in an Acute Rehab Institute in Century City.I then went home and had an MRI. Unfortunately, it showed a worsening of my condition (despite significant recovery gains). Two doctors strongly recommended cervical surgery. (Otherwise, any fall would be a disaster). I had the neck surgery 3 weeks ago. It was a laminectomy, C3-C7, with additional work on C2. As a result, I have lost about 2 months of gains, with additional major nerve pain from my scapula through my right arm/hand. I was again in acute rehab for 2 weeks. OT was a failure due to my pain, but PT went well.

I will be continuing PT and OT as an outpatient.

On the PC front, I just got great news: my PSA is now 0.02, down from 0.36 in mid-April. I am going to start my PC vacation as soon as I confirm this figure (probably tomorrow), thereby stopping Casodex and foregoing a scheduled 4th 3-month Lurpon shot (scheduled for 8/9).

Sorry -- but I have been preoccupied, dealing with this injury. I am making good strides!

Mel

Hi Mel and thanks for the update. Man, you continue to go through the ringer. But I hope you're getting at least two steps forward for every step that pushes you back. You certainly sound dedicated on the rehab side, so hope the PT and OT start showing some good results.

And nice PSA! I hope this is a long HT vacation for you. All the best to you from So Cal!

Mel, great to hear from you. Congrats on the PCa remission and best wishes on improvements with your neck. We are all thinking of you and wishing you the best.

Faaaar out Mel - what a champion you are! And just quietly, I think 'preoccupied' is kind of an understatement...!
Great to see you 'back on the board' and I really hope your recovery continues in the right direction.
All the best
Jaybee

Keep up the good work Mel.

I don't cry too often, but I do appreciate the warm responses to my updates.
This is my second family, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything.

On a more serious note:

Logos is getting his threads banned?
How can that be? Don't the moderators have to be able to understand his ...words.

Clearly the moderators have too much time on their hands.

I'll see what I can do

Mel

Great news on the PC. Recovery in progress after surgery. Sounds good. I miss seeing your name when I check in here. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Mel -

Thanks for the update and glad the PSA decreased.

Wishing you the best!

Bobby Mac

Oh man, Mel. I haven't been around a lot and this is the first I've heard of all this. You've really been through the ringer, but the latest news sounds positive. Hang in there, recover, heal up and enjoy that low PSA.

Best,

Jonathan

Hello Mel, Our Brother Here On Healing Well ~

I admire your tenacity and fortitude ---

In your words, and in your recovery, your iron will is shining through ---

I wish you continued determination, each day, and you continue to meet your recovery goals.

I am rooting for you --- you have my thoughts --- my encouragement --- and my prayers.

Stay focused --- stay determined --- keep facing forward ---each day !

Keep forging ahead, as you have been,
"Cyclone" ~ Iowa State University