Posted 12/26/2020 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Brothers,
In his immortal work "Miracle on 34th Street," Valentine Davies authored the line: "Faith means believing in something when common sense tells you not to."
Yes, I do, passionately, believe in and have faith in medical science. Many who post hereon are living testimonials to the prowess of doctors and scientists who are our"warriors" in combating PCa and the pain and suffering it inflicts on its victims and our families.
On August 17th of this year I completed 45 sessions of radiation via Tomotherapy - IGRT. I properly canonize the doctors and world class techs who administered treatment. I owe them major league.
But my blasted common sense (or lack of?) kept gnawing at me; telling me "this is too darned simple." Guess I expected pain, greater discomfort and significant side effects. Hell, I got off with some fatigue and Rapiflo-handled burning urination. No hormone therapy, so I was spared much of what I've read in other postings.
Going in, my PSA was 8.7. Jackie Gleason of 3+4=7.
On December 23rd, I had an appointment with a top-notch Urologist in Eatontown, NJ. I had been referred to him by the RO who did the Tomotherapy. I was impressed by the professionalism of his practice the minute I had my first phone contact with his staff.
I was not expecting to have a PSA until February. My RO is of the philosophy that a six-month post-radiation wait is the way to go.
Enter Kris Kringle! The new Uro suggested we do one right then and there. His tech drew the blood - yup, got the old "you'll just feel a little pinch" line, and then she stuck me with the railroad spike!
Uro said he'd have the results in a scant 12-minutes. And those were the longest 12-minutes of my adult life.
Then the moment of truth. My heart in my stomach. Did Tomotherapy "take" or was I still in deep crap? The Uro reentered the exam room...
Jingle Bells - - - PSA of 2.4!
Next PSA happens in six months. I know it might be higher so prayers continue. It will be what it will be - que sera, sera.
Thanks, Santa. And thank you to Almighty God and all of you whose ongoing support lightened my load.
Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy 2021 for all of us and our families!
As Tiny Tim put it - - "God Bless Us - Everyone."
NJ Fred