Posted 7/18/2023 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Just now received my latest PSA result — <0.014. That makes it 5 years and a few months post-RALP. I saw my RO today and she gave me a big hug and said we’re done — I’ll see just my uro moving forward for PSA tests. The whole staff at the RO office was great and full of smiles for me, but after I received the hug from my doctor I went into a full-blown panic attack. I’ve not had one like that in years. I nearly blacked-out so I had to grab a seat. Next thing I knew, I was hooked-up to a blood pressure and pulse monitor, had ice bags on my neck, sweat was pouring down my face. My BP, which read normal just 10 minutes earlier, had plummeted, and I was told later my face was as white as a ghost. I assured them it was a panic attack, but they kept me around for about 30 minutes to monitor me. All was OK after sipping some juice, eating some cookies, and reclining. A pretty weird ending to a long journey with the RO. Despite all that, I feel thrilled and blessed that I’m undetectable after 5 years. My RO actually commented on my appearance when she first walked into the exam room: “you look younger today than you did when you first walked in here 5 years ago.” I immediately dismissed the notion, but I now think she’s right: I was a mess both mentally and physically when I was going through treatment. She said to me “ if we only knew then what we know today….” So true.