Still undetectable...

Aloha,

It has now been 33 months since my RALP, and I just tested <0.01 again. Last week, I had a telehealth appointment with my surgeon (which I had been at 6 month intervals, but am now switching to 12 month intervals), and he said each time I test undetectable really stacks the odds in favor of remaining undetectable in the future. I'll continue to check the PSA at 6 month intervals, until I reach the 5 year milestone, then switch to 12 months for those, too.

When I opted for the RALP over other treatments, my main concern was maintaining my active lifestyle as I head into old(er) age. We moved to Hawaii in May and we swim or paddle outrigger canoes every morning and evening, and go for walks or runs or bike rides when we can. I met with a financial planner last week, and got the green light to head into retirement and to front load retirement by traveling a lot before we age out. Therefore, it seems like things are lined up and falling into place.

Since my PC was undetectable, I am thankful for the vigilance of my PCP and the fact that he'd been monitoring my PSA levels for years, so a jump in PSA was noticed and the PC diagnosed before things got out of hand.

Aloha,
patrick

(The only glitch since moving to Hawaii was getting the PSA test done. Per my insurance's web site, the only local lab I could use was at the local hospital. When I went there, the receptionist turned me away and sent me to their affiliated urgent care facility. When I went to that facility and told them what I needed, they looked askance and it took a while to talk them into just doing it. Hopefully I can get this sorted out before the next test. Rather than a 5 minute blood draw, it took 2 1/2 hours at the urgent care facility.)

Time for another Zero bar! Congratulations Patrick!

Ron (Boomer)

That's a great update.
Which island for your retirement?

Sr Sailor said...
That's a great update.
Which island for your retirement?

We are on Oahu, renting a humble shack (no view, no AC, but 100 yard walk to the ocean) in Lanikai.

So thankful, very thankful, to read your good news!

Enjoy those glorious sunrises and sunsets!

Enjoy a celebratory dinner!

C-Y-C-L-O-N-E ~ # Iowa State University

Congrats, keep it up.

Thanks, everyone!