update

Hi all
Its been a while and just wanted to touch base. Michael had his 6 month PSA, still undetectable! Woo hop!!! Blood was drawn 3 weeks ago but we still wait to hear about his testosterone level. he has not been using his Androgel, so I am certain his T level is low. He is tired all the time, his frustration level is high and his patience is short.....this all screams "MY TESTOSTERONE IS LOW!" but I cant make him use the gel. When he went to the URO he talked about having some leaking issues, the Dr put him back on impramine (spelling) which helped before. Again, filled the RX but not taking it. He got a refill for Trimix, filled it, doesnt use it. I think he used his last bottle maybe 6 times in 6 months. he has become complacent and I dont know how to motivate him into taking care of himself. Ideas?

He also had to go back to the VA to have a follow up. he currently has a 90% rating. 60% is PCA, and the other just Army related stuff. he had to go back to be re-evaluated (he retired 1 year ago) They talked to him about how things have been since surgery and how he has healed. We heard back today that they have left his rating alone and will remain at 90% unless he requests a re-evaluation. So that is a good thing.

Thats the update. Will update the update when we hear about his testosterone level

I think about you all often and keep you in my thoughts!
Hugs
Susan

Susan,

Great news on both the PSA and the VA disability rating. That's all good stuff there.

Hope he, and you, continue to do well ahead.

David in SC

Susan and Michael:

congrats on the zero club status - here's to a lifetime of zero's.

congrats on the VA levels - of coverage (? - do not fully understand how they determine what is what..)

-sorry about the feeling of low T levels - was that part of the scene prior to PCa? (sorry, can't remember Michael's history)

- his distress (and your confusion / worry) can still be part of Post Traumatic Stress - he may be going through the motions in an attempt to please you (buying trimix and androgel).. but does not have his head into it ( remember the brain is the biggest s.e.x. organ) so he is choosing not to use them.

-maybe some non-cancer non-sexual time together as two people in love, will help him sort things out.....

- as other posters has stated, PCa is like a twilight zone - a roller coaster - your hubbie is on a ride he didn't remembering purchasing a ticket for .....

-person life note: my urologist did not want me to start trimix until one full year after surgery (yet my G.P. did)- and my G.P. doctor didn't want me to be on androgel (even though I am undetectable 3 years out) but would agree if I had more regular readings from my urologist.

-wishing you all the best.
hugs,
Bronson

oops....no low testosterone was not an issue pre-diagnosis.