Back in August, I went in for a routine check up with my doctor in order to renew my blood pressure meds. He called me to say that my PSA level had spiked, increasing by nearly a full point since the last check. He scheduled an appointment with a urologist in September. By then, the PSA increased another point. He set up a biopsy, and long story short, found prostate cancer in 12 out of 12 samples.
This was detected very early, before my prostate began to enlarge. At this stage, despite being moderately aggressive, it's 100% curable. I'm going for laparoscopic surgery in the morning. Recovery should be a few weeks, and I expect to return to work in January.
Please, please, please - if you're 50 or older, get a check up and a blood test. If there's a family history of prostate cancer, start the check ups at age 40. My doctor said the routine blood tests established a baseline PSA level for comparison, and when mine started increasing rapidly, it was a red flag.
I haven't had anything but clear fluids and Jello today. I'm a hungry, cranky man. There's a cup of chicken broth waiting for me in the kitchen. It will have to pass for dinner with more Jello for dessert. I'm a lucky man.
I have been a little afraid to go to the urologist because I heard they when they examine you they charge by the pound.
Quote from: Ed W on November 25, 2012, 07:41:40 PM
This was detected very early, before my prostate began to enlarge. At this stage, despite being moderately aggressive, it's 100% curable. I'm going for laparoscopic surgery in the morning. Recovery should be a few weeks, and I expect to return to work in January.
Please, please, please - if you're 50 or older, get a check up and a blood test. If there's a family history of prostate cancer, start the check ups at age 40. My doctor said the routine blood tests established a baseline PSA level for comparison, and when mine started increasing rapidly, it was a red flag.
Good luck with your surgery.
I would like to add get a colonoscopy for folks over 50. I wouldn't be here now without having gotten one.
Let us know if you want us to smuggle into the hospital some beer, pizza or porn.
I put a couple of long posts about this over on CycleDog, Michael. They have the icky details. Let's just say that the prospect of dying after the cancer spreads outweighs any indignities or objections as to what can fit into certain anatomical cavities, and leave it at that.
http://cycledog.blogspot.com/ (http://cycledog.blogspot.com/)
Prayers for the surgery... it's amazing these days they can do laparoscopic, rather than traditional.
It was prostate cancer that was in my family history, so my physical every year went something like... well... ;D
My suggestion would be to never be afraid to tell a doc if something isn't "right."
It was only after I saw a doctor about something unrelated (winter flu), that I told him about some other stuff that seemed, well... odd.
I got to play with my feces using popsickle sticks, then did my first colonoscapy at age 43, and luckily the golf-ball sized cancerous polyp they eventually removed using laparoscopic surgery was only Stage I.
Now, just six months from cancer free.
Take care.
JEFF
Hope everything goes well for you tomorrow. I will contact Wade to check up on you. If you need anything let me know I will PM my number to you.
Good luck with yours today. I have my own cross to bear on Thursday...
A colonoscopy these days is like being in the 1960's.
If you were there, you probably dont remember it....
Now the prep ahead of time, that's the adventure.
(Insert pic of swilling PEG from a jug, hillbilly-style)
Good luck with the procedure Ed.
Quote from: patric on November 26, 2012, 10:10:56 AM
A colonoscopy these days is like being in the 1960's.
If you were there, you probably dont remember it....
Now the prep ahead of time, that's the adventure.
(Insert pic of swilling PEG from a jug, hillbilly-style)
Good luck with the procedure Ed.
True this. Not a fun way to spend 36 hours or so. And that 'formula'. Ugh.
Early detection is key and I'm glad they found it Ed.
On my recent annual visit, my doc said they have found that PSA blood screening is preferable to doing the digital seek and find these days and that they were likely causing more harm by doing the probe.
I get to have laparoscopic hernia repair in a couple of weeks with the same surgeon who removed my gall bladder 11 years ago. I asked if he remembered my gall bladder and he said "vaguely". ;) Apparently, he's THE guy to go to for hernia repair in the region. I also managed to help get my orthopedic surgeon's daughter through Wake Forrest with a couple of knee scopes and a shoulder scope.
I turn 47 today. Since the age of 35, I'm averaging a surgery of one sort or another about every 2.5 years. Getting old sucks, though I can honestly say I'm in far better overall health than I was when I was 35.
OMG you guy's are killing me. My Doc say's that he is not going to renew my Blood Pressure pills until I give them another Blood sample.
Being how I am uninsured and have to pay the 235 Dollars out of pocket. It makes it kind of tough around this time of year. So Ed you're story hits home in a big way. I don't really have any Cancer related illness in my family history but both my parents had Heart trouble.
Looks like someone is going to get a couple lumps of coal for Christmas. Yes I said it "CHRISTMAS"!
Quote from: Red Arrow on November 26, 2012, 12:37:00 PM
Happy Birthday (anniversary).
I totally missed that earlier. Happy Birthday Conan71
Good luck, Ed!
Quote from: DolfanBob on November 26, 2012, 11:03:12 AM
OMG you guy's are killing me. My Doc say's that he is not going to renew my Blood Pressure pills until I give them another Blood sample.
Being how I am uninsured and have to pay the 235 Dollars out of pocket. It makes it kind of tough around this time of year. So Ed you're story hits home in a big way. I don't really have any Cancer related illness in my family history but both my parents had Heart trouble.
Looks like someone is going to get a couple lumps of coal for Christmas. Yes I said it "CHRISTMAS"!
I poked around on the Tulsa County Public Health Department site. They offer some free testing, but did not mention PSA. However, there's a good chance the health department can point you in the right direction for some free or low-cost testing.
I came home this morning. The surgery went well. The after effects mostly involve some abdominal pain and what feels like gas pain, but is more likely bladder spasms. Part of it was removed, and since the bladder is a muscle, it's letting me know.
It's almost impossible to get a good nights sleep in a hospital, and this one was no exception. I probably didn't sleep longer than an hour at a time, though I developed a nearly obsessive fascination with the breakfast menu. I hadn't had solid food since Saturday, so the prospect of breakfast was very appealing. Still, I behaved myself, limiting it to a blueberry muffin, a banana, orange juice, and the obligatory coffee. Dietary opened at 7AM. I called at 7:01.
Dinner tonight was cling peaches. I may get really wild and have some oatmeal!
Quote from: Ed W on November 27, 2012, 08:06:42 PM
I poked around on the Tulsa County Public Health Department site. They offer some free testing, but did not mention PSA. However, there's a good chance the health department can point you in the right direction for some free or low-cost testing.
I came home this morning. The surgery went well. The after effects mostly involve some abdominal pain and what feels like gas pain, but is more likely bladder spasms. Part of it was removed, and since the bladder is a muscle, it's letting me know.
It's almost impossible to get a good nights sleep in a hospital, and this one was no exception. I probably didn't sleep longer than an hour at a time, though I developed a nearly obsessive fascination with the breakfast menu. I hadn't had solid food since Saturday, so the prospect of breakfast was very appealing. Still, I behaved myself, limiting it to a blueberry muffin, a banana, orange juice, and the obligatory coffee. Dietary opened at 7AM. I called at 7:01.
Dinner tonight was cling peaches. I may get really wild and have some oatmeal!
Damn you Ed. I was just getting that song out of my head and it was there since before Thanksgiving:
Good to hear you got through surgery ok. Both siblings of mine had surgery in the last month. I'm the oldest. I feel lucky.
Ed, thank you for the update. Heal quickly and completely, my friend.
I am coming over and bringing you some chile rellenos covered in spicy salsa. If it doesn't kill you, it will cure you.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 27, 2012, 08:18:00 PM
Ed, thank you for the update. Heal quickly and completely, my friend.
What conan said.
I'm glad to hear you did alright.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on November 27, 2012, 09:04:40 PM
I am coming over and bringing you some chile rellenos covered in spicy salsa. If it doesn't kill you, it will cure you.
I may still have a Habanero or two left if you need them.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on November 27, 2012, 09:04:40 PM
I am coming over and bringing you some chile rellenos covered in spicy salsa. If it doesn't kill you, it will cure you.
Michael, I
love spicy food, but my Polish stomach....not so much.
There a fairly new store specializing in hot sauces on Main Street in Owasso. I haven't been in there yet, but it's on my list. Also, there's a Thai hot sauce called sriracha or rooster sauce that I want to try. Reasors only carries the huge bottles, though.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on November 27, 2012, 09:04:40 PM
I am coming over and bringing you some chile rellenos covered in spicy salsa. If it doesn't kill you, it will cure you.
What? What? Rellenos?
I'm sick, really, really dreadfully sick, like relleno sick. Really!
Happy to hear it went well. Enjoy your oatmeal you wildass.
Quote from: Ed W on November 28, 2012, 07:47:57 AM
Also, there's a Thai hot sauce called sriracha or rooster sauce that I want to try. Reasors only carries the huge bottles, though.
There is a vietnamese version of sriracha that is absolutely delicious and slightly less spicy. I'd have to go digging through the cabinets to figure out what it is, though. SWMBO makes some fantastic vietnamese meatball sandwiches with it. I know about ---><--- that much about cooking.
Quote from: nathanm on November 28, 2012, 02:47:10 PM
There is a vietnamese version of sriracha that is absolutely delicious and slightly less spicy. I'd have to go digging through the cabinets to figure out what it is, though. SWMBO makes some fantastic vietnamese meatball sandwiches with it. I know about ---><--- that much about cooking.
You mean there is a topic you could be OWNED on? ;)
We refer to sriracha sauce as "cock sauce" due to the rather large rooster on the bottle.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 28, 2012, 02:58:37 PM
You mean there is a topic you could be OWNED on? ;)
If you want to know about sciencey bullshit about maillard reactions adding umami or whatever, I'm your man. If you just want to eat a good meal, look elsewhere. ;)
I do make a few pretty good snacks, but that's more assembly than cooking..anyone can rub garlic on toast, cut open some tomatoes, slice some cheese, and pop it all in the oven for a few minutes.
Quote from: nathanm on November 30, 2012, 01:28:37 PM
anyone can rub garlic on toast, cut open some tomatoes, slice some cheese, and pop it all in the oven for a few minutes.
From personal experience, you sir, are wrong.
Edited to say, I'm not being argumentative but some girls I know are confused about the oven and why it doesn't keep their wine cold.
Quote from: Townsend on November 30, 2012, 01:30:35 PM
From personal experience, you sir, are wrong.
Edited to say, I'm not being argumentative but some girls I know are confused about the oven and why it doesn't keep their wine cold.
Coffee spitting laugh...
Quote from: Townsend on November 30, 2012, 01:30:35 PM
girls I know are confused about the oven and why it doesn't keep their wine cold.
Rich girls who don't have yet have one of these (http://www.tmio.com/products/refrigerated.shtml)?
Quote from: nathanm on November 30, 2012, 01:40:35 PM
Rich girls who don't have yet have one of these (http://www.tmio.com/products/refrigerated.shtml)?
No freaking way. How cool is that?
☆彡
(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/elvinphoto/elvinphoto1101/elvinphoto110100158/8636036-thumbs-up-gesture-by-hand-worn-in-the-silicone-oven-glove.jpg)
Quote from: Townsend on November 30, 2012, 01:52:02 PM
(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/elvinphoto/elvinphoto1101/elvinphoto110100158/8636036-thumbs-up-gesture-by-hand-worn-in-the-silicone-oven-glove.jpg)
We arent still on the colonoscopy thread, are we?
Probably due for a status update....
Quote from: guido911 on December 13, 2012, 11:23:32 AM
Probably due for a status update....
Is that directed at me? 'Cause I can tell you about the progress so far.
Quote from: Ed W on December 13, 2012, 12:45:34 PM
Is that directed at me? 'Cause I can tell you about the progress so far.
Yes. Just curious how things are going.
Quote from: guido911 on December 14, 2012, 01:51:52 AM
Yes. Just curious how things are going.
The urologist removed the catheter last week and good riddance to that! It was a tether forcing me to sleep on my back or one side. I'd stopped the pain pills over that weekend. Mary said I was grumpy all the time and I'll blame the pills for that. I felt like I'd just climbed out of bed all day long. I was a bit stiff so bending over or getting up from a chair was a slow process, but there was very little pain. One other side effect of pain pills involves constipation, and that's something to avoid with lower abdominal surgery.
I'm regaining bladder control, though I don't like to be far from a bathroom. Part of my bladder was removed in order to reroute the urethra. That caused cramps at first, and it's given me new appreciation for what Mary went through when she was pregnant and said her's was the size of a walnut.
I'm not supposed to pick up anything heavier than 5 pounds yet. I helped with grocery shopping yesterday, hauling some bags in from the car. (I'm allowed to drive again.) But I didn't attempt to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. It weighs 8 pounds. Shhhh.
I've been walking every day, sometimes twice a day. And I don't know if this is real or not, but I'm suspecting there's some kind of cold-induced full bladder syndrome, 'cause when I'm out in the park with the dog, I get the urge! I have Christmas shopping to finish too, and that involves more walking. It will help build my endurance, and the other big plus is that there is always a mens room nearby.
I have another urologist appointment next week, and late in the week I'll have to clear AA medical in order to return to work on the 24th. I have to work one full shift, and then I can take vacation until the 2nd.
Co-workers are telling me that half a dozen computers are sitting on my shelf, so there's lots to do when I get back. I'm staying busy - or as busy as I want to be, as I told you previously - and I've written a couple of pieces on prostate cancer as well as the usual tech stuff. The cancer pieces are meant to encourage men to get regular PSA tests. It was key in the early detection of mine.
If anyone has a specific question, I'll be happy to answer it.
One last thing.
I returned to work yesterday after enduring a Kafkaesque session with our medical department and the attendance office last week, but I won't go into that in order to keep my blood pressure within limits.
Sure enough, there were 7 computers waiting for me. All of them need modifications, and at 10-12 hours per unit, that's 2 weeks of work. I'm on vacation now, and I won't be back until next Wednesday. Chances are a few more computers will be enroute.
It was a tiring day. I didn't realize how much I moved around at work, getting up and down and walking around the shop. It was far more than I normally do here at home, so by noon I was feeling it. I did mods in the afternoon, sitting at the soldering bench without moving. It was a relief.
The urologist gave me a full release to duty, meaning I'm free to do whatever exercise I can tolerate. I'm permitted to pick up anything I can manage. That was put to the test last night when Mary fell outside. She wasn't hurt, but I had to lift her and it was all I could do to get he back on her feet. There wasn't any pain, though I was definitely light-headed from the effort.
My main form of exercise is walking, so I'm going to extend the walks a bit. Duchess the Wonder Dog will like that. And, as Duchess seems to have copious amounts of gas this morning, I expect we'll be out for a walk soon.
Some new reports are saying that the PSA numbers may not mean much. I was always told anything over 1.5 is high and anything higher than a 2.5 it should be checked into. I heard that for old people with prostate cancer it's best not to even do anything about it and take a "wait & see atitude" with it. It's hard to know what it what. ???