Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Full Term!


Today marks the nine month milestone since my surgery...I'm officially full term! I continue to read articles regarding developments in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, I continue to speak to every male who will listen about the importance of regular screening, and I continue to heal.

Physically, I could not be happier. Last weekend I ran yet another 5K and managed to reduce my time...I'm still slow, but I'm a better me than I was earlier in the season and that's all I'm pursuing. Everything continues to function and I have only an occasional twinge to remind me of the surgery. The scars will never look cool, but they have all healed well. In fact, I continue to marvel at how completely a body can recover from the intrusion that is surgery.

The articles continue to do battle over the efficacy of PSA testing, but I'm pretty much past that conflict. Although, now that I think about it, I am still involved in that I have my blood work done every six months specifically to monitor my PSA levels (which should be, and have been, undetectable since I no longer have a P).

My newest challenge has been the development of vertigo. Although it's only intermittent, and appears to be positional in nature, it has been an interesting condition to experience. The physician did prescribed medication, but I choose not to use it for a variety of reason (not the least of which is the warning on the label that mentions the medication may cause dizziness...HELLO). I have started a routine of exercises (more like positions than exercises), that have had a very positive, and welcomed, effect. I have an entire routine on dealing with vertigo...but maybe that's another blog.

I continue to be pleased with the decision I made for my treatment, but I continue to remind everyone that my decision was just that...mine, not for everyone. And, I remain thankful for all of that with which I have been blessed. There is a country/western song that says, “I hope some day you get the chance to live like you were dying.” One's perspective changes, focuses, and improves.

On to the next milestone.