It's been way to long that I posted an update on my blog; since last August to be exact. So here it is.

Since my surgery last June I have had my PSA check 3 times. The most recent was April 2nd. All 3 times it has been <0.01 which is un-detectable. Great news as it appears that the surgery was a complete success and I am cancer free.

This past February my Attorney and I reached a settlement with Duke hospital for my humungous  medical bill. This included any outstanding balance at that time wiping out the entire amount that was owed which was over $100,000. We settled for $10,000. What a huge weight off my shoulder. For the first time in a long time I can breathe again. I no longer fear going to the mail box and getting another medical bill. I no longer cringe when my phone ring and need to dodge another bill collector. Life is good again.

A good high school friend retired at the end of March and he organized a retirement party in Jamaica. So 14 of us went to Jamaica for a week from Saturday April 13 thru Saturday April 20. It was a great time and we get to do it all over again next year. They overbooked the Riu Ocho Rios resort where we were staying and moved us to the Riu Montego Bay. They gave us a free weeks stay all inclusive minus the air fair. Not bad for a minor inconvenience.

Anyway life is good again. I will be in Rochester in July for a short vacation. I hope to see many of you at that time.

First Doctor visit post-op

I had my first post-op Doctor visit on Thursday August 2nd; the news was good. The pathology report was good showing that the entire tumor had been removed. Meaning that the surgery was a complete success.

I was sent for blood work to check my PSA level. It came back at 0 which was expected; more good news.

The only drawback is dealing with the incontinent issues from the surgery. I am being sent for some physical therapy to help strengthen the pelvic muscles. But my first appointment is not until September 6th. My Doctor did prescribe some medication to help and it seems to be helping a little.

So for the first time in over a year and a half I don't have any major health issues staring me in the face. Nice!!!

Still outstanding is a final resolution to my large Duke bill, but I hope that is resolved soon.

My next Doctor visit is early October. I will post another update then.

Day 15 Post-Op update

Day 15 Post-Op update.

This morning was another milestone in my Post-Op recovery. The Catheter was  removed about 9AM this morning. What a weird feeling to be able to pee again normally. I did not have to wait and see my Doctor. It was removed by a nurse so not having to wait was a bonus.

Overall I am doing great and getting better everyday. I have no pain or soreness. Just getting used to living a normal life again.

Two more weeks and back to work.

Day 8 Post-Op update

Day 8 Post-Op update.

Not much new to update on Day 8. I'm still a little sore and looking forward to next Tuesday when the Catheter comes off.

My energy level is better and my appetite is back.

I will not be posting updates anymore unless there is a major milestone.

The next update will be next Tuesday 06/26. I have an appointment with my Urologist and am scheduled to get the Catheter off. Plus I will be getting an update on my overall condition.

Look for an update next Tuesday.

Thanks everyone.

Day 7 Post-Op update

Day 7 Post-Op update.

1 week ago today at this time I was up and ready to go. I had to be at the hospital at 10AM. I've come a long way in a year as there was very little if any anxiety building about what I was facing.

The anxiety did finally kick in as I was transported to pre-op. But as usual all the pre-op stuff hurt more than the surgery itself and even that was mild. Once I was transported into the operating room it was only a matter of a few minutes and I was in lala land. The next thing I knew I woke up in ICU and it was all over but the recovery process. I never felt a thing. The miracle of modern medicine.

So today I can tell you all that I have made a significant improvement over even yesterday. Yes I am still sore, but only slightly. Absolutely no pain and very little discomfort.

One more week with the catheter and then I will even be more back to normal.

So if you or anyone you know is about to face some serious surgery and they are stressed about it give them my name and phone number and I will be glad to tell them about my experiences. Before last years bypass surgery I was the biggest baby in the world. Now after surviving 2 major surgeries in a little over 1 year. I know know I can face anything thrown my way. I hope I am done for several years, but one never knows. 

More later.

Day 6 Post-Op update

Day 6 Post-Op update.

More progress even though it is slight it is progress and that is all I can ask or expect.

I will probably start to do some things on my laptop today that I have been putting off.

First coffee today since last Sunday.

More later.

Day 5 Post-Op update

Day 5 Post-op update.

Still sore but not as much as yesterday.

Yesterday was the first day I felt like a human being since the surgery. I know it is a slow process and I am not looking for miracles, but just daily improvements which I have seen. So I am happy.

My sister goes home today and then Paul comes down Sunday.

My appetite is beginning to return, but I want to take this time to get back on track and lose some more weight.

More tomorrow.