Friends,
TGIF..hope it's been a good week for you and yours. It has been a pretty good week for me..no trips to the doctor's office so that is always a good thing.
So, I think things are progressing well now. I have had no issues in the bathroom, no problems with leakage and my functional stream is what I consider to be good. So far as erectile functions, that too seems to be going in the right direction (no pun intended). Fullness and duration are the primary goals and I am satisfied with my progress. I still take my meds (viagra) to help in nerve and muscle regeneration.
Again, the support group meeting this past week was great. I am already looking forward to next month.
Is another work day, even though it is supposed to rain. It has been such a blessing to be able to return to work. I believe work has been the best therapy for making my left hand/arm issues much better.
Thank you for your prayers, please keep me in them. Remember all those who are sick and hurting, the homeless and helpless, the aged and forgotten, our children, each other.
I Love You ALL..... Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me Mike
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Support Group Meeting
Friends and Family,
No, I did not fall off the planet and No, I have not forgotten about this blog. I wanted to attend a meeting of a Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group before this posting...so I did !
We met in Mooresville, NC last night. I was warmly welcomed and was one of eight men affected by prostate cancer. Anne Hughes, the office manager from Lake Norman Urology was there and a gentleman who was one of the facilitators does not and has never had cancer! A meal was provided and we began a very open and frank discussion. We all have a different story woven with the common thread of prostate cancer. One gentleman has been diagnosed as terminal and another is in his 9th year living with cancer. I am VERY pleased to have found this group and feel we can make a difference in the lives of men and families affected by this disease.
As for me .... I am having a pretty good week so far. I am able to pee regularly and without any pain or strain. I will not pretend that I am not concerned about the scar tissue situation but remain hopeful it too will "fix" itself. Speaking of fixing itself....the issue with my left hand/arm is so much better these days. It is not perfect and I will have the occasional "shock" of nerves firing off but all in all, pretty good and MUCH better than a month ago.
If you read this blog and know of men or families dealing with prostate cancer, please tell them about it. In our meeting last night most men agreed that education is one of if not the greatest tool in fighting this disease. In my opinion, the only thing more important than educating yourself is having FAITH! Faith in God, yourself and your doctors.
Time to head out for work (I am glad I can work again). I wish for you all a wonderful day...a day that you can stop for just a minute and see all that God has given to US. I Love You ALL.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
No, I did not fall off the planet and No, I have not forgotten about this blog. I wanted to attend a meeting of a Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group before this posting...so I did !
We met in Mooresville, NC last night. I was warmly welcomed and was one of eight men affected by prostate cancer. Anne Hughes, the office manager from Lake Norman Urology was there and a gentleman who was one of the facilitators does not and has never had cancer! A meal was provided and we began a very open and frank discussion. We all have a different story woven with the common thread of prostate cancer. One gentleman has been diagnosed as terminal and another is in his 9th year living with cancer. I am VERY pleased to have found this group and feel we can make a difference in the lives of men and families affected by this disease.
As for me .... I am having a pretty good week so far. I am able to pee regularly and without any pain or strain. I will not pretend that I am not concerned about the scar tissue situation but remain hopeful it too will "fix" itself. Speaking of fixing itself....the issue with my left hand/arm is so much better these days. It is not perfect and I will have the occasional "shock" of nerves firing off but all in all, pretty good and MUCH better than a month ago.
If you read this blog and know of men or families dealing with prostate cancer, please tell them about it. In our meeting last night most men agreed that education is one of if not the greatest tool in fighting this disease. In my opinion, the only thing more important than educating yourself is having FAITH! Faith in God, yourself and your doctors.
Time to head out for work (I am glad I can work again). I wish for you all a wonderful day...a day that you can stop for just a minute and see all that God has given to US. I Love You ALL.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Thursday, February 19, 2009
25 Random Facts about ME
Friends,
This posting has very little if anything to do with my journey through prostate cancer but.....I think it is interesting and with some encouraging from a friend (thanks Kristen) I hope you will be entertained if not informed by what you read. Lemme know Thanks and Love to ALL
1. I used to live in Scotland (from Nov.1964 - June 1965)
2. I won a National Poetry Contest my senior year in high school. Moma and Daddy have it
hanging in their house.
3. Last month, for the first time in life I did kareoke ("Friends In Low Places" G.Brooks)
4. I met and shook hands with the Dixie Chicks at the airport in Dayton, OH. ( before they got
stupid with their politics)
5. My favorite color is BLUE, not just any blue but CAROLINA BLUE.
6. My first car was a pre-owned, 1973 Rambler Ambassador SST. It was a 2 door, black
landau top and I installed an 8-track tape player..... life was good !
7. My "Bucket List" includes para-sailing and swimming with dolphins.
8. Three food items I dislike most all begin with a "c"... Cucumbers, Celery and Canelope
9. I once shot a nail (accidentally) through my left hand while I was working.
10. When I was living in Ohio I had a little farm and raised chicken and goats. The goats were
named: Flower, Daffodil, Violet, Rosebud, Tulip and Daisy (daughter Katie named 'em all)
11. 3 wishes: Find a cure for cancer, build a school for special needs kids, (selfish one here)
take a year off and travel around the world.
12. I spent 32 years in the airline business. United, Piedmont and USAirways. My best years
were those as a Piedmont employee
13. During a full moon I see the Energizer Bunny. Can you?
14. One of the most special moments in my life was standing on the Heart Butte in Montana
praying. I even tied a prayer cloth to one of the bushes there. Very special moment.
15. When I worked for Piedmont Airlines, one of the perks we had was the opportunity to ride in
the cockpit jumpseat between the pilots.....now THAT is an awesome experience.
16. I think the most famous person I have ever met was Dan Marino, QB for the Miami Dolphins.
Shook his hand and told him I was a big fan. He smiled and thanked me. He has enormous
hands...no wonder he could throw a football so good.
17. I want to write a book. I still have an outline for it on a disk. The name is going to be
"Only Dreams Last Forever"
18. The first time I ever played golf was in Norfolk, Virginia in the late 70's. I shot a 108....
on the front nine.
19. The night before I got married (the first time), Daddy reminded me my curfew was
still 11:30...... and I was home on time!
20. My mother's maiden name is Raynor. Guess that makes me a thoroughbred? (no sick jokes
now, that's not nice)
21. Maybe I was wrong about #16.....I met Coach Dean Smith once, he signed my NCAA
National Championship Cap. Go Heels !!
22. One of the things in life I just love.....CALLER I.D. ain't it great to see who is calling you?
23. Last year I got the opportunity to work as a Volunteer Ambassador in the Wachovia
Championship. I get to do it again this year...hopefully Tiger will show this year?
24. In 1998 I got to ride the EUROSTAR (high speed train) from Paris to London. I fell asleep
and woke up in London.....missed the whole "chunnel" trip.
25. Nothing in life make me prouder than seeing my sons, now husbands and fathers, with their
families.
BONUS FACT: I am cancer free, a survivor and give the credit to GOD for the miracles in my
life.
This posting has very little if anything to do with my journey through prostate cancer but.....I think it is interesting and with some encouraging from a friend (thanks Kristen) I hope you will be entertained if not informed by what you read. Lemme know Thanks and Love to ALL
1. I used to live in Scotland (from Nov.1964 - June 1965)
2. I won a National Poetry Contest my senior year in high school. Moma and Daddy have it
hanging in their house.
3. Last month, for the first time in life I did kareoke ("Friends In Low Places" G.Brooks)
4. I met and shook hands with the Dixie Chicks at the airport in Dayton, OH. ( before they got
stupid with their politics)
5. My favorite color is BLUE, not just any blue but CAROLINA BLUE.
6. My first car was a pre-owned, 1973 Rambler Ambassador SST. It was a 2 door, black
landau top and I installed an 8-track tape player..... life was good !
7. My "Bucket List" includes para-sailing and swimming with dolphins.
8. Three food items I dislike most all begin with a "c"... Cucumbers, Celery and Canelope
9. I once shot a nail (accidentally) through my left hand while I was working.
10. When I was living in Ohio I had a little farm and raised chicken and goats. The goats were
named: Flower, Daffodil, Violet, Rosebud, Tulip and Daisy (daughter Katie named 'em all)
11. 3 wishes: Find a cure for cancer, build a school for special needs kids, (selfish one here)
take a year off and travel around the world.
12. I spent 32 years in the airline business. United, Piedmont and USAirways. My best years
were those as a Piedmont employee
13. During a full moon I see the Energizer Bunny. Can you?
14. One of the most special moments in my life was standing on the Heart Butte in Montana
praying. I even tied a prayer cloth to one of the bushes there. Very special moment.
15. When I worked for Piedmont Airlines, one of the perks we had was the opportunity to ride in
the cockpit jumpseat between the pilots.....now THAT is an awesome experience.
16. I think the most famous person I have ever met was Dan Marino, QB for the Miami Dolphins.
Shook his hand and told him I was a big fan. He smiled and thanked me. He has enormous
hands...no wonder he could throw a football so good.
17. I want to write a book. I still have an outline for it on a disk. The name is going to be
"Only Dreams Last Forever"
18. The first time I ever played golf was in Norfolk, Virginia in the late 70's. I shot a 108....
on the front nine.
19. The night before I got married (the first time), Daddy reminded me my curfew was
still 11:30...... and I was home on time!
20. My mother's maiden name is Raynor. Guess that makes me a thoroughbred? (no sick jokes
now, that's not nice)
21. Maybe I was wrong about #16.....I met Coach Dean Smith once, he signed my NCAA
National Championship Cap. Go Heels !!
22. One of the things in life I just love.....CALLER I.D. ain't it great to see who is calling you?
23. Last year I got the opportunity to work as a Volunteer Ambassador in the Wachovia
Championship. I get to do it again this year...hopefully Tiger will show this year?
24. In 1998 I got to ride the EUROSTAR (high speed train) from Paris to London. I fell asleep
and woke up in London.....missed the whole "chunnel" trip.
25. Nothing in life make me prouder than seeing my sons, now husbands and fathers, with their
families.
BONUS FACT: I am cancer free, a survivor and give the credit to GOD for the miracles in my
life.
A lovely shade of green (or blue)
Friends,
Life continues to be entertaining. I am doing much better so far as being able to empty my bladder....and because of one of the meds I am taking, it is a lovely shade of green or blue or maybe just a pretty combo of both. It is for helping the trauma associated with the cystoscope procedure done on Tuesday. I still have some burning and discomfort after I have peed but the good news is..I can pee like a normal person!
Hoping to be back at work today. I really feel pretty good except for that little burning sensation.
Will keep ya posted on how things progress....
Keep Prayin' Thanks for all your prayers and concerns..... I love You ALL
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Life continues to be entertaining. I am doing much better so far as being able to empty my bladder....and because of one of the meds I am taking, it is a lovely shade of green or blue or maybe just a pretty combo of both. It is for helping the trauma associated with the cystoscope procedure done on Tuesday. I still have some burning and discomfort after I have peed but the good news is..I can pee like a normal person!
Hoping to be back at work today. I really feel pretty good except for that little burning sensation.
Will keep ya posted on how things progress....
Keep Prayin' Thanks for all your prayers and concerns..... I love You ALL
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Good News....Bad News
Friends,
Hope all is well in your world on this rainy Wednesday morning. I awoke from one of the best nights I have had in quite some time, actually sleeping for more than an hour at a time. Went to see Doc Polsky yesterday afternoon. Nicole scanned my bladder to find out I am not emptying my bladder after I pee even though I felt like I had. This is a condition they referred to as "retention". I have been dealing with this for almost two weeks, never really voiding my bladder and when I had the urge to go, sometimes every 10 minutes, it was never in a stream but drop by drop. So......it was time to take a look inside and see what is going on. Doc told me we could do it now or set up a time at the hospital under anesthesia. Straddling the line between courage and being crazy, I opted to do it now, in the office. A "Cystiscope" was used to go in through my penis, along the urethra and into the bladder. It only took a few seconds for the doc to see that scar tissue had developed from the surgery and had constricted the opening in my bladder that allows a normal flow and elimination. That scar tissue had to be stretched. My eyes were closed so I didn't see it all but Brenda was and did see it and said three tube like devices were inserted, each one bigger than the previous and YES....it was very uncomfortable! Good news is, when I stood up and gathered myself, I did pee..ALOT. It felt so good. I am on anti-biotics again, on a drug that should lessen the growth of scar tissue and a pill that should help heal the irritation and discomfort caused by the procedure....and it makes my pee a pretty shade of blue/green! This morning I am sore and peeing does seem to cause some discomfort, burning for about 15-30 minutes. I will have to go in again in a month to take another look and see if the scar tissue growth has closed the opening in my bladder. This time...I HAVE VALIUM !!! Bad news is the scar tissue may be a problem for life, good news is, I am better today that I have been in more than two weeks. Once again, Doctor Polsky and Nicole took good care of me and they make me feel "special". Most every procedure I have had has been less than pleasant (understatement?) but the Doctor and Nicole have made it as easy as it could be...I feel blessed to have them taking care of me. Nicole has always been respectful and considerate of me and preserved my dignity to the greatest extent possible for what had to be done...."Thanks Nicole, you're the best!"
On another note, yesterday I spoke with Anne from L.N.U., Mooresville office. Next week I will be attending a meeting of a support group of those affected by prostate cancer. I am so looking forward to it and working with other men and families.
My left hand. I think it is better and I attribute it to being back to work. There are still some issues with numbness but is so much better than a month ago. I am confident it will continue to get better and stronger in time.
Looks like a rainy day....I suspect a nap or two and catching up on my recorded shows is in my immediate future?
Thank you all again for your prayers and concerns. I Love You ALL !
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME
Mike
Hope all is well in your world on this rainy Wednesday morning. I awoke from one of the best nights I have had in quite some time, actually sleeping for more than an hour at a time. Went to see Doc Polsky yesterday afternoon. Nicole scanned my bladder to find out I am not emptying my bladder after I pee even though I felt like I had. This is a condition they referred to as "retention". I have been dealing with this for almost two weeks, never really voiding my bladder and when I had the urge to go, sometimes every 10 minutes, it was never in a stream but drop by drop. So......it was time to take a look inside and see what is going on. Doc told me we could do it now or set up a time at the hospital under anesthesia. Straddling the line between courage and being crazy, I opted to do it now, in the office. A "Cystiscope" was used to go in through my penis, along the urethra and into the bladder. It only took a few seconds for the doc to see that scar tissue had developed from the surgery and had constricted the opening in my bladder that allows a normal flow and elimination. That scar tissue had to be stretched. My eyes were closed so I didn't see it all but Brenda was and did see it and said three tube like devices were inserted, each one bigger than the previous and YES....it was very uncomfortable! Good news is, when I stood up and gathered myself, I did pee..ALOT. It felt so good. I am on anti-biotics again, on a drug that should lessen the growth of scar tissue and a pill that should help heal the irritation and discomfort caused by the procedure....and it makes my pee a pretty shade of blue/green! This morning I am sore and peeing does seem to cause some discomfort, burning for about 15-30 minutes. I will have to go in again in a month to take another look and see if the scar tissue growth has closed the opening in my bladder. This time...I HAVE VALIUM !!! Bad news is the scar tissue may be a problem for life, good news is, I am better today that I have been in more than two weeks. Once again, Doctor Polsky and Nicole took good care of me and they make me feel "special". Most every procedure I have had has been less than pleasant (understatement?) but the Doctor and Nicole have made it as easy as it could be...I feel blessed to have them taking care of me. Nicole has always been respectful and considerate of me and preserved my dignity to the greatest extent possible for what had to be done...."Thanks Nicole, you're the best!"
On another note, yesterday I spoke with Anne from L.N.U., Mooresville office. Next week I will be attending a meeting of a support group of those affected by prostate cancer. I am so looking forward to it and working with other men and families.
My left hand. I think it is better and I attribute it to being back to work. There are still some issues with numbness but is so much better than a month ago. I am confident it will continue to get better and stronger in time.
Looks like a rainy day....I suspect a nap or two and catching up on my recorded shows is in my immediate future?
Thank you all again for your prayers and concerns. I Love You ALL !
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME
Mike
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday Morning....Feb 15th
Friends and Family,
Hope you have all had a good weekend and didnt forget to send your "sweetie" a Valentine's Day card yesterday? My weekend has been OK, quietly spent at the beach with a special treat of having Moma and Daddy and Uncle Gordon coming and having dinner with us. It was great.
On the health front tho, things still aren't quite as good as I was hoping they would be. Phone convo's with the doc's office have left me with instructions to see if the meds are going to work. Well, they aint working yet !! If you would set your clock to go off about every 15 minutes for you to go pee, no matter where you are or what you are doing during your awake time and then set it for every 60-75 minutes of your sleep time, to get up and go pee....each time with little more than a dribble.....YOU WOULD KNOW HOW I FEEL ! It has been awful. I am not in any severe pain, though it is uncomfortable. We, me and the docs, are stumped about it. My urine culture shows no bacteria so it remains a mystery. I say all this, not to foster any pity or sympathy but to let others who may have this particular post surgery condition, I can relate!
I have an appointment of Tuesday to see Doc Polsky and hopefully we can find some kind of solution to this problem. You know how I love to "self-diagnose". I have thought of diet, meds interacting and even wondering if tub baths may have caused something to happen...it remains a mystery? One thing I do know for sure......God has already figured it out and when He is good and ready, he'll let me know and it'll all be OK again. In the mean time, I will celebrate that I am cancer free and I am in a much better place than I was 3 months ago! WoooHooo!!
Time to go for now..gotta pee again. Thank you for your prayers, I love you ALL.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Hope you have all had a good weekend and didnt forget to send your "sweetie" a Valentine's Day card yesterday? My weekend has been OK, quietly spent at the beach with a special treat of having Moma and Daddy and Uncle Gordon coming and having dinner with us. It was great.
On the health front tho, things still aren't quite as good as I was hoping they would be. Phone convo's with the doc's office have left me with instructions to see if the meds are going to work. Well, they aint working yet !! If you would set your clock to go off about every 15 minutes for you to go pee, no matter where you are or what you are doing during your awake time and then set it for every 60-75 minutes of your sleep time, to get up and go pee....each time with little more than a dribble.....YOU WOULD KNOW HOW I FEEL ! It has been awful. I am not in any severe pain, though it is uncomfortable. We, me and the docs, are stumped about it. My urine culture shows no bacteria so it remains a mystery. I say all this, not to foster any pity or sympathy but to let others who may have this particular post surgery condition, I can relate!
I have an appointment of Tuesday to see Doc Polsky and hopefully we can find some kind of solution to this problem. You know how I love to "self-diagnose". I have thought of diet, meds interacting and even wondering if tub baths may have caused something to happen...it remains a mystery? One thing I do know for sure......God has already figured it out and when He is good and ready, he'll let me know and it'll all be OK again. In the mean time, I will celebrate that I am cancer free and I am in a much better place than I was 3 months ago! WoooHooo!!
Time to go for now..gotta pee again. Thank you for your prayers, I love you ALL.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Things that make you say..."Hmmmmm"?
Friends and Family,
Hope all is well in all your worlds. I for one can say, life is pretty good, not perfect but pretty good. Well, I went back to the doc on Monday for a little check and see what's going on with this not being able to pee like I should. We took another culture. There are no visible signs, I dont have any pain to speak of, I just have to go and go and go and there is very little output. So, the nurse called yesterday and said the culture revealed NO BACTERIA, so ~~ NO INFECTION !
Hmmmm... so what can it be I asked? They are not sure either. The suggestion now is that I have had some kind of bladder irritant in my diet, i.e. orange juice, coffee, spicy food. Yes, I did have some O.J. last week and coffee has been a part of my daily life every morning and no, I have not had any really spicy foods lately. So, I reckon I will be pouring down the water and hoping and praying it will wash away the bad stuff and get me heading back to normal again.
I am a "self diagnoser" and can come up with lots of possible causes for what ails me at the time but this one has me stumped. Brenda tells me I a freaking out over possibilities that I do not know will happen.....I say "I have a right to get just a little freaked out with all the stuff I have dealt with"! The road to ....... good intentions.....quack, quack, quack!
Time to get going. I am back among the working class again (and so happy). Today is the 3 month anniversary of my surgery and more importantly, 3 months of being cancer free. I will forever be greatful to my friend Dr. Polsky and his staff, the wonderful care givers at LNRMH, my awesome friends and family and for YOU and the many prayer that lifted me and my family up so often over these past 3 month. I love you ALL and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Til next time, with hopefully some better news about the peeing thang....take care of yourselves and each other, pray for our children and our churches, know that God can do ANYTHING. Tell someone you love them.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me Mike
Hope all is well in all your worlds. I for one can say, life is pretty good, not perfect but pretty good. Well, I went back to the doc on Monday for a little check and see what's going on with this not being able to pee like I should. We took another culture. There are no visible signs, I dont have any pain to speak of, I just have to go and go and go and there is very little output. So, the nurse called yesterday and said the culture revealed NO BACTERIA, so ~~ NO INFECTION !
Hmmmm... so what can it be I asked? They are not sure either. The suggestion now is that I have had some kind of bladder irritant in my diet, i.e. orange juice, coffee, spicy food. Yes, I did have some O.J. last week and coffee has been a part of my daily life every morning and no, I have not had any really spicy foods lately. So, I reckon I will be pouring down the water and hoping and praying it will wash away the bad stuff and get me heading back to normal again.
I am a "self diagnoser" and can come up with lots of possible causes for what ails me at the time but this one has me stumped. Brenda tells me I a freaking out over possibilities that I do not know will happen.....I say "I have a right to get just a little freaked out with all the stuff I have dealt with"! The road to ....... good intentions.....quack, quack, quack!
Time to get going. I am back among the working class again (and so happy). Today is the 3 month anniversary of my surgery and more importantly, 3 months of being cancer free. I will forever be greatful to my friend Dr. Polsky and his staff, the wonderful care givers at LNRMH, my awesome friends and family and for YOU and the many prayer that lifted me and my family up so often over these past 3 month. I love you ALL and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Til next time, with hopefully some better news about the peeing thang....take care of yourselves and each other, pray for our children and our churches, know that God can do ANYTHING. Tell someone you love them.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me Mike
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saturday
Friends and Family,
I sit here looking out the window and it is an absolutely beautiful day! I know I have so much to be thankful for. And with that lead in, let me say I am sorry for my little whine fest in the last posting. It was not a good day and having an "accident" knocked alot of the wind out of my sail. Good news is....I'M OVER IT ! I still have something going on, not sure but suspect the U.T.I. is not better yet. I get the urge to go expecting a dam to break and it is more like when you cut the shower off and those few last drop come down. It is very frustrating but I dont hurt anywhere and nothing is blocked cause I can still pee....even if only a very tiny bit at a time.
Not very enjoyable reading today but "it is what it is". I have not heard from the nurse from the practice re: the support group but suspect I will this coming week....I am very excited about that.
Sunday school class is coming over tonight so I need to get some "stuff" ready. Have a great weekend. Thanks for your prayers, please dont stop. I love you ALL
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
MR
I sit here looking out the window and it is an absolutely beautiful day! I know I have so much to be thankful for. And with that lead in, let me say I am sorry for my little whine fest in the last posting. It was not a good day and having an "accident" knocked alot of the wind out of my sail. Good news is....I'M OVER IT ! I still have something going on, not sure but suspect the U.T.I. is not better yet. I get the urge to go expecting a dam to break and it is more like when you cut the shower off and those few last drop come down. It is very frustrating but I dont hurt anywhere and nothing is blocked cause I can still pee....even if only a very tiny bit at a time.
Not very enjoyable reading today but "it is what it is". I have not heard from the nurse from the practice re: the support group but suspect I will this coming week....I am very excited about that.
Sunday school class is coming over tonight so I need to get some "stuff" ready. Have a great weekend. Thanks for your prayers, please dont stop. I love you ALL
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
MR
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A first ....and hopefully a LAST !
Friends,
Hope everyone is well and staying warm (if you live in the Charlotte metro area). It was a very cold morning. I worked again today. We got a late start hoping things would warm up some and they did eventually. About an hour into working I realized I had wet through my underwear, my long johns and my overalls. I couldn't believe it !! I had already called the doc earlier in the day and now I have wet my clothes. So, the doc calls, wants me to get some VESICARE and begin taking it. I told the bosss I needed to go to the docs and that I had wet myself too. I was embarrassed and yep, I got emotional. Anyway, I got to the doc's office and they wanted to do a bladder scan to see if I am emptying my bladder. I provided the usual sample (a very small one) and she did the ultra sound scan. It showed that I had in fact emptied my bladder - this is good news. So, now the VESICARE will help with urgency and frequency and the leakage issue. I am thinking it could be linked to the infection I am treating with antibiotics? Anyway, it was not a good day but I am working and I am warm and full and tomorrow will hopefully be better. I am not gonna have (too big of) a pity party but remain hopeful tomorrow is gonna be a better day...enuf said!!
Thank to all of you for your prayers and concern. I love you ALL....
"Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me"
Mike
Hope everyone is well and staying warm (if you live in the Charlotte metro area). It was a very cold morning. I worked again today. We got a late start hoping things would warm up some and they did eventually. About an hour into working I realized I had wet through my underwear, my long johns and my overalls. I couldn't believe it !! I had already called the doc earlier in the day and now I have wet my clothes. So, the doc calls, wants me to get some VESICARE and begin taking it. I told the bosss I needed to go to the docs and that I had wet myself too. I was embarrassed and yep, I got emotional. Anyway, I got to the doc's office and they wanted to do a bladder scan to see if I am emptying my bladder. I provided the usual sample (a very small one) and she did the ultra sound scan. It showed that I had in fact emptied my bladder - this is good news. So, now the VESICARE will help with urgency and frequency and the leakage issue. I am thinking it could be linked to the infection I am treating with antibiotics? Anyway, it was not a good day but I am working and I am warm and full and tomorrow will hopefully be better. I am not gonna have (too big of) a pity party but remain hopeful tomorrow is gonna be a better day...enuf said!!
Thank to all of you for your prayers and concern. I love you ALL....
"Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me"
Mike
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A New Month and it's snowing again....
Friends,
Hello! Yes, another snow day in the "Queen City" and man-o-man is it cold outside today.
Life continues to get better everyday. I went back to work on Monday morning. Did some ground level painting and in the afternoon worked on a well house roof (it was about 4' off the ground). Was a good day and Tuesday after our bible study/breakfast I went back to that site and finished it up and.....before the day was over I was on the roof -- MY CHOICE! I will say the guys have all been very mindful of my limitations and helpful in any way they can be.
I told you in the last posting that I have another infection somewhere that showed up in a urinalysis. I am on an antibiotic but I am not sure it is improving like I think it should. I have not had any blood in my urine no pain but I am having some urgency issues like I need to go bad and when I go it is very little. I will be talking to the doc about that again when I see him again.
Little birds are telling me that some of my faithful readers find it sometimes difficult to read this when I get really "frank" and "explicit", especially when it is discussion of erectile function. All I can say (and I mean SAY) is ..."it is what it is". I would say the drug regimen (Viagra 100mg) is helping with blood flow, nerve conduction and functional regeneration. I am not where I was pre-surgery nor where I plan to be in 3 or 6 or 12 months from now.
Some exciting new for me today, atleast I think it is very exciting. I was called by one of the staff from Lake Norman Urology in Mooresville. She had spoken with Nicole from the Huntersville office that I most often visit. She serves as somewhat of a liason or coordinator for a prostate cancer support group, I would guess mostly patients of the practicing physicians of L.N.U.? She has heard of some of the things I have done and about this blog and has asked me to become involved in "energizing" this support group. Needless to say, I was quick to say "yes" and can hardly wait to hear more about it. My mission is to inform as many men and their families of what can be done to fight this disease, available treatment plans, pre and post surgery counselling and help them get through some of the trial associated with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery from prostate cancer.
Over 25,000 men....husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, nephews and friends died of prostate cancer last year. Education in my opinion is the most effective tool in fighting any disease including prostate cancer. I want to do my part....I was given my life back and now I want to give something back!
I will get off my soap box now.....sorry.
Was a cold day with snow on the ground, it's gonna be a cold night tonight too. Please pray for those who are homeless and have no warm place to sleep, no warm meal or no one to say that they really do matter. Pray for our children, pray for our leaders, pray for each other. I love you all and count it a priviledge that you will take this time on your journey with me......
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me........................ Mike
Hello! Yes, another snow day in the "Queen City" and man-o-man is it cold outside today.
Life continues to get better everyday. I went back to work on Monday morning. Did some ground level painting and in the afternoon worked on a well house roof (it was about 4' off the ground). Was a good day and Tuesday after our bible study/breakfast I went back to that site and finished it up and.....before the day was over I was on the roof -- MY CHOICE! I will say the guys have all been very mindful of my limitations and helpful in any way they can be.
I told you in the last posting that I have another infection somewhere that showed up in a urinalysis. I am on an antibiotic but I am not sure it is improving like I think it should. I have not had any blood in my urine no pain but I am having some urgency issues like I need to go bad and when I go it is very little. I will be talking to the doc about that again when I see him again.
Little birds are telling me that some of my faithful readers find it sometimes difficult to read this when I get really "frank" and "explicit", especially when it is discussion of erectile function. All I can say (and I mean SAY) is ..."it is what it is". I would say the drug regimen (Viagra 100mg) is helping with blood flow, nerve conduction and functional regeneration. I am not where I was pre-surgery nor where I plan to be in 3 or 6 or 12 months from now.
Some exciting new for me today, atleast I think it is very exciting. I was called by one of the staff from Lake Norman Urology in Mooresville. She had spoken with Nicole from the Huntersville office that I most often visit. She serves as somewhat of a liason or coordinator for a prostate cancer support group, I would guess mostly patients of the practicing physicians of L.N.U.? She has heard of some of the things I have done and about this blog and has asked me to become involved in "energizing" this support group. Needless to say, I was quick to say "yes" and can hardly wait to hear more about it. My mission is to inform as many men and their families of what can be done to fight this disease, available treatment plans, pre and post surgery counselling and help them get through some of the trial associated with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery from prostate cancer.
Over 25,000 men....husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, nephews and friends died of prostate cancer last year. Education in my opinion is the most effective tool in fighting any disease including prostate cancer. I want to do my part....I was given my life back and now I want to give something back!
I will get off my soap box now.....sorry.
Was a cold day with snow on the ground, it's gonna be a cold night tonight too. Please pray for those who are homeless and have no warm place to sleep, no warm meal or no one to say that they really do matter. Pray for our children, pray for our leaders, pray for each other. I love you all and count it a priviledge that you will take this time on your journey with me......
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me........................ Mike
Sunday, February 1, 2009
January 31, 2009
Friends and Family,
Well, January is gone! Will be spring and then summer and then back in the cold again before we know it. Aren't you glad we have that promise to depend on?
Went back to doc on last week with the expectation that all is well.....found out Thursday is not ALL quite well. Seems I have an infection detected in my urinalysis and am back on anti-biotics again. With all the other A/B's I have been on I am surprised any kinda bugs could live inside me. Guess we'll know if we got it in about two more weeks?
I think I am getting stronger and better each day. Went without a pad for a few hours at home yesterday and had not leakage issues. I am being very diligent about doing my kagel exercises. The viagra is giving me some promising results so far but is not nearly where I was before surgery. And on that subject.....this subject was brought up recently on my visit to Momma and Daddy's oddly enough. Contrary to the belief left in our minds from TV commercials, viagra does not miraculously create an erection or one that automatically last for four hours. Medications are part of the big picture and all the other "stuff" associated with excitation and arousal has to be in place too. My pill time is at night before bed and SLEEP. Got any more questions about this drug, consult your doctor, your pharmacist or ask me and I will tell you what I know from personal experience and research!
Hand may be a tiny bit better...am trying really hard to block it out. I am hopeful I can return to work this week without any issues.
S'all for now I think. Thanks again for all your prayer...I love you ALL
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME....... Mike
Well, January is gone! Will be spring and then summer and then back in the cold again before we know it. Aren't you glad we have that promise to depend on?
Went back to doc on last week with the expectation that all is well.....found out Thursday is not ALL quite well. Seems I have an infection detected in my urinalysis and am back on anti-biotics again. With all the other A/B's I have been on I am surprised any kinda bugs could live inside me. Guess we'll know if we got it in about two more weeks?
I think I am getting stronger and better each day. Went without a pad for a few hours at home yesterday and had not leakage issues. I am being very diligent about doing my kagel exercises. The viagra is giving me some promising results so far but is not nearly where I was before surgery. And on that subject.....this subject was brought up recently on my visit to Momma and Daddy's oddly enough. Contrary to the belief left in our minds from TV commercials, viagra does not miraculously create an erection or one that automatically last for four hours. Medications are part of the big picture and all the other "stuff" associated with excitation and arousal has to be in place too. My pill time is at night before bed and SLEEP. Got any more questions about this drug, consult your doctor, your pharmacist or ask me and I will tell you what I know from personal experience and research!
Hand may be a tiny bit better...am trying really hard to block it out. I am hopeful I can return to work this week without any issues.
S'all for now I think. Thanks again for all your prayer...I love you ALL
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME....... Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
