Friends,
Good morning, hope it's been a good day for everyone. Looks like a beautiful day in store for the Carolinas. Today is the 50th Annual BBQ @ Trinity United Methodist Church. I am told over 7000 pounds of meat was cooked this week..it's still amazes me even though I have seen it for several years now. Come on down and "git cha some"....bet it's the best you'll find!
The doctor's office visit was much as I expected on Tuesday. They removed the catheter and had no real explanation as to what is happening but we are going again tomorrow and will do the cystoscope and "have a look around" and make sure things are as they should be going into the weekend. I expect we will stretch the opening again too and the big news is that I will be instructed on how to catherize myself...it should be done daily (the doc says). I can hardly imagine that either but he is my guy and has gotten me this far, gotta believe he knows best!
The one question that comes to mind is when I take the valium tomorrow morning to lessen the discomfort associated with the upcoming procedure, will I still be lucid enough to understand the process of catherizing myself? Guess we'll find that one out tomorrow?
Thank you all for your continued prayers and expressions of concern....I could not have made it without you....I LOVE YOU ALL. Have a great day and hope to see ya at the BBQ.
THANK YOU LORD for YOUR BLESSINGS on ME
Mike
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Are ya happy now ???
Friends,
Well, snow lovers....ARE YA HAPPY NOW ???? I hope so. Having spent 12 winters in Ohio I am not in the least excited by snow in any amount. For those of you that are....enjoy!
It was an OK night, resonably restful, as restful as it can be with a catheter attached to me. I was anxious for morning to come so I could get into the docs office and see what is going on. Well....the snow has taken care of that too, docs are not in the office (yet). I am hopeful they will be in sometime today and I can get in and deposit this catheter.
Again, I am not in any pain nor unbearable discomfort. For anyone who has had a catheter, you know it is as much a mental and emotional thing as it is a physical thing. I am a little aggrevated and frustrated but I am confident it will be OK and "normal" is just around the corner.
For all you friends in the Charlotte area, please be careful out there today. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight and get your "snow" fix. If you get out on the roads...be careful ! For those of you away from snow.....be greatful !
OK, time to try the docs office again. I will keep you all posted on what goes on (as usual). As always, your prayers are appreciated. I Love You ALL....
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Well, snow lovers....ARE YA HAPPY NOW ???? I hope so. Having spent 12 winters in Ohio I am not in the least excited by snow in any amount. For those of you that are....enjoy!
It was an OK night, resonably restful, as restful as it can be with a catheter attached to me. I was anxious for morning to come so I could get into the docs office and see what is going on. Well....the snow has taken care of that too, docs are not in the office (yet). I am hopeful they will be in sometime today and I can get in and deposit this catheter.
Again, I am not in any pain nor unbearable discomfort. For anyone who has had a catheter, you know it is as much a mental and emotional thing as it is a physical thing. I am a little aggrevated and frustrated but I am confident it will be OK and "normal" is just around the corner.
For all you friends in the Charlotte area, please be careful out there today. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight and get your "snow" fix. If you get out on the roads...be careful ! For those of you away from snow.....be greatful !
OK, time to try the docs office again. I will keep you all posted on what goes on (as usual). As always, your prayers are appreciated. I Love You ALL....
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Mike
Sunday, March 1, 2009
NOT AGAIN......!!!
Friends,
I think I must be getting a call from Guiness Book of World Records any day now. Yesterday was a good day, nothing special, everything "working" perfectly. I even said, "I felt better this week than I have since November". We went to a dinner party last night and when I visited the bathroom about 6:30 it was very difficult, no stream but drops of blood. 3 subsequent visits about 20 minutes apart produced nothing but some pain in my penis. Called the doc and he suggested a hot bath and too limit my fluid intake. After about an hour of that with no results, it was off to the ER again. Prayed all the way there and once there was taken right in and the nurses were working on me in no time. A bladder scan revealed I had about 1/2 a litre still in my bladder. It came as no surprise that a catherization was in my immediate future. The initial attempt failed, could not get into my bladder. #2 with a smaller catheter also failed, could not get into my bladder....a few minutes of discussion between nurses and another try with a catheter used primarily for children and we hit the mother lode and the pee-pee was coming out good....needless to say it was almost immediate relief. Because it was a smaller cath, it took longer to drain my bladder. The ER doc came in, very nice guy and said everything appears to be working as it should. He was going to culture a specimen to check on infection. Yes, again I am gonna be on Cipro (anti-biotic). Tomorrow I will be calling my doc as soon as the office opens to see what is going on.
I don't feel bad, I don't hurt anywhere and have made up my mind, I am NOT going to be held prisoner by this catheter again. I don't see me having it for six weeks like before....but it is what it is and I will deal with it.
I said last night, I think it is a safe bet that more women have seen me naked in the past 3-4 months that in the first 3-4 months of my life! Now there's a scary thot huh?
The staff at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center was awesome. They were caring and attentive and respectful. The nurses, the CNA's and admin staff and the doctor...I feel so blessed to have such wonderfu people concerned for me........AND a family of friends like ALL of you that love me too.
Keep praying please....I will keep ya updated.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me Mike
I think I must be getting a call from Guiness Book of World Records any day now. Yesterday was a good day, nothing special, everything "working" perfectly. I even said, "I felt better this week than I have since November". We went to a dinner party last night and when I visited the bathroom about 6:30 it was very difficult, no stream but drops of blood. 3 subsequent visits about 20 minutes apart produced nothing but some pain in my penis. Called the doc and he suggested a hot bath and too limit my fluid intake. After about an hour of that with no results, it was off to the ER again. Prayed all the way there and once there was taken right in and the nurses were working on me in no time. A bladder scan revealed I had about 1/2 a litre still in my bladder. It came as no surprise that a catherization was in my immediate future. The initial attempt failed, could not get into my bladder. #2 with a smaller catheter also failed, could not get into my bladder....a few minutes of discussion between nurses and another try with a catheter used primarily for children and we hit the mother lode and the pee-pee was coming out good....needless to say it was almost immediate relief. Because it was a smaller cath, it took longer to drain my bladder. The ER doc came in, very nice guy and said everything appears to be working as it should. He was going to culture a specimen to check on infection. Yes, again I am gonna be on Cipro (anti-biotic). Tomorrow I will be calling my doc as soon as the office opens to see what is going on.
I don't feel bad, I don't hurt anywhere and have made up my mind, I am NOT going to be held prisoner by this catheter again. I don't see me having it for six weeks like before....but it is what it is and I will deal with it.
I said last night, I think it is a safe bet that more women have seen me naked in the past 3-4 months that in the first 3-4 months of my life! Now there's a scary thot huh?
The staff at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center was awesome. They were caring and attentive and respectful. The nurses, the CNA's and admin staff and the doctor...I feel so blessed to have such wonderfu people concerned for me........AND a family of friends like ALL of you that love me too.
Keep praying please....I will keep ya updated.
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me Mike
Friday, February 27, 2009
February 27th...TGIF
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
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
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
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