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
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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
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