Friends,
Hope all is well with you and yours. The seasons have changed since I last posted on here and we are looking forward to the Holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Today is just another block on the calendar page for many. For me, it is more important than my birthday, or anniversary or any other special event that has been a part of my journey for 56+ years. Today I celebrate being cancer free for one year. One year ago, right now, I was in surgery, the first steps of a journey that I could not have imagined. Friends (like family) were there with me, encouraging me, praying for me, reassuring me that all would be well ~ they were right. Remembering it all now brings me to tears but they are good tears, it was a time that God showed his love and his mercy and his face to me in so many ways, with so many people. I have re-read this blog a few times and I would encourage you who have walked with me this past year to read it again too. What a great testimony to the power of God. I will not revisit it all on here, I just want you to know what is happening in my life one year later.......... last week I was at the coast with my children and grandchildren fishing. There were no catheters or bathroom runs every 15 minutes like last year. It was great. I didn't catch the biggest nor the most fish but I was there! Life has not been perfect for the past year but IT HAS BEEN !!! Everyday another man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, another man dies from this cancer, another family is devastated. I am blessed, I am one of the "good" statistics. It is time on this journey to say some thank yous. As I read through this blog, that was the one thing I seemed to overlook the most. First of all, I thank GOD for his blessings on me. God has shown up and showed off in so many ways. My family, Brenda did things I would have never guessed she was capable of, perhaps things she never dreamed she was capable of. As much as she loves her sleeep, she spent many a sleepless night to honor her vows, keep her committments and provide the care I needed when I needed it. My sons and their families. They spent Thanksgiving last year in the hospital with me, all of them. Their love and support have meant so much. Moma and Daddy, both dealing with their own medical issues, praying for me everyday, calling often and of course, doing what parents do best, worry about their babies. My brother Dean and wife Rita. They too were miles away in Texas but never failed to call and offer their support and love. Caught in the middle with his Daddy and his brother both in the hospital, Dean did what he thought was best for us all and held our family together when it looked like we were all gonna crumble. My "Florida" family of inlaws who kept the phone lines busy and stood ready to come if asked to do whatever it would have taken to make things better. For my friends, friends like family who were there to feed me ice chips, help in the house when I was weak, keep me company in the hospital, take care of our house, take care of my wife, do the things that only a true friend would do. Dr. Stewart Polsky, the man who literally saved my life. The one thing I asked of him in the beginning was if he would be with me through the whole process. He said he would be my guy through it all.....he was! He dealt with dozen of questions, multiple visits before and after surgery and even understood the tears when it seemed things were almost more than we could bear. He said there would come a better time...that time has arrived. Nicole, Doc's "Gal Friday" who was there for every visit and became not only my primary care giver and doc's assistant for all those visits but she is a person I have come to call my friend. I suspect there are others who have given, some I can't remember, others who never wanted me to know. All I can say now is THANK YOU.
Doctors and medicine are wonderful and powerful things. The support of family and friends is immeasurable. The power of faith and prayer is endless. The belief that you will be OK, you will be a survivor, you are on this earth for a reason and an attitude that always sees the glass half full, these are the things that in my opinion make the difference.
Prostate cancer is not a dead end, it is a detour. I have been on a detour for a year but I can see the main road again. I still have to cath myself each week, I still take medicines but I see a road ahead, not perfectly straight or without curves or potholes, but a road that leads to a much better place.
Brothers, get yourselves checked, know your scores, know your body, arm yourself with knowledge of this disease. Prepare yourself for battle and go into it with the attitude that defeat is not an options. Embrace your family and friends and even more, let them embrace you. Believe that God created you for a reason, a special purpose. Don't be afraid to cry, don't be afraid to laugh. Don't try to predict the future, look forward to it and wake every day in the awareness that you can make a difference in this world.
I will keep this blog active, I will continue to post from time to time. I will pass along those special moments. If you know of a friend, have a family member who has prostate cancer, tell them about this blog, tell them to call or write me. I love telling my story, our story.
I LOVE YOU ALL and THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.......
"Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me"
Mike Raynor
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October -- More Good News
Friends and Family,
Hello. Hope all is well in your worlds. Mine is good, real good actually. Went for my normal checkup with the doc this week. I was not expecting to have the "scope" again but Nicole told me with a smile the just wanted to "look around" and make sure everything was OK. (Not a bad idea considering all that I have been through) I was pretty uneventful, I know the drill and there was not discomfort at all. Bottom line: it ALL looks pretty good. Remember, I am still cathing myself 2-3 times a week and believe with all my heart that is what is keeping things open and working great. I asked Doc if that would be something I would have to do for the rest of my life and he said absolutely not. For me, it is a small price to pay and if I do have too for the rest of my life, it's no big deal anymore! But the really good news: blood test results came back and my P.S.A. count was .01, or as they say, UNDECTECTABLE !! WooHoo, God is so good to me. This was my fourth test since surgery and all is well. I had on my own let my script for Viagra go unfilled. In my opinion, I didn't think I needed it. I told Doc and we discussed the benefits of Viagra with regard to nerve regeneration. There have been so significant side-effects and fortunately the insurance company does pay a significant portion of the cost so......I am back on the pill! Bottom line is...it can only help and will not harm me to continue.
All this is great news for me and my family, the same is not true for many others. I spoke with a man yesterday who had a P.S.A score of 44+ and Gleason scores from his biopsy of 7's. His doc gave him but one option, radical prostetectomy and a 25% chance of a cure. If the surgery failed he was told he would have about 6 years. That breaks my heart. This brother is 5 years younger than me. I hope I can be there for him and his family. I know what my story and my situation is/was but that is no guarantee it will be the same for everyone. My mission is to tell my story, spread the word about Prostate Cancer preventions, treatments and cures. You have seen the banner on the home page of my blog, you can see the statistics. PLEASE do not believe "it won't happen to me" because it CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!! Get regular physicals, have your blood tested/screen for P.S.A. and if symptoms present themselves, GET TO THE DOC NOW !
I know I sound preachy but that's OK. I have two sons and two grandsons who now have a family history of prostate cancer. You can count of them hearing alot of my "preaching" as long as there is breath in me!
I love you ALL and thank you for loving me through this time in my life, I could have never made it without the love of my family and friends and.....
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME !
Hello. Hope all is well in your worlds. Mine is good, real good actually. Went for my normal checkup with the doc this week. I was not expecting to have the "scope" again but Nicole told me with a smile the just wanted to "look around" and make sure everything was OK. (Not a bad idea considering all that I have been through) I was pretty uneventful, I know the drill and there was not discomfort at all. Bottom line: it ALL looks pretty good. Remember, I am still cathing myself 2-3 times a week and believe with all my heart that is what is keeping things open and working great. I asked Doc if that would be something I would have to do for the rest of my life and he said absolutely not. For me, it is a small price to pay and if I do have too for the rest of my life, it's no big deal anymore! But the really good news: blood test results came back and my P.S.A. count was .01, or as they say, UNDECTECTABLE !! WooHoo, God is so good to me. This was my fourth test since surgery and all is well. I had on my own let my script for Viagra go unfilled. In my opinion, I didn't think I needed it. I told Doc and we discussed the benefits of Viagra with regard to nerve regeneration. There have been so significant side-effects and fortunately the insurance company does pay a significant portion of the cost so......I am back on the pill! Bottom line is...it can only help and will not harm me to continue.
All this is great news for me and my family, the same is not true for many others. I spoke with a man yesterday who had a P.S.A score of 44+ and Gleason scores from his biopsy of 7's. His doc gave him but one option, radical prostetectomy and a 25% chance of a cure. If the surgery failed he was told he would have about 6 years. That breaks my heart. This brother is 5 years younger than me. I hope I can be there for him and his family. I know what my story and my situation is/was but that is no guarantee it will be the same for everyone. My mission is to tell my story, spread the word about Prostate Cancer preventions, treatments and cures. You have seen the banner on the home page of my blog, you can see the statistics. PLEASE do not believe "it won't happen to me" because it CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!! Get regular physicals, have your blood tested/screen for P.S.A. and if symptoms present themselves, GET TO THE DOC NOW !
I know I sound preachy but that's OK. I have two sons and two grandsons who now have a family history of prostate cancer. You can count of them hearing alot of my "preaching" as long as there is breath in me!
I love you ALL and thank you for loving me through this time in my life, I could have never made it without the love of my family and friends and.....
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME !
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Calendar says Sept., the temps say July!
Friends and Family,
Good Friday Morning to all. It is the end of another work week and I hope all is well in your worlds. I am blessed to be able to say "work week". It has been unusually warm this week but I know Fall and Winter are just around the corner. Wednesday was a special day, a day I will always remember anyway...it was one year since my diagnosis! I took the time to read the entries from the first few weeks of this blog, yes....I cried again reliving that time in my life. The same day, this past Wednesday, I visited a friend who's step mother had died of cancer. I could not help but ask again, "why me Lord?" Why was I spared while others are not. I probably wouldn't understand the answer anyway.
The end of PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS WEEK is here. I can say I have not heard a word on TV or radio about it. Nearly 2000 men die each month! For me, that is news worthy! I have worn my blue ribbon proudly this week but will confess too I have not talked to anyone about P.C. awareness outside my circle of friends.
So, a year ago I became a household name to many of you. As the news of my diagnosis spread, God began to hear my name on a regular basis being lifted up by people like you. To say "thanks" seems so inadequate but it is the best I can do right now. I love you all and thank you for loving and caring about me......most of all....
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME !
Good Friday Morning to all. It is the end of another work week and I hope all is well in your worlds. I am blessed to be able to say "work week". It has been unusually warm this week but I know Fall and Winter are just around the corner. Wednesday was a special day, a day I will always remember anyway...it was one year since my diagnosis! I took the time to read the entries from the first few weeks of this blog, yes....I cried again reliving that time in my life. The same day, this past Wednesday, I visited a friend who's step mother had died of cancer. I could not help but ask again, "why me Lord?" Why was I spared while others are not. I probably wouldn't understand the answer anyway.
The end of PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS WEEK is here. I can say I have not heard a word on TV or radio about it. Nearly 2000 men die each month! For me, that is news worthy! I have worn my blue ribbon proudly this week but will confess too I have not talked to anyone about P.C. awareness outside my circle of friends.
So, a year ago I became a household name to many of you. As the news of my diagnosis spread, God began to hear my name on a regular basis being lifted up by people like you. To say "thanks" seems so inadequate but it is the best I can do right now. I love you all and thank you for loving and caring about me......most of all....
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME !
Friday, September 18, 2009
Prostate Cancer Awareness Week
Friends and Family,
Hello again, and greetings from a happy, healthy and recovering cancer free man. It has been almost a year since my diagnosis and coincidentally next week is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. I would consider it a personal favor if every man friend of mine, over age 50, who has not had his physical and had his P.S.A. checked in a year....MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT DONE!!
And, if ya don't want to do it for me, do it for your family. OK! Sermon is over.
Things continue to go well and improve. Leakage has all but become a non-issue for me. When I get very tired or hear a really funny joke, it may happen but I can feel it coming on and usually head it off. This past week I (on my own) stopped taking viagra in hopes of being able to resume some kind of normal function without drugs. It is certainly too soon to tell but I remain hopeful that the nerve regeneration processes will continue without medications. I see the doc in about 3 weeks and we will have more discussion about that I am sure.
With the anniversary of my diagnosis and surgery approaching (Sept 23 and Nov 12), I took time to re-read parts of my blog. Once again I am reminded of how very blessed I am. Thank you all for your love and support and....Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Hello again, and greetings from a happy, healthy and recovering cancer free man. It has been almost a year since my diagnosis and coincidentally next week is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. I would consider it a personal favor if every man friend of mine, over age 50, who has not had his physical and had his P.S.A. checked in a year....MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT DONE!!
And, if ya don't want to do it for me, do it for your family. OK! Sermon is over.
Things continue to go well and improve. Leakage has all but become a non-issue for me. When I get very tired or hear a really funny joke, it may happen but I can feel it coming on and usually head it off. This past week I (on my own) stopped taking viagra in hopes of being able to resume some kind of normal function without drugs. It is certainly too soon to tell but I remain hopeful that the nerve regeneration processes will continue without medications. I see the doc in about 3 weeks and we will have more discussion about that I am sure.
With the anniversary of my diagnosis and surgery approaching (Sept 23 and Nov 12), I took time to re-read parts of my blog. Once again I am reminded of how very blessed I am. Thank you all for your love and support and....Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Septmeber 1st
Friends and Family,
I hope life continues to treat you well. I am blessed and know it is because people like you have not forgotten me and believe it or not, even tho I don't write as much as I used too, I have not fogotten you either. It has been a very busy summer, Daddy has had two surgeries in 8 weeks but is home and on the mend now. One of the good things that happened (and there were lots) during our many visits to Greenville, NC and the East Carolina Heart Institute was stumbling across a pharmacy/medical supply business that had on hand, over the counter disposable catheters. I had searched online and found one supplier, Allegro Medical, who displayed one just like the doc had given me in their online catalog. After nearly two week from my order date I called to check the status and was told that item was discontinued. Not a very good experience and you know how I feel about customer service. Allegro Medical is not likely to get any business from me nor any recommendations. So, back to the one I found in Greenville.....it was called Healthwise. They had boxes of catheters on the shelf, no prescription necessary and 60% - 80% cheaper than any I had found online. I am going home with two boxes (60 catheters). And...since flying back and forth and having to deal with the TSA guidelines pertaining to fluid container restrictions, I needed to find some kind of sterile lubricant in packaging less than 3 oz. Hit the jackpot again, got foil packets with 1/2 oz at Healthwise.....a gross in one box for $18. I am going home all stocked up! I am cathing every other day and everything seems to be working fine for now. I do have the occasional tenderness after cathing but it is short term and I do not treat it with anything other than time. I go back to the doc next month for my routine check up and am hopeful we can reduce the dosage of viagra. Erectile function has improved, not back to pre-surgery status but much improved over the past month or so. If that is something I have to take for the rest of my "active" life, it will be a small price to pay but my goal is to be "prescription free". I don't like taking medicine and want to get off all that I can. Dont get me wrong, I am so very thankful for doctors and medicine but just want to take as little of it as possible!
So, enjoy what is left of our summer, I plan too. If anyone needs more info on my new friend, Healthwise Pharmacy, please let me know, I would love to share. Thank you for your continued love and support and prayers and Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me.
Mike
I hope life continues to treat you well. I am blessed and know it is because people like you have not forgotten me and believe it or not, even tho I don't write as much as I used too, I have not fogotten you either. It has been a very busy summer, Daddy has had two surgeries in 8 weeks but is home and on the mend now. One of the good things that happened (and there were lots) during our many visits to Greenville, NC and the East Carolina Heart Institute was stumbling across a pharmacy/medical supply business that had on hand, over the counter disposable catheters. I had searched online and found one supplier, Allegro Medical, who displayed one just like the doc had given me in their online catalog. After nearly two week from my order date I called to check the status and was told that item was discontinued. Not a very good experience and you know how I feel about customer service. Allegro Medical is not likely to get any business from me nor any recommendations. So, back to the one I found in Greenville.....it was called Healthwise. They had boxes of catheters on the shelf, no prescription necessary and 60% - 80% cheaper than any I had found online. I am going home with two boxes (60 catheters). And...since flying back and forth and having to deal with the TSA guidelines pertaining to fluid container restrictions, I needed to find some kind of sterile lubricant in packaging less than 3 oz. Hit the jackpot again, got foil packets with 1/2 oz at Healthwise.....a gross in one box for $18. I am going home all stocked up! I am cathing every other day and everything seems to be working fine for now. I do have the occasional tenderness after cathing but it is short term and I do not treat it with anything other than time. I go back to the doc next month for my routine check up and am hopeful we can reduce the dosage of viagra. Erectile function has improved, not back to pre-surgery status but much improved over the past month or so. If that is something I have to take for the rest of my "active" life, it will be a small price to pay but my goal is to be "prescription free". I don't like taking medicine and want to get off all that I can. Dont get me wrong, I am so very thankful for doctors and medicine but just want to take as little of it as possible!
So, enjoy what is left of our summer, I plan too. If anyone needs more info on my new friend, Healthwise Pharmacy, please let me know, I would love to share. Thank you for your continued love and support and prayers and Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me.
Mike
Friday, August 14, 2009
9 Months
Friends,
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening. Happy Anniversary to ME ! Yep, just passed the 9 month mark being cancer free...GOD IS SO GOOD. Life continues to improve and things are getting back to some degree of normal. I am cathing every other day now and it seems to be keeping things "flowing" well. Found a web site that will allow me to purchase the same kind of catheters I use so I can have a supply on hand. I treat it (my cath kit) much like my American Express card...I don't leave home without it! It works, it keeps me out of the docs office and is really no big deal anymore. As far as erectile function...I think it is improving too. My last visit to the doc he asked and I told him it requires manipulation as opposed to the "normal" reaction associated with arrousal. Is kinda difficult to explain but that is as delicately as I can say it and .....the doc says, it is to be expected and things are progressing just fine. Full erectile function, if totally restored, could take in excess of 18 months! Once again, life is good and I feel blessed to be where I am in the process. If any brothers or families need info re: ordering catheters for home use, I will be glad to share what I have found with you. The internet is a great source for finding almost anything you need or want.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers...I love you all and know you love me. Most of all..... Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me !!
MR
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening. Happy Anniversary to ME ! Yep, just passed the 9 month mark being cancer free...GOD IS SO GOOD. Life continues to improve and things are getting back to some degree of normal. I am cathing every other day now and it seems to be keeping things "flowing" well. Found a web site that will allow me to purchase the same kind of catheters I use so I can have a supply on hand. I treat it (my cath kit) much like my American Express card...I don't leave home without it! It works, it keeps me out of the docs office and is really no big deal anymore. As far as erectile function...I think it is improving too. My last visit to the doc he asked and I told him it requires manipulation as opposed to the "normal" reaction associated with arrousal. Is kinda difficult to explain but that is as delicately as I can say it and .....the doc says, it is to be expected and things are progressing just fine. Full erectile function, if totally restored, could take in excess of 18 months! Once again, life is good and I feel blessed to be where I am in the process. If any brothers or families need info re: ordering catheters for home use, I will be glad to share what I have found with you. The internet is a great source for finding almost anything you need or want.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers...I love you all and know you love me. Most of all..... Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me !!
MR
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Summer is almost over..... :-(
Friends and Family,
Yes, July has come and gone and the end of summer is well in sight. Summer has been good tho', and I have learned how good life is.
I am doing well these day. When people ask how I am, I usually respond by telling them I am not 100% yet but I can see 100% from where I am! I still cath myself every other day and that is working well. All things considered, I'm just an ordinary guy who survived prostate cancer and has a pretty good life. That said, I thot I would use this posting to list some of the things I can and have done since my treatments/surgeries.....just so other men and their families know that life can and does go on after P.C.
Though I did have a catheter for 6 weeks, I don't have one now.
I can play golf most anytime I want too. (and is most always pretty ugly!)
I can fish with my children and grandchildren at the beach.
I can lay on the beach, have a beer and look like just another fat guy enjoying himself.
I can play with my grand-daughters and a can of silly string.
I can get up at 4:00am to go fishing with my boys.
I can still do the "hula-hoop" on my Wii (up to almost 2000)
I can work everyday in the heat and sun. (altho I dont like too so much)
I can go to the pool with my dear friend and her children and play for an afternoon.
I can attend church, lead Sunday School class and sing in the choir.
I can fly to Texas and spend a weekend with my brother and his wife floating in their pool.
I mow my yard (and weed-eat and trim the sidewalks and driveways)
I can go to the grocery store.
I can take my parents to the doctor.
I can be the designated "hushpuppy and french fry cooker" for a fish fry at the boss's house.
I can kneel and pray.
I can build a bird feeder for my yard.
Friends, there is not much if anything I CAN'T do now, eight months after my surgery for cancer. I know I am blessed and there are those who are not able to include some of the things I have above on their "can do" lists. It didn't all come in a day, or a week, or a month...and somethings are still finding their way back to normal. My point in saying this here and now is to let ALL my brothers and their families know that a little gland the size of a walnut is NOT your brain nor your heart nor your soul. You can be the same man and husband and father and person you were before your diagnosis and treatment. Set your own goals, plot your own course. Don't "what if" yourself into settling for less than you can be. God created every one of us uniquely different to fulfill a special purpose. Our job is to keep climbing the mountains in life...God will let us know when we need to stop!
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me MR
Yes, July has come and gone and the end of summer is well in sight. Summer has been good tho', and I have learned how good life is.
I am doing well these day. When people ask how I am, I usually respond by telling them I am not 100% yet but I can see 100% from where I am! I still cath myself every other day and that is working well. All things considered, I'm just an ordinary guy who survived prostate cancer and has a pretty good life. That said, I thot I would use this posting to list some of the things I can and have done since my treatments/surgeries.....just so other men and their families know that life can and does go on after P.C.
Though I did have a catheter for 6 weeks, I don't have one now.
I can play golf most anytime I want too. (and is most always pretty ugly!)
I can fish with my children and grandchildren at the beach.
I can lay on the beach, have a beer and look like just another fat guy enjoying himself.
I can play with my grand-daughters and a can of silly string.
I can get up at 4:00am to go fishing with my boys.
I can still do the "hula-hoop" on my Wii (up to almost 2000)
I can work everyday in the heat and sun. (altho I dont like too so much)
I can go to the pool with my dear friend and her children and play for an afternoon.
I can attend church, lead Sunday School class and sing in the choir.
I can fly to Texas and spend a weekend with my brother and his wife floating in their pool.
I mow my yard (and weed-eat and trim the sidewalks and driveways)
I can go to the grocery store.
I can take my parents to the doctor.
I can be the designated "hushpuppy and french fry cooker" for a fish fry at the boss's house.
I can kneel and pray.
I can build a bird feeder for my yard.
Friends, there is not much if anything I CAN'T do now, eight months after my surgery for cancer. I know I am blessed and there are those who are not able to include some of the things I have above on their "can do" lists. It didn't all come in a day, or a week, or a month...and somethings are still finding their way back to normal. My point in saying this here and now is to let ALL my brothers and their families know that a little gland the size of a walnut is NOT your brain nor your heart nor your soul. You can be the same man and husband and father and person you were before your diagnosis and treatment. Set your own goals, plot your own course. Don't "what if" yourself into settling for less than you can be. God created every one of us uniquely different to fulfill a special purpose. Our job is to keep climbing the mountains in life...God will let us know when we need to stop!
Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me MR
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