Monday 3 March 2008

Results


This is a before and after pictures of my driveway project

Well we just got back from my appointment at the Cancer Clinic. All my test so far are looking good.

My PSA has dropped from 38.5 in October to .97 - that is very low - that is the good news.

The not quite so good is that Dr. Ingledew wants me to continue the shots for another two and a half years! That means I will continue to be weak - have aches and pains - and Hot Flashes.

Yes I have began to have Hot Flashes in spades - Maybe ten times a day, and several times a night in bed. This means I get very hot, wake up, throw off the covers, get very cold, etc etc which means I do not get a good sleep. I am also getting other rather expected side effects like tingling arms, week legs, pain in bones at night etc.


One thing that is definitely bugging me - I have put on about 8 pounds in the past six weeks or so - (all on my stomach, my pants do not fit) I have been eating about the same as usual - well maybe the package of cookies a day is a bit different.


As of last week I have decided to stop eating sweets - bad time to make such a resolution - had two birthday parties for Carol, ate several large pieces of cake - but am starting again right now. These darn female hormones are making me rethink my glib answer to all the dieting problems in the world - "Eat half as much, and do twice the excercise." It may not be quite so simple.

It is no big deal, but I dont like these effects.

Dr Ingledew also wants me to start Radiation treatment in about two months. Im not so sure I really want to have these treatments, they have several different side effects as well as making me even weaker. Beth and I are giving this some serious consideration.

I would like to stop the Shots in a few months and try and regain strength and vitality.

All things considered, I am grateful for feeling as well as I do, things could be much worse.

My weekly visits to patients at Peace Arch Hospital, makes me appreciate all I have to be thankful for. They are so appreciative of my short chats with them, it is quite rewarding to be of some comfort when they are in need.

I have been feeling a bit stronger the past week or so - have started to dig up the driveway to widen it and put in new concrete. See driveway mess above left.


Well all for now - must go and watch Judge Judy!!

5 comments:

Tavia said...

what is PSA? but whatever it is, i'm glad it's dropped!

two and a half years? well, at least now you'll be able to understand everything that beth is or did go through. at least you won't have to worry about a period!

hot flashes? another thing i get to look forward to... phooey... they don't sound fun...

hehe... yep, those cookies would easily do it. i see you're experiencing the woman's curse of easily gaining weight. now you know how we feel... :)

i'll try to be more sympathetic...

radiation treatment!? aahh! did he say if there are risks! i'm worried, larry!

and i'm glad those visits have helps...

and the digging up the driveway? must be a guy thing. just like glenn taking apart the motercyle and putting it back together... or him buying another boat when we already have one and are already short on money...

Anonymous said...

Hi Dad,

Are you pouring the concrete yourself??

Glad you have updated your blog.

Love,

Rick

Anonymous said...

Hi Larry

This is Shaunett..I just left you a little message but inserted it under your grand daughter pic instead of here...Sorry.

Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hello Larry,

Glad to hear your PSA levels are low. I hope, as time goes on and you adjust to the hormones, your energy returns. Do haul out the table fans. They are not just for summer. A few minutes standing in front of a blowing fan works well to alleviate the symptoms of a 'Hot Flash'. That, and bottles of chilled water, work well for me. I've been known to seek out the freezer section in the local grocery stores, too!

Your great granddaughter, Morgan, is adorable. I bet she is a lot of fun.

Good luck with your driveway expansion!

Take care of yourself.

Diane

Anonymous said...

Judge Judy?! That's what you spend your precious hours doing?!

- Tavia
the nag

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