It started with my annual physical in September 2020 and my doctor ordered a PSA test as I hadn't had one, just a digital examination a couple of years earlier. It came back at 40! This was a VA facility and they had me do a biopsy and it confirmed I had prostrate cancer and the initial Gleason was 7. Then came bone scans, and Xrays to prep me for surgery. So the begining of December I had the surgery and it was successful. The final Gleason score was 9 and the surgeon did his best but not sure he got all of the cancerous areas. Back home in a couple of days. I had read alot of articles about it all so I felt I was ready for the necessary changes. Still it is hard to get used to the new reality and I was determine not to slow me down and I think I have done a pretty good job of handling it. The need for pads was to me the worst part but necessary. In April, my PSA started to go up and it was decided to have radiation treatment. Never discussed alternate treatments which I don't know if it was a mistake on my part or the doctors decided that is what I should have. After 60 radiation treatments my ability to hold my bladder was nearly gone again. A few months later I wanted to visit some of my brothers and sisters I hadn't seen in a couple of years. Took a couple of weeks for the trip from Florida to Virginia and Pennslyvania and back home. Lots of stops to be sure but I did it and glad I did. Remember all this happen during Covid so wearing a mask was a constant and the fear of getting it was always present. Fortunately I didn't get Covid. I even worked part time at a golf course being a starter and player assistant. My boss was very understanding about it all. I think it helped me alot by getting out of the house and being outside which I enjoyed alot. Two and a half years later the radiation has caused radiation burns to my bladder which is something I wasn't expecting. The burns causes bleeding especially if I do something strenuous. Just finished my semi annual visit to Urology and the Dr who performed the surgery was there and said all in all it has been a success. I am not so sure but hey I am here and so far cancer free. I have traveled quite a bit since the surgery and I have done pretty good. My wife complains I go to the bathroom too much but not much I can do about it. Taking cruises is good toway to travel without worrying about finding a bathroom all the time. Planning before I go anywhere is something I always do now. Thanks for the opportunity to tell mine!

Since my surgery in Dec 2020 and subsequent radiation treatment the following summer, my PSA has gone from negilible to .12 as of March 2024. The biggest issue I have is blood in the urine from radiation damage to my bladder. It started last spring (2023) when it started. When I went to the urologist he said damage to the bladder has caused bleeding to occur. It will continue to occur and it has periodically. In Jan 2024 the bleeding went on for a week which was new and it didn't stop. After two trips to the VA Hospital emergency room it didn't stop but I guess it is a new issue that will not go away. I tried to talk to someone in the Urology but no answer from them which was very disappointing. The bleeding is not alot but when it happens every time you urinate it is a bit depressing. I have a appointment comming in a couple of weeks and we will have a long conversation. I have not let the bleeding affect what I do on a day to day basis. I still travel which I love to do, just have to take the proper precautions.

Roger's e-mail address is: rwlabbe AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")