Welcome


Welcome.

When I wrote that banner above, I was just days into this adventure. I'm a pretty analytical guy, and the simple act of writing every day helped me wrap my head around the fact that I had just introduced the word "cancer" into my vocabulary, and it helped me rationalize my treatment options. It also helped keep friends and family informed on my status.

Those daily updates tapered off to weekly updates and eventually to monthly updates (which I continue to do on the 11th of every month, the anniversary date of being told I have cancer).

I've kept this blog going because I remember how helpful it was for me to hear first-hand experiences of other prostate cancer patients. I wanted to return the favor by sharing my own journey in order to educate others and increase prostate cancer awareness.

But I wanted it to be a truthful sharing of details, so you will quickly see that I didn't sugar-coat much of anything. That means that you'll find some pretty graphic descriptions of the male anatomy and biological functions in this blog.

Finally, if you're reading this as a fellow prostate cancer patient, please understand that I am not a medical professional, and you should not construe any of the content of this blog as medical advice. Each case is unique, so please solicit the advice of your own medical team.

I wish you all the best as you go through your own journey.

-- Dan

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Month 15 - Spring Cleaning

Okay, so it's mid-February and I've gotten an early jump on some serious spring cleaning.  But being so active has highlighted the fact that the stress incontinence persists. 

Bending, twisting, lifting, stooping, climbing, all can bring a little "surprise."  And, as usual, some days seem to be better than others.  If I'm going to be really active for an extended period, I find that I will revert to using the pads again.  Not something that I'm thrilled about, but a necessity.

When I was at the surgeon's last month, we talked about this and he said that at a year out, there's not going to be much more improvement.  In other words, this may be as good as it gets.

Disappointing?  Certainly.  Of course, I'd love to be 100% dry, but I guess that just isn't in the cards.  So I'll adapt and learn to live with what I have.  And, again, it's more of a nuisance than anything and something that I can tolerate given the alternative.

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