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

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Month 33 - Bladder Endurance

So here's an interesting story on some research showing that men who take fish oil supplements for heart health may be putting themselves at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Fish Oils May Raise Prostate Cancer Risk

Granted, it's only one study, so it's something to take with a grain of salt, but it's also something to keep an eye on for future studies.

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Remember that next month, September, is...

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month


Given all the changes in testing recommendations since last year's Prostate Cancer Awareness month, it's even more crucial to become educated about diagnosing prostate cancer and treatment options.  Make sure you spread the word and tell the guys in your life to take a few minutes to learn about prostate cancer in September.

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BIOLOGY AHEAD

So a couple of weeks ago, I had a couple of surprises in the bladder control department. 

Since the surgery, I have to admit that I get to be a bit more tactical and use bathrooms a bit more frequently than I should.  Typically, I'll last 3-5 hours but may urinate a bit more frequently when I'm not sure when I'll find the next toilet.

A few weeks ago, I was at a friend's annual summer barbecue party, and I lasted just over 7 hours before having to go to the bathroom (and that was on a hot summer day when I was drinking plenty to keep hydrated).  So that was the first surprise.  I couldn't recall the last time I went 7 hours during the day without using a toilet.  (I can sleep through the night fine most of the time.)

But at the end of the 7 hours when I did stand up to head to the bathroom, I sprung a leak.  This was more than the standard couple of drops during stress incontinence episodes, this was probably a good spoonful or so that left a two-inch diameter wet stain on my jeans.  Thankfully, by then, it was dark and my jeans were dark, too, so it wasn't obvious.  Still, it was completely unexpected.

I guess the lesson learned is to keep emptying my bladder more frequently.  I really wasn't conscientiously trying to set a "hold my bladder" record with the 7 hours; it just happened that way.


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