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, January 2, 2011

Day 53 - Hiccup?


Last night I went to bed around 11:30 after watching a rerun of “Saving Private Ryan” on television, and I didn’t have any problem falling asleep.  I was feeling a bit run down, so I closed my curtains and didn’t set the alarm for this morning.
I guess my body needed the rest.  The next time I looked at the clock, it was just after 11:00 AM!  Yikes!
Saturday night I felt as though I was getting a few sniffles and they seemed to persist through today.  I’ve really tried to keep healthy through this, and the last thing that I want to get is a head cold right now.  It may be enough to postpone the surgery. 
If that happens, I’ll be pissed.  There are too many wheels in motion that will have to be brought to a screeching halt—the leave has been approved; I’ve got announcements out and back-ups in place at work; and others have adjusted their schedule to support me (my sister, specifically).
If I’m still sniffling in the morning, I’ll call Dr. Cincy’s office and see what they recommend. 
Up until this development, I’d been doing pretty well.  I really haven’t been getting panicky about the surgery at all, which surprises even me knowing how much of a nervous Nelly I can be.
*             *             *
Despite all that, I moved forward as if the surgery will happen and I did finish some last minute shopping today.  Some fresh fruit and family packs of pork chops and chicken breasts.  I individually wrapped and froze the meat so I can pull it out of the freezer as I need it. 
I also made the leap and bought my first package of Depends adult diapers for when the catheter comes out and I get to regain control over my bladder.  At least they had the little blue prostate cancer ribbon on the package so that if anyone said anything, I could point to it and say, “This is why.”  No one said anything.
*             *             *
So I’m going to call it an early night, get as much rest as I can, and see how I feel in the morning.  I’m supposed to stop eating tomorrow and start the bowel prep at 10 AM, so I’ll try to have a determination by then.  I’d hate to go through all that, take two different types of antibiotics, and then have the surgery postponed.
I’ll do a bonus posting on the blog mid-morning to let you know the outcome.  Nothing like a little last-minute drama to spice up the day, is there?
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    I've been through it. It's not as bad as you think. You will do fine. The prep is the worst part. The getting checked is easier than the prep. Rolf

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    Dan, this is your cousin dave. I left a note before but I haven't seen it so not sure if I was successful or not. Have been praying ever since we heard about this but only recently got connected to the internet. Still trying to figure this out. We have lots of people praying for you and your doctor. You will do well.

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