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

Friday, May 11, 2012

Month 18 - Pleasant Surprise

In last month's posting, I talked about the new normal for me as it related to my stress incontinence. Not long after posting that, there was a noticeable improvement that seemed to happen almost overnight.

Last month, if I sneezed or coughed, there was almost certainly going to be a leak after either. But about 2 weeks ago, if I sneezed or coughed there was very little leaking, if anything. That's been a pleasant surprise.

If I sense a sneeze or cough coming on, I will try to tighten my pelvic floor muscles in advance, and that helps, I'm sure. But there are still times where I'll spring a leak, but when I do, the volume seems to be smaller now. So I consider this to be progress (I always was a late bloomer!).

Sexual function is still an issue, although it, too, is slowly improving without the aid of Cialis. Considering that I have only one nerve bundle remaining, that's a very positive sign. I'll continue to be patient and at some point may try the Cialis again.

Finally, best wishes to a reader of this blog as he undergoes his radical prostatectomy today.
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousMay 19, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    Thanks for the wishes, Dan. The operation went well and I'm recovering quickly. Your support is very much appreciated.
    I wish you well too!
    Phil

    ReplyDelete

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