First Quarterly Blood Draw

I had my first blood draw for the four quarterly PSA tests I’ll need for the year following surgery.

I have an appointment on Wednesday, December 2nd to discuss the results with my urologist.

I haven’t thought too much about it, other than to ensure I didn’t forget to do it a few days before my appointment. I’ll know the results before my appointment, as there is an excellent online portal for the health system for sharing lab results, making appointments, and appointment reminders.

The goal is for my PSA number to drop significantly, and 0 would be excellent. As long as it drops and flatlines, or goes to zero, then it is a great sign. As long as the other 3 PSA tests are flatlined or zero, I will be considered cured.

Since I’m not dwelling on it, I’m not stressed or worried. In all things I try not to worry until I know there’s something to worry about. Easier said than done, but that is my goal

If the numbers are climbing, then it’s time to talk about radiation. However, the doctor is optimistic that won’t be the case. The checking the PSA is just being thorough to ensure nothing bad got left behind to cause trouble.

Bladder Control

I’m much more focused on the continuing ordeal of regaining bladder control. I do fairly well during the day, but not enough that I feel confident switching to underwear with a pad. If I bend over, cough, sneeze, or fart, I pee. Hiccups and burps seem to be the only bodily function that don’t cause that.

Tomorrow is three months since my surgery, and I was hoping to have this under control by then.

The glacial pace of improvement is frustrating.

I don’t want to keep buying disposable underwear the rest of my life. I’d like at least a decade or two of being dry.

I’ll keep at the Kegels and keep a positive outlook, I know eventually, things will be better.

At least I’m not harboring a silent killer that was causing bladder control and urgency issues.

Now that I’m all healed up, I don’t notice any physical difference without a prostate, other than the bladder control.

If I had it to do all over again, I’d still have the surgery.