As I wrote in a prior post, my PSA numbers are good. Yesterday, I had my first of four quarterly visits with my Urologist (surgeon). He said that my PSA is basically undetectable, which is good. This leaves three more PSA blood tests between now and September. If the numbers stay undetectable or very low, it is an indication that they got all the cancer when they took my prostate.
So the initial signs are very encouraging.
My surgeon also looked at the incisions I had from laparascopic surgery and says they all look good.
He then asked me a few questions about how things are progressing with bladder control. My answer is slow, but noticeable progress.
He then mentioned the possibility of a prescription for pills to assist with erection, but said that most want to get the bladder control resolved first. I don’t have a partner at the moment, nor for several years as my dating experience was not very good in finding a friend that could become something more. I’d love to have a girlfriend, having a partner during this pandemic and the cancer scare would have been a big help. Sharing the nightmare of 2020 with someone would have been good. Dating in a pandemic while dealing with cancer, not cool.
I don’t think it’s fair to be dating with unresolved cancer. While I am probably cured, having it behind me before dating again is a more mature and responsible way to approach it.
My focus is on getting bladder control back. So be more diligent about regular kegels.
Finally, I asked about apparent shortening of my penis. Is that due to what was removed or the damage to the nerves?
The answer is there is apparent shortening because part of the urethra is removed with the prostate and the size of my prostate (four times normal size) along with the bladder reconstruction may have “pulled” things in.
It’s like a really cold day, if you know what I mean.
He also said that if I lost weight, especially the fat in the groin area, that would help.
I’m not that worried about it, except sometimes when I have to sit for a bowel movement, my scrotum hangs down and it’s like a spoon under a faucet and urine goes everywhere. It even goes between the seat the the bowl and all over the backs of my legs, my clothes, and the floor. This is happening less frequently, but still happens every week or two.
It’s better than dealing with more advanced cancer and radiation or chemotherapy side effects. There is more frustration with it than anything.
2020 has thrown us all a barrel of curve balls. I try to remind myself that there are those worse off than I am.
Eventually, it will get better.
So there is good news, slow progress, and I go back in March to discuss the March bloodwork.
Men's Health in My Perspective 