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continue...
I did not have very many problems while I was a patient in the
hospital. I had 22 metal staples for stitches, a catheter inserted
into my urinary channel, and 2 drainage hoses inserted near the
incision to drain the blood away from where the prostate had been
removed.
RECOVERY
Thanks to my HMO, I was only in the hospital for 5 days and I went
home on Monday, September 23rd. I began to feel great once the 22
metal staples were removed on October 1st and the catheter removed
on October 8th. I went back to work in my home office on October 2nd.
If I felt tired or weary, I went back to bed and took a nap. By the
end of the 4th week, I was back to work full time, and walking 2
miles, daily.
There is always the chance some cancer cells were missed. I must have
the PSA performed every 6 months for the rest of my life. My U told
me if the PSA count reaches 0.4 or above, then the cancer has
returned. Then I will become a candidate for some other form of
treatment. All of the post-operative PSA tests given to me,
have had a count of 0.1. CURED!
Here is my advice to the unwary, beginning in the 40th year, every man
should have a Prostate Specific Antigen test annually. Any change in
the series over the extent of the tests raises a strong suspicion of
PC. Insist that your doctor give you the PSA test. In addition, have
a yearly Digital Rectal Examine (DRE) by an expert; someone who does
the test frequently and knows what they are feeling for. This means a
U, not a general practitioner. Go for experience.
If you have an elevated PSA or a suspicious DRE, this means you will
require a ultrasound/biopsy procedure given to you by the U. Even if
the DRE does not detect any problem, still have the PSA test given to
you. The PSA, DRE, and biopsy will help the U diagnose any
possibility of PC and subsequently save your life.
BY HAVING THE ABOVE MENTIONED TESTS, THE GOAL IS FOR THE DOCTOR TO
DISCOVER THE CANCER WHILE IT IS STILL LOCALIZED WITHIN THE PROSTATE,
BEFORE IT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPREAD OUTSIDE THE PROSTATE INTO
THE LYMPH NODES, BONES, OR SOME OTHER VITAL ORGAN. MOST OF THE HORROR
STORIES ONE HEARS ABOUT PC ARE THE UNLUCKY MALES WHOSE CANCER WAS NOT
LOCALIZED. IF THE PC HAS ESCAPED THE PROSTATE, THERE IS NO CURE,
ONLY REMISSION.
SUMMARY
I have recovered from the prostate surgery, and I am enjoying a
fine quality of life. All the bad side effects resulting from
the surgery are gone.
I have asked myself, why did I have PC and have to undergo the
surgery? Why do many of us get sick? The answer to this question is
found in the scriptures. Read Hebrews 9:27, KJ, "And it is appointed
unto men once to die." Regardless of our religious beliefs, each of
us mortal human beings has an appointment to die, and we will die at
all ages, from accidents and diseases. But in the meantime, we live
in an age where there is excellent medical care that can eliminate
the PC from our bodies. Thank God, I am still dodging that bullet.
Copyright. Tom Ainsworth
Reprint with Permission.
Email: retired@magnet1.com
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"Having been through an
operation a while ago for prostate cancer I have written a
short story of the events that surround this."
Read
more about Alan's story about Prostate Cancer
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A Day in the Life
"We don't know what it would be like not to have to drive 300 miles on pharmacy trips, fights with medical vendors, etc.; that to us is normal."
Read more about Jamie
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