June 18, 2007: This seems to be whipped!

Boy do I feel too lucky. It seems that this thing is whipped already. I am afraid to think that.

IF IT IS, this has been one more lucky star, blessing, etc. It could be my personality flaw; but, I feel like this has not been a big deal. As bad as I felt from the start I feel good about it now. I'm almost guilt-ridden that I've had a result this good.

The continence has continued to improve. I don't 'weep' when I step to the side like getting out of the car or mow. I can sleep six hours now. I can hardly wait for my next PSA test. I am pretty confident that it will be a virtual '0'. But that is reinforcing evidence that I am cured. That will be August first.

Any man or for that matter any woman who knows a man should insist on an annual prostate exam as part of his physical. (She won't need one)

I have heard that there are tests for ovarian cancer very similar to the DRE that combined with a good history at her physical can detect it early. The history should include the following from the website, http://www.baymoon.com/~gyncancer/library/weekly/aa011001a.htm :

WARNING SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER
Contact your MD if you develop one or more of these symptoms and they persist for 2-3 weeks:
-Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight
-Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full"
-Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements)
-Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
-Urinary Problems
-Urgency, Burning, or Spasms
-Fatigue and/or Fever
-Pain During Intercourse
-Back Pain
-Difficulty Breathing

Remember, the vast majority of the time, these will not be due to cancer, but you owe it to yourself to get them checked out.

What should you expect from your doctor at your appointment?
In addition to testing for other causes for your symptoms, your doctor should perform a pelvic examination, including the rectovaginal component. A prompt pelvic exam has been shown to be one of the best predictors of timely diagnosis. The other non-invasive tests used to detect ovarian cancer are the CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound. These three tests together will alert the doctor to whether there is a danger of ovarian cancer.

I love all of you and hope you take care of yourselves.