I can’t remember when I started daily, sometimes it seems constantly – clearing my throat. It has to be a year, maybe two or even three, but it is every day. I thought an allergist might identify the cause, so I made an appointment.
His assistant took a felt marker and produced spreadsheets on both of my forearms, complete with columns and headers. She poked my skin in each marked cell with the corresponding poker from her tray of pins and said she’d be back in 30 minutes.
I sat in that quiet exam room with a pillow in my lap and my arms steady on the pillow. It was a perfect time to catch up on prayer. The spreadsheet reported zero allergies, next stop – another blood test.
Are You Rrrrready toooo Rrrrrumble?
My prostate surgery was almost seven years ago. We’ve continued regular PSA testing since then and the results have always been, “undetectable.” In reality, undetectable is actually detectable, but if the number is less than 0.1 ng/ml, it is considered undetectable.
The voicemail with my December test results relayed a 0.15 score and a, “please call to make an appointment.”
I made the appointment and saw my Urologist. He seemed quite concerned and commented a couple times that this never happens this far out from the surgery (almost 7 years).
He’d reviewed my file and seemed pleased that I already had a radiologist, because if today’s blood test verifies the last one, radiation may be prescribed.
Where to radiate would be the question (since there is no cancerous prostate). He told me about a new technique that has just arrived in Portland, and is promising for that very issue.
I asked him; wouldn’t it be funny if the prostate cancer was positioning to play a big joke on the Multiple Myeloma cancer?
I wondered if they would ever battle to claim credit for my demise.
IN THIS CORNER:
The Reigning Champion with 26,730 (estimated) deaths in 2017 – Prrrostate Cancer! Off to an impressive start, but reportedly eradicated with surgery.
IN THE OTHER CORNER:
THE INCURABLE! The Second Most Common Hematological Malignancy – with 10,790 (estimated annual) deaths Mmmuuuuultiple Mmmyyyeloooooooma!! Starting out determined, but beat down repeatedly with radiation, chemo, a stem cell transplant, and more chemo – On the ropes, but still breathing.
Prostate cancer, inching by the fingernails, crawls back to the center of the ring with just a hidden spark of life – grabs Myeloma by the throat and whispers, “Incurable? I’ll show you incurable!”
A young lady who’s had two babies since she started taking my blood, took it once again. It was tested and the results relayed by voicemail: 0.15 confirmed, please call and make an appointment for two months from now.
I really felt fortunate to catch this action shot – my immediate supervisor at work – going off the rock pile jump on his bicycle, sailing over the mote and fence (in his Grinch pajamas). It’s a Public Works tradition.
Hi…my name is Martha and I live in Portland too. I was diagnosed with MM about 4 years ago. Chemo, stem cell, now on revlimid. Mspike holding steady at 1.5. I have read your posts for years. They inspire me. I suspect a tough ole coot like you will give prostate and MM a run for the money…thank you for your blogs
Martha; Thanks for reading my blog, and thanks for those kind words. I don’t know you, but I’m pretty sure we have a lot in common. I wish you good health.
HELLO Scott I wish you luck on everthing I am keeping you in my prayers each night . I am sure you will be ok . YOU have so far and I have good feelings you will be ok besides we still have reunion to take care of Some time, . Thanks for keeping me posted. When we had back to one of the tracks I will make sure you know about it . BUT It is going to be a wile . I don’t like what I am hearing about the flu. talk to ya soon.
Hi, Don; I thank you for the prayers, it means a lot to me. I made it to RC Plus with my 3.0 buggy when I visited my brother, Mark in Salem. I programmed in the drag brake, and that helps a lot – I like it. I hope to see you after the flu season.