Wednesday 5 September 2012

Ticking away ... Day 675 ~ watching the clock ...

So it was back to the Cavendish Suite at Calow Hospital today for the first visit in eight weeks. I slept well but awoke with a slight uneasy feeling in my tummy.

Jamie picked me up and we arrived five minutes early with an "I've not seen you two for a while ..." from Sue the receptionist.

The waiting room was nearly empty and after ten minutes my name was called out and we were ushered into a side room where we waited a few minutes for the doctor. It was Dr. S. and my immediate thought was it's not going to be bad news ...  we usually have something to smile about with her. Today she seemed particularly concerned about Jamie's infected eye ...

We got down to business and after asking how I felt [which is not too bad] she revealed that my PSA [Prostate-specific antigen] level has risen from 1 point something to 5 point something ... not enough to get worried about [though I was told in the past that once it is in double figures we can worry a bit more].

I still have to keep taking one Prednisolone [a steroid] each day and to cut down the chance of stomach bleeds [that doesn't sound nice] Lansoprazole has been added to the list of tablets to take every day. I will soon have to make a list of what I've got to take ... and when.

Still, they're going to be guided by how I feel rather than my PSA level and as a result my next appointment [at least at the Cavendish Suite] is not until the beginning of December. Some people at this stage might go Whoot ...

I asked whether she could give me any idea how things might go ... but no. I must make the most of life until that time is past.

Overall though it was a fairly positive 10 or 15 minutes ... and she did laugh when I told her it was much easier to cock my leg over step-over stiles now I wear a stocking ... 
  
Me ... at 12.30pm, 5th September 2010

20 comments:

  1. love that picture of you
    glad the appointment was not too bad

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    1. Thank you Eevee ... yes, it didn't go too badly. You know what it's like though ~ there's always another coming along

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  2. Glad to hear the news was not too bad Charlie!??!

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    1. I agree with you Chuck. I don't think the news was too bad. It could have been better ... but it could have been a heck of a lot worse.

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  3. I'm glad that the doctors are looking after you so well. Your attitude also helps in your well-being ...

    *sigh* I always stumble when I try to reply to one of your health posts. I'm deeply concerned about you! But I'm glad that you keep us up-to-date. Thank you for that!

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    1. Thank you for your concern ... it is appreciated. My doctor seemed impressed that I was still walking so much ~ I tend to feel that is the best thing for me.

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  4. I'm sure the walking helps Charlie,also your positive attitude.We all wish you well Charlie,take care.Ann

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    1. Thank you Ann. I think the walking helps if only to help me stay sane ...

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  5. Yes.. this picture of you is so good... And so good to hear things are going well with you and the Dr..

    Take Care Charlie...

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    1. Thank you Barbara ~ glad you like the photo.

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  6. Not having to go back for 3 months sounds like a blessing to me. We are getting to hate the traffic to do those dreaded Vancouver trips. We never sleep well the night before either, dreading being late and inconveniencing the medical folk who never apologize for keeping us wating for an hour or more. We make sure we have books with us. I know they get called out for emergencies, but I just wish they would say "Sorry, I had to remove a 5 year old's eye after a car accident." But nothing is ever said. It makes one feel inconsequential, which I guess we are actually in the large scheme of things. I will stop there before I get on a rant. I am off to a casino....we escaped from the high energy of the grand-daughters for a few days.

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    1. The journey to hospital from Darley Dale isn't too bad and they are very good timewise. It sounds as though a little more information wouldn't go amiss in respect of your Vancouver trips. Hopefully the trip to the casino has helped you settle down Karyn.

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  7. Glad it was good news... by looking at that photo your skin tone looks way better, great pic.

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    1. Thank you Diane. I think I'm a bit more normal than I was ... or at least as 'normal' as I get.

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  8. I am so glad the appointment went well (minus J's eye of course, I hope that's better by now!) I still worry over you. I can't help myself, but the positive appointments and your amazing attitude truly bring a smile and remind me to take each day as it comes:-)

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    1. Thank you Marie ~ I am touched by you worrying about me. I've been for another appointment today but didn't want to overdo my 'ticking away' reports ~ there have been further developments ... but nothing life threatening [as far as I'm aware].

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  9. Glad the appointment went well. And I agree with you....the walking and your positive attitude are the best medicine. Continued good health my friend.

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  10. I agree with Karyn - if they sat 'go away and don't come back for a while,' that's good news! Yes, nice pic.

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    1. I agree ... and I am enjoying these precious days.

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