The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good
news is that my doctor has given me the all clear at my latest follow-up visit. The results from the pathology report showed that the cancer was confined to the prostate alone and had not spread beyond to adjacent tissue and or lymph nodes. What this means is that surgery has removed all of the cancer and no further radiation or chemo treatment is required. Yay!! I will need to monitor my PSA levels at regular intervals (6mo or so) just in case there was some microscopic escape and to make sure it doesn't come back (or at least we will watch for it).

The Bad
news is that my doctor still forbids running for 2 more weeks and my do not do list remains long and detailed including no lifting of over 10 lb, no bicycling, no horseback riding, or activities that put pressure on the sensitive area where the surgery occurred for at least 2 more months. The nurse we talked to on a separate appointment also made it very clear that not following directions and inviting a 'setback' could be very discouraging and not to be done. Message was received loud and clear!
The Ugly
Just kidding, there is no real ugly to speak of and this was the closest thing I could come up with for an ugly picture and that's only if you don't like bugs or bees. The closeup of the flower makes it look a little scary with all those strange looking protrusions with pollen for the bee to rub up against. The real ugly if you care to peek is this photo showing the after picture or my scar which is healing very nicely on the outside. The issue my doctor and nurse has is the healing on the inside which can take much longer with a risk of nasty consequences if I don't follow orders and take it really easy for the next few months. Yes, yes I heard that!
So, I'm feeling very good but find that I tire easily and need my rest, often including short afternoon naps. Simple things like a trip to the doctor in Saint John (a 1 hour drive) and then a few hours of shopping at the mall can just wear me out by the time I get home several hours later. Yesterday, it was straight to the couch for an hour or so but then felt nicely refreshed and was able to stay up late to watch the exciting game 6 Stanley Cup finals hockey.

So, the plan is to do the things I'm allowed to do like walking on the treadmill, easy activities with no lifting around the house and of course some scheming and dreaming about a training program for my fall marathon. The clock is already ticking down to only 18 weeks and I'd usually be started by now! Not this time. Looks like another abbreviated plan after a build-up to 'normal' running by early September but I won't be stressing about it and will be taking it one day at a time.

Take care an good training out there!