Wednesday, June 10, 2009

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!

13 comments:

PunkRockRunner said...

All things considered, two weeks of not running isn't THAT bad.

Keep kicking BUTT!!

Deb said...

That's great news! Only 2 more weeks to go till you can run? That'll fly by for sure! Great to hear!!

Unknown said...

That really is fantastic news! Two weeks until you can run is not too bad a price to pay for news like that. Rest up and continue scheming. ;-)

Trevor said...

Nice to hear the recovery is coming along well. Hey - you're allowed to lift 10 pounds now. That's a big dinner plate, not one of those sissy 5 pounders.

Grellan said...

Great news indeed! Makes the "bad" more than bearable and as for the ugly - it's all in the eye of the beholder.

Andrew said...

Way to go Mike! Long runs are coming!

DawnB said...

that is wonderful news Mike, hang in there for the next two weeks.

Ewen said...

When I saw that title I was expecting some particularly bad joke from Andrew ;)

That's great news. You'll be back into the long runs before you know it. Enjoy the naps and time for doing things besides running.

Thomas said...

The good news is the one that really counts. Looks like we'll have you around for quite some time yet to come.

As for the bad, I guess the 12 weeks Pfitzinger plan remains an option.

Ms. V. said...

I'm so happy to hear of this good news. You are an amazing athlete and all around good person. You inspire me every day when I don't want to run.

I think of you...and you WANTING to run.

Way to go!

Garry said...

I am very happy to hear the great news. Two weeks will pass by quickly so it is not a big deal. With 16 weeks left to train I am sure you will still manage to run a good race.

Chrisy said...

Came via Bill's blog. I'm Chris... in Utah. Nice to meet you.

Sounds like you've had quite a surgery [I checked out the pic - you're tough!]. Two weeks isn't too bad, and wonderful news that you won't need chemo and radiation. I'll be back!

http://seechrisyrun.com

Bill Carter said...

Congratulations! Anytime you are dealing with the big C, it is incredibly stressful. Glad to hear you are going to be fine and back running in just 2 weeks.

Take care of yourself.