Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Health Update

For those interested in the state of my health, here's the latest.  After a long day of testing yesterday, I met with the doctor today.  The test results were "mixed" and a little puzzling.  The good news is that both the CT scan and the bone scan showed nice improvement, and most of my blood work was excellent.  The bad news is that the one problem with the blood work was the PSA count, which has risen again.  This is puzzling because in light of the test results, that shouldn't be the case. 

Rather than start chemo immediately, the doctor wants to wait one week and do another blood test.  If the PSA remains high, then I'll be boarding the chemo train.  I can't see any reason why it won't remain high, and the doctor wasn't sanguine, either.  At least I'm getting a week's reprieve, so I'm glad about that.

19 comments:

George said...

We were hoping for Good News and this is about as good as you can expect. A lot of factors can cause PSA to go up and down. The blood work in a week should provide more answers...or questions.

Jerry House said...

As always, wishing for the best. We need you around for a long while, Bill.

Rick Ollerman said...

Best wishes and good thoughts for you, Bill....

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update. More good thoughts coming your way.

Max Allan Collins said...

These things are sometimes two steps forward one step back. Hang in. Those reprieves always feel good, however brief.

Steph said...

Thank you for the update. These bodies of ours are so mystifying. Here's hoping for positive results with your next test, Bill.

J. Kingston Pierce said...

My best thoughts are with you, Bill.

Cheers,
Jeff

Deb said...

I know it must be hard to "enjoy" the next seven days with another appointment hanging over your head, but here's hoping you get some good rest and better news next week.

Jeff Meyerson said...

Bummer. I always hope for the best but try and prepare myself for the less-than-best. Whatever happens, I'm sure you will come through it with flying colors.

Good luck.

Rick Robinson said...

A week is good, longer would be better.

My PSA went up too. I've been taking testosterone blockers for 2 weeks. Today I'm getting my "anti-testosterone" shot, then in 2 weeks or so the radiation treatments begin.

Unknown said...

I've had some testosterone-blocking shots. Good luck with that radiation!

Ken said...

Good luck Bill!

Anonymous said...

All best wishes. I'll be thinking of you.

Vince said...

The update's appreciated, Bill. Keeping my fingers crossed and you in my thoughts.

Gerard Saylor said...

Best of luck, Crider. Bust of luck to Robinson as well.

Mike Stamm said...

Mixed news, yes, but mostly good. And we want you to stick around as long as you want to do so. Fingers still crossed.

Charles Gramlich said...

Hoping for all good things. I know that Chemo sucks, having seen Lana go through it.

Rick said...

As always, best of luck Bill, during these difficult times.

(Rick Libott)

Anonymous said...

Bill, I'm not much for groups but Ed Gorman was my cancer mentor. None of us are going to live forever but we have the moment, we have today. The process can be difficult but we have the chance to meet a lot of people who care for us and want to help us, and that is a wonderful thing. And I think I'll have a new treat for you soon. There are always good things to look forward to! Thanks for the inspiration!

David Laurence Wilson