Dee S

About Dee S

Dee, my wife, my best friend, my support / crutch through everything since last November when my Primary Care doctor told us at my annual physical that my PSA was of a concern at 5.0 and that is had risen steadily for 4 years. It was time to see a Urologists and she even threw out the word “cancer”. The first time I had ever had that word associated with my, I was so happy my wife had come with me to the doctor that day. But, Wait, she is always beside me at my doctor’s appoinments.
You see, I have Peripheral Neuropathy – constant pain in my hands and feet – a Good Day is a 5 pain level. So for 3 years she had been to every Neurologist appointment and test. Held me up when the chronic pain and subsequent numbness forced me to sell my Harley (for the first time in 40 years I was to be without a Harley to ride). She has binders of every test and every office visit. Has a spreadsheet of my meds.
So, when the C-word was first spoken, she went into high gear to find a doctor – get my referral and get me into MD Anderson as fast as humanly possible. We had to wait from November the 6th to December 28th to see the Oncologist/Urologist. Then MRI and Biopsy. Diagnosed Jan 17th. PSA 5.0 – Gleason 3+3=6 – 1 of 11 cores. Low numbers, but, I have Prostrate Cancer. The sad part that fell upon her was (I guess it is a sign of our high tech times) she got the email, through the Web Portal, from the doctor stating the results of the Biopsy – she read if before I could. The look on her face was horrifying for me and I know so painful for her.
What I am trying to say is that with all my other ailments to manage me through a given day (I still work – not retired just yet and she teaches full time as well) when the prospect of cancer was all around from early November to the middle of January – she kept me from going insane, kept herself in check (at least never lost it around me) for me and our 16 year old daughter – the last at home of the 7 children we have between us.
I could not have faced all these trials and fears and every other emotion known, without her right there beside me. I screamed at times and pouted at other times and of course there were those positive moments “where I could say, it is going to be alright”. I have a more positive frame of mind since we – along with my doctor support – selected my treatment plan. Active Surveillance. My good fortune of very low numbers and her research of every treatment option doc had given us to ponder. The decision was easy for me, for her maybe not, but she supported me 100% as did doc.
See, I have been battling ED for 3 years – the Neuropathy and my medications both have ill effects on me. By the time I get to MD Anderson the “pills” don’t work any longer and I am facing something that will possible make my “situation even worse. The prospects aren’t good. But, my wife and BFF – keeps repeating – That is not the end of the world if you lose it and nothing “works”. Still the crutch that I need no matter what.
Well, I now have a “pump” and the Rx for TriMix injections and have my Active Surveillance plan in place. The Neuropathy is being managed and the Cancer will either stay as is or move and we will adjust accordingly. With her by my side hold me up, I cannot lose this battle.

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