March 23, 2022 – Back on Track

Well, I have much good news and some clarification.

Kidney Stones

I had the kidney stone operation and it was successful.  Aside from the catheter that I had to wear for two weeks, the urethroscope and laser didn’t change my urinary flow rate.  The journey they took through my wounded prostate (from Brachytherapy and a TURP) only had a little bleeding.

Not to be undone, the after-surgery CAT scan showed that I have five more stones lurking in both kidneys.  This resulted in the urologist performing a lithotripsy (ultrasound) to remove two of them on the other kidney.  None of these were blocking the ureter, so no pain.  No pain = no more lithotripsy.  Now I wait until one of these 2-7 mm stones gets into the ureter. Wonderful.  Note:  Waiting plus 64 ounces of water per day is the treatment prescribed by two urologists.  I changed urologists after the last lithotripsy because my new urologist has a relationship with my oncologist.

This blog isn’t about kidney stones so I will stop to say that I need to drink more, drink lemonade or cider vinegar, and avoid nuts—especially almonds.  All I can say about this is %$^&*%!

What about the diverticulitis?  I’ve heard not a word about that and I feel no pain, so I conclude that diverticulitis was a miss-diagnosis.  This is good news!

PSA

In my November and February checkups I discovered that the Casodex did its thing.  My PSA has returned to less than 0.1 ng/ml and stayed there.  Casodex for the time being is my friend, as it has been in the distant past.  My testosterone level is 9, so I continue to feel tired at times and have to fight the loss of muscle mass.

Because I am having to take Prolia for the osteoporosis caused by the hormone blockers, I had to consult with my doctor before having a root canal on tooth #18.  I have been told not to have any major dental work that might start an infection that could lead to the death of my jaw bone.  I did have the root canal and all appears to be good. 

Life is good as travel restrictions lift so that boosted me and boosted Kathe can do some local and distant travelling.  It is back for a visit to San Diego in the fall.

Next Steps

Many steps to the bathroom to get rid of my 64 ounces!  The best news is that constipation is no longer a problem.

Until next time…

Les