December 24th
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa.
Best wishes for a walk on the path to good health in the
coming year.
Image from Flickr Creative Commons
An account of one man's encounter with prostate cancer
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Happy Holidays
Entry 59
December 24th
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa.
Best wishes for a walk on the path to good health in the
coming year.
December 24th
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa.
Best wishes for a walk on the path to good health in the
coming year.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
MR Guided Ultrasound Surgery
Entry 58
December 8, 2011
The TED Talks series is my favorite video podcast set. Here's a recent one about a treatment that may have implications for those with prostate and other types of cancer in the future.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
December 8, 2011
The TED Talks series is my favorite video podcast set. Here's a recent one about a treatment that may have implications for those with prostate and other types of cancer in the future.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Anniversary of Surgery
Entry 57
December 6, 2011
My prostatectomy was on December 9, 2010. One year has passed quickly. What a day that was.
Here it is... time to celebrate Christmas in 2011. Today we enjoyed the Festival of Trees in the grand halls of Manitoba Hydro.
December 6, 2011
My prostatectomy was on December 9, 2010. One year has passed quickly. What a day that was.
Here it is... time to celebrate Christmas in 2011. Today we enjoyed the Festival of Trees in the grand halls of Manitoba Hydro.
Jets Tree - Click to enlarge the image
I had my injection of Zoladex on November 29. I now begin what they call 'Intermittent Hormone Therapy' which means your medical team takes you off the hormone therapy regimen and puts you on a "drug holiday". Given that the prostate cancer escaped into my lymph nodes, they will measure the PSA number every 3 months in order to observe how quickly it begins to climb - in my case from the 0.01ng/ml baseline in November 2011. The speed with which it comes back, and then doubles, determines the aggressiveness. My doctor and his primary care nurse expect me to be on this drug holiday for 9 months to a year, at which time they will put me back on the hormone therapy again. They plan to keep doing this until the PC figures a way around the treatment, and if history is any indication, it will. Hopefully some bright group of researchers will come up with another treatment that will be additive to the hormone therapy.
My timeline
My timeline
I seem to be affected by only a few side effects of the hormone therapy; tiredness and loss of strength which I combat with the weight machines and free weights at the Reh-fit, hot flashes I have under control with a medication, weight gain ( I've held it at bay, but it's really tough to make inroads here), and the one I was particularly worried about, heart disease. I'm not so worried about this now but I will have to keep an eye the blood pressure.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Monday, November 21, 2011
Bright Days
Entry 56
November 21, 2011
Prior to the Polar Bears International event last Thursday, Bob Williams invited me to the Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers hockey game on the following Saturday. Like I was going to say no! The proviso was that his wife Heather did not want to go. As it turned out Heather was willing to relinquish her seat - Thank you, Heather.
The above photo was taken there - great game - great seats - about 8 rows up from the ice immediately behind the visitors' bench. Even with my sorry eyes I could clearly see the faces of all the players. Being an avid Winnipeg Jets fan, I threatened to go down and rap on 6' 6" Chris Pronger's helmet and tell him he was ugly and his grandmother wears combat boots but Bob suggested to me I might reconsider. As it turned out the Jets didn't need me - lucky for Pronger :)
It's not until you are that close to the ice that you really begin to understand how fast the NHL game really is. I found myself mesmerized not only by the speed but also the nano second decision making and the accuracy of the passing.
The next day Tom and Dana invited Dana's dad, Menno and me to the Bombers/Ticats CFL Eastern Playoff game. Another thoroughly enjoyable occasion - well, it was a little chilly - at the last game at the old stadium. The Blue won the Eastern final and a trip to the Grey Cup in Vancouver on November 27th. GO BLUE!
Pretty magical weekend for HS. Thanks to all concerned.
---------------------------
Almost one year past my surgery I have been feeling well, although slightly fatigued at times. Splitting two cords of firewood might be the reason for that. As well, for the last nine months my blood pressure has been inconsistent, sometimes very high. My family doctor has prescribed Atenolol and Hyzaar. The late November appointment with my urologist will include my last injection of Zoladex for the next 9 -12 months as I will be on a "drug holiday". I have been receiving Zoladex every three months since March of this year.
The speaker at the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on November 17 was urologist Dr. Ross MacMahon and the timely topic was “Understanding Hormone Therapy". I learned that osteoporosis, cardiac issues and diabetes are potential complications of the hormone treatments. For anyone who is interested, here are details for the next Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group:
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday December 13, 2011
Party Time: Entertainment by Fire and Ice
Location: Seven Oaks General Hospital
Main Floor Auditorium - Leila & McPhillips
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
November 21, 2011
Prior to the Polar Bears International event last Thursday, Bob Williams invited me to the Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers hockey game on the following Saturday. Like I was going to say no! The proviso was that his wife Heather did not want to go. As it turned out Heather was willing to relinquish her seat - Thank you, Heather.
Harry and Bob
The above photo was taken there - great game - great seats - about 8 rows up from the ice immediately behind the visitors' bench. Even with my sorry eyes I could clearly see the faces of all the players. Being an avid Winnipeg Jets fan, I threatened to go down and rap on 6' 6" Chris Pronger's helmet and tell him he was ugly and his grandmother wears combat boots but Bob suggested to me I might reconsider. As it turned out the Jets didn't need me - lucky for Pronger :)
It's not until you are that close to the ice that you really begin to understand how fast the NHL game really is. I found myself mesmerized not only by the speed but also the nano second decision making and the accuracy of the passing.
The next day Tom and Dana invited Dana's dad, Menno and me to the Bombers/Ticats CFL Eastern Playoff game. Another thoroughly enjoyable occasion - well, it was a little chilly - at the last game at the old stadium. The Blue won the Eastern final and a trip to the Grey Cup in Vancouver on November 27th. GO BLUE!
New friend, Dana
Pretty magical weekend for HS. Thanks to all concerned.
---------------------------
Almost one year past my surgery I have been feeling well, although slightly fatigued at times. Splitting two cords of firewood might be the reason for that. As well, for the last nine months my blood pressure has been inconsistent, sometimes very high. My family doctor has prescribed Atenolol and Hyzaar. The late November appointment with my urologist will include my last injection of Zoladex for the next 9 -12 months as I will be on a "drug holiday". I have been receiving Zoladex every three months since March of this year.
The speaker at the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on November 17 was urologist Dr. Ross MacMahon and the timely topic was “Understanding Hormone Therapy". I learned that osteoporosis, cardiac issues and diabetes are potential complications of the hormone treatments. For anyone who is interested, here are details for the next Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group:
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday December 13, 2011
Party Time: Entertainment by Fire and Ice
Location: Seven Oaks General Hospital
Main Floor Auditorium - Leila & McPhillips
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Friday, September 23, 2011
At Least My Pills Are Lightweight
September 23, 2011
Jim and I are headed out for an end of summer canoe trip. This time we remembered all of the important cargo... canoes, paddles, pfd, maps, food, rum, even my medication. The forecast is for beautiful weather until the 28th by which time we have to be back to attend the Winnipeg Jets third pre-season at-home game.
Our route on Day 2 of the trip
And we're home after a fine trip.....
Jim with our canoes
Me in a photo taken by Jim
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Third ADT Injection Came After the Cruise
Entry 54
September 6, 2011
We are back in town safe and sound. It was a great trip. We've posted photos.
September 6, 2011
We are back in town safe and sound. It was a great trip. We've posted photos.
Margaret and I took her mom, Greta, on a cruise to Alaska that started in Vancouver and ended in San Francisco 12 days later. The Alaska part of the cruise was pretty damp and cool but we went prepared. Once we reached Prince Rupert the weather improved and the seas (even west of Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island) stayed quite moderate. We saw lots of marine mammals; Humpback, Fin, Gray, and Orca whales as well as multiple pods of porpoises. While clear skies were at a premium on the Alaskan portion of the inland passage, the blue, grey and white tone on tones were still beautiful set against the mountainous backdrop.
Very early morning on the 10th Deck as we neared the pier in San Francisco.
That's Alcatraz in the background. Click on image to enlarge.
Margaret's mom did very well managing most of the trip from her lightweight transporter wheelchair. All I can say is that if I make it to 92 and have her kind of moxy I will be very pleased. She is quite the lady.
Today I had an appointment with my urologist, Jeff Saranchuk to discuss the results of Friday's blood tests and with Gayle Nikol, the Primary Nurse at the Manitoba Prostate Centre to have my third Zoladex injection. My PSA levels remain undetectable.
The next injection in December will be followed by a "drug holiday" of up to one year. There is evidence that the antiandrogen drug that is administered intermittently is as effective as that given continuously. I will still have blood tests and assessments every three to four months for the year. Apparently it takes a while for the PSA to rise. When the PSA reaches a significant level, most likely in whole numbers, the hormone therapy will resume.
The next injection in December will be followed by a "drug holiday" of up to one year. There is evidence that the antiandrogen drug that is administered intermittently is as effective as that given continuously. I will still have blood tests and assessments every three to four months for the year. Apparently it takes a while for the PSA to rise. When the PSA reaches a significant level, most likely in whole numbers, the hormone therapy will resume.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Prostate Cancer in the News
Layton's Resolve Will Be Great, His Battle Difficult
NDP Leader Jack Layton is a "very sick man".
Coffee and Prostate Cancer
Coffee linked to lower risk of fatal prostate cancer
This news item is heartening for an appreciator of coffee like me. As with all references to dietary influences on our health, I'm initially slightly distrustful of the statistics and the process used to gather them. In any case, it would appear that the time frame and number of participants in this study are significant.
Prostate Diaries on Twitter
Urologist and PC patient Dr. John Clay McHugh tracks PC research
Colonoscopy for PC Patients - Research
Research indicates that PC patients should also monitor their colons
Kit for Men Diagnosed with PC
From Twitter: prostatediaries john clay mchugh
Kit will help men with prostate cancer: A new information kit about prostate cancer ...http://bit.ly/j9jqhS
From Twitter: prostatediaries john clay mchugh
Kit will help men with prostate cancer: A new information kit about prostate cancer ...http://bit.ly/j9jqhS
Antibiotic-Resistance & Biopsies
There is an increasing risk that drug-resistant bacteria of many types may infect patients undergoing prostate biopsies.
Omega 3 & Prostate Cancer
High levels of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids in the blood may be associated with an increased risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Jack's News Strikes Home
Entry 53
July 25
I've been enjoying the sunny and mosquito-free summer in Winnipeg. Seven months after my surgery I continue to feel fine.
Unfortunately, today the popular NDP Leader and Official Opposition in the House of Commons Canada, Jack Layton has announced that he is taking a leave to deal with a new occurrence of cancer. He began radiation treatment for prostate cancer in 2009. This news strikes home.
Here is his statement:"My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA levels remain virtually undetectable. However, these tests … also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment. So, on the advice of my doctors, I am going to focus on treatment and recovery."
We hope Jack Layton has a safe journey back to good health.
Update: Sadly, Jack Layton died on August 22, 2011
Links:
The Jack Layton cancer story at CBC Canada
Send Jack a Message
Public Officials Owe Full Health Disclosure
Contact: hstimson @ shaw.ca
July 25
I've been enjoying the sunny and mosquito-free summer in Winnipeg. Seven months after my surgery I continue to feel fine.
Unfortunately, today the popular NDP Leader and Official Opposition in the House of Commons Canada, Jack Layton has announced that he is taking a leave to deal with a new occurrence of cancer. He began radiation treatment for prostate cancer in 2009. This news strikes home.
Here is his statement:"My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA levels remain virtually undetectable. However, these tests … also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment. So, on the advice of my doctors, I am going to focus on treatment and recovery."
We hope Jack Layton has a safe journey back to good health.
Update: Sadly, Jack Layton died on August 22, 2011
Links:
The Jack Layton cancer story at CBC Canada
Send Jack a Message
Public Officials Owe Full Health Disclosure
Contact: hstimson @ shaw.ca
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Didn't Want to Think About It
Entry 52
June 15
There’s been positive news on the medical front. My six month visit to the urologist/surgeon revealed that my PSA had dropped to < .01ng/ml. The hormone therapy appears to be stalling the cancer.
I'd like to apologize to everyone who has been a frequent reader of this blog. I have been derelict in my duty in so far as regular posting here is concerned. May I explain.
As Siddhartha Mukherjee references in his Pulitzer Prize for Non Fiction book The Emperor of All Maladies, when cancer enters the lexicon of you and your family and friends, it’s basically there in perpetuity. Well, I needed a break. I just didn't want to write about it for a while. I just didn't want to think about it. Picture a little kid with his arms folded across his chest with that stubborn, pissed off look saying 'I won't' . That was me.
Back in November (Entry 13) my urologist Dr Jeff Saranchuk said that with a few breaks I should be back paddling my canoe by this spring. I held up my end of the bargain by diligently working my body back into the kind of shape that would allow me to contemplate going on a 2 week wilderness canoe trip. That unconsciously became my goal. I would recommend that process to anyone. It keeps you busy with something you can control, keeps you focused and helps rein in on an active imagination. Nothing new here but it worked for me.
I am passionate about paddling a canoe. Margaret did a good job of explaining the odd creature I become during the mid to late Canadian winter. Pouring over maps, checking out gear, and drying food for the trip is therapeutic for me. I know many of you won't get that, but that’s what turns my crank. Put me in my canoe in a true wilderness setting on the boreal forest of the Canadian Shield and I'm home. You don't have enough fingers and toes to count the times my heart sang as we paddled through the stunning beauty of Woodland Caribou Park. My sincere thanks to friends Danny Williams and Tom Robinson who kept me company on the trip.
And guess what? I came home to the fabulous news that the NHL has returned to Winnipeg. 'The good old hockey game' is back where it belongs in the 'Peg'. My son Tom and I tried unsuccessfully to get a pair of Winnipeg Jets seasons tickets, but hey, relative to some of the things I have learned in the last year - no big deal.
Links
Flow
Our Canoeing Pictures
NHL Returns to Winnipeg
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
June 15
There’s been positive news on the medical front. My six month visit to the urologist/surgeon revealed that my PSA had dropped to < .01ng/ml. The hormone therapy appears to be stalling the cancer. I'd like to apologize to everyone who has been a frequent reader of this blog. I have been derelict in my duty in so far as regular posting here is concerned. May I explain.
As Siddhartha Mukherjee references in his Pulitzer Prize for Non Fiction book The Emperor of All Maladies, when cancer enters the lexicon of you and your family and friends, it’s basically there in perpetuity. Well, I needed a break. I just didn't want to write about it for a while. I just didn't want to think about it. Picture a little kid with his arms folded across his chest with that stubborn, pissed off look saying 'I won't' . That was me.
Back in November (Entry 13) my urologist Dr Jeff Saranchuk said that with a few breaks I should be back paddling my canoe by this spring. I held up my end of the bargain by diligently working my body back into the kind of shape that would allow me to contemplate going on a 2 week wilderness canoe trip. That unconsciously became my goal. I would recommend that process to anyone. It keeps you busy with something you can control, keeps you focused and helps rein in on an active imagination. Nothing new here but it worked for me.
I am passionate about paddling a canoe. Margaret did a good job of explaining the odd creature I become during the mid to late Canadian winter. Pouring over maps, checking out gear, and drying food for the trip is therapeutic for me. I know many of you won't get that, but that’s what turns my crank. Put me in my canoe in a true wilderness setting on the boreal forest of the Canadian Shield and I'm home. You don't have enough fingers and toes to count the times my heart sang as we paddled through the stunning beauty of Woodland Caribou Park. My sincere thanks to friends Danny Williams and Tom Robinson who kept me company on the trip.
And guess what? I came home to the fabulous news that the NHL has returned to Winnipeg. 'The good old hockey game' is back where it belongs in the 'Peg'. My son Tom and I tried unsuccessfully to get a pair of Winnipeg Jets seasons tickets, but hey, relative to some of the things I have learned in the last year - no big deal.
Links
Flow
Our Canoeing Pictures
NHL Returns to Winnipeg
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Canoe Trip Pics
Entry 51
June 12, 2011
Yesterday, we returned from a two week canoe trip to Woodland Caribou Park in Ontario. Thanks to Dan and Tom, I really enjoyed myself. Just in case PictureTrail is not functioning below, here is the link to our online photo set
Woodland Caribou Trip In June
The canoe trip occurred exactly one year after a similar one with my friend, Hugh, during which I contracted giardia. The symptoms of giardia led to a physical examination that brought my prostate cancer to light. This week marks the sixth month since the prostatectomy. Tomorrow is my second ADT injection along with the results of the latest PSA blood test. Seemingly, none of this has affected my enthusiasm or ability to participate in a good canoe trip.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
June 12, 2011
Yesterday, we returned from a two week canoe trip to Woodland Caribou Park in Ontario. Thanks to Dan and Tom, I really enjoyed myself. Just in case PictureTrail is not functioning below, here is the link to our online photo set
Woodland Caribou Trip In June
The canoe trip occurred exactly one year after a similar one with my friend, Hugh, during which I contracted giardia. The symptoms of giardia led to a physical examination that brought my prostate cancer to light. This week marks the sixth month since the prostatectomy. Tomorrow is my second ADT injection along with the results of the latest PSA blood test. Seemingly, none of this has affected my enthusiasm or ability to participate in a good canoe trip.
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Gone Paddling
Entry 50
May 29, 2011
Harry starts dragging out his canoe route maps in February long before the snow and ice melt. His equipment makes its first appearance in March as he fixes leaky mats, checks straps, packs and ropes, and then shops for replacement accessories. April is his time to think about menus and food preparation. He dehydrates and vacuum packs meats, sauces, fruits and vegetables for days on end. The house smells good from that and the homemade granola in the oven. A few days before he leaves, he packs things up. All the while, for months, the maps sit out for his frequent consultation.
Fortunately, Harry did not have to pack incontinence pads for this trip. His incontinence lasted only a short while after the catheter removal in December. Would sitting be difficult, we wondered? He paddled on the lakes at Fort Whyte a couple of times to see whether being on a relatively stiff canoe seat for a long stretch of time would cause discomfort. Seems that was no problem either.
These days, Harry shows only one symptom of his ongoing anti-androgen treatment and that is the annoying hot flashes. In anticipation of the heat and perspiration from the hot flashes, particularly at night, he added a package of handy moist wipes to his trip supplies.
I expect we'll have a humorous and deliberately distorted account of Harry's paddling success from his canoeing buddies, Danny and Tom R. We'll relay that to the blog when they return.
If you would like to follow their progress this is the link to track Harry, Dan and Tom R's canoe trip in Woodland Caribou Park in real time: Harry's Current Trip (real time access expired)
June 2 Update: The weather in Woodland Caribou Park has been bad, preventing the guys from making typical progress. Here's a weather map from June 2 at 5:30 PM CST. The arrow shows their location right in the middle of a storm.
- MS
Contact hdstimson @ shaw.ca
May 29, 2011
Harry starts dragging out his canoe route maps in February long before the snow and ice melt. His equipment makes its first appearance in March as he fixes leaky mats, checks straps, packs and ropes, and then shops for replacement accessories. April is his time to think about menus and food preparation. He dehydrates and vacuum packs meats, sauces, fruits and vegetables for days on end. The house smells good from that and the homemade granola in the oven. A few days before he leaves, he packs things up. All the while, for months, the maps sit out for his frequent consultation.Fortunately, Harry did not have to pack incontinence pads for this trip. His incontinence lasted only a short while after the catheter removal in December. Would sitting be difficult, we wondered? He paddled on the lakes at Fort Whyte a couple of times to see whether being on a relatively stiff canoe seat for a long stretch of time would cause discomfort. Seems that was no problem either.
These days, Harry shows only one symptom of his ongoing anti-androgen treatment and that is the annoying hot flashes. In anticipation of the heat and perspiration from the hot flashes, particularly at night, he added a package of handy moist wipes to his trip supplies.
I expect we'll have a humorous and deliberately distorted account of Harry's paddling success from his canoeing buddies, Danny and Tom R. We'll relay that to the blog when they return.
If you would like to follow their progress this is the link to track Harry, Dan and Tom R's canoe trip in Woodland Caribou Park in real time: Harry's Current Trip (real time access expired)
June 2 Update: The weather in Woodland Caribou Park has been bad, preventing the guys from making typical progress. Here's a weather map from June 2 at 5:30 PM CST. The arrow shows their location right in the middle of a storm.
Click on the image of the map to enlarge it.
- MS
Contact hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hot Flashes "R US"
Entry 49
April 27
April 27
Well, I had been cruising along nicely with little or no evidence of side effects from my antiandrogen therapy (hormone therapy) treatment. That changed about a week and a half ago. At first I wasn't sure if this was beginning of the 'thermal chaos' as an article in The New York Times aptly describes a hot flash. One thing for sure, it gets your attention. In my case the hot flashes started showing up about a month after the first Zoladex time release injection.
I would appear to be pretty typical in my reaction to the hot flashes. They are most irritating at night when they interrupt sleep but I have noticed that I am becoming used to that as time goes along.
 | Links: Side Effects of ADT and Estrogen Deficiency Acupuncture for the Alleviation of Hot Flashes Managing the Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy |
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
PC Cancer in the News 2
Omega 3 & Prostate Cancer
High levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the blood may be associated with an increased risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer. If true, this bit of news is a concern to us because I have been taking a fish oil (Omega 3) supplement for several years and I have advanced prostate cancer. I recently quit the only other supplement I had taken long term, glucosamine-chondroitin, after being warned by a pharmacist that the information on chondroitin included a strong caution for men at high risk for prostate cancer.
Manitoba's Big Announcement
Apr 14. Manitoba announces construction of the new Cancer Centre of Excellence. Let the fundraising commence.
Cancer Treatment & Sexuality
Many men are unaware of cancer's effect on their sexuality
Recommendations re: Active Surveillance
Apr 14. Manitoba announces construction of the new Cancer Centre of Excellence. Let the fundraising commence.
Cancer Treatment & Sexuality
Many men are unaware of cancer's effect on their sexuality
Recommendations re: Active Surveillance
NCCN tightens active surveillance in prostate cancer guidelines
Biopsy Results Fast
Patient's diagnosis within 3 days of biopsy
Stem Cells : Groundbreaking Insights
A short audio commentary about stem cell research reported at an EAU conference
Men Who Delay
A British study shows that many men are reluctant to reveal symptoms to their GPs
Federal Election on May 2 Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP is facing a dual challenge. He will be on the election trail while still dealing with his prostate cancer.
A British study shows that many men are reluctant to reveal symptoms to their GPs
Federal Election on May 2 Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP is facing a dual challenge. He will be on the election trail while still dealing with his prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer is Bad to the Bone
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
No Free P--N on This Blog
Entry 48
April 13
I just returned from a great bike ride on a beautiful day. It was the first ride of the season and the new bike seat performed admirably. My pal Jim and I rode 20.3 km according to my gps.
Click image above to see how some people got here
Hmmmm. We've had some strange visitor activity on this blog recently. Since we started the blog in the fall of last year, it has had thousands of hits from around the world, with the majority coming from Canada and the US. From what we can surmise, most searches that lead here seem to be by people who are looking for an update or links to information related to prostate cancer. In the last month or two, we noticed that some Internet users found this blog by searching for a particular phrase which when we checked it out was the name of a free p - - n site. We think we can reduce visits from those guys by modifying one word in the magnet blog entry of December 23rd, replacing some letters with dashes so that it doesn't keep attracting people seeking p - - n.
-----------
Update: Our plan worked. It appears we are no longer having visits from people seeking p - - n :)
Contact: hdstimson @ shaw.ca
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Pain in the @#*
Entry 47
April 6
The change of seasons is causing me to think about my favorite spring activities like cycling, inline skating and paddling.
One real concern in two of these pursuits is that prostate problems can sometimes result in sitting problems. Although I haven't experienced serious discomfort since the days immediately following prostate surgery, friends have told me how they had to find ways to make sitting more comfortable. One used a rolled up towel, another tried a sock filled with rice that had been chilled in the freezer, and a third modified and disguised a donut cushion. I'll be looking for a lightweight solution that can maximize comfort, if necessary, while on an extended spring canoe trip.
In anticipation of riding my bike, I contacted Morgan at Olympia Cycle for a bike seat solution. Morgan recommended the Serfas Men's Performance Rx saddle which has a deep groove designed to eliminate pressure in soft areas. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'm going to try it out. Morgan says we'll keep looking until we find one that works. Virtually any good bike shop will have seats like these. I'm also going to invest in a new pair of cycling shorts with the gel padding and gusseted crotch that will protect the area. Fortunately, I don't have lingering incontinence so pads are not an issue for me when I ride.
-------------
The Serfas bike seat worked great.....
Another option, recumbent bikes are often recommended for cyclists who can't tolerate pressure around their "sit bones". Someone called it "a cushy club chair on wheels". Sounds like just the thing for a guy with a tender butt.
Links:
Prostate Pressure and Bicycle Seats
Bicycling Life: Recumbent Bikes
More good links from Hugh
http://www.bicycleseats.org/
http://bicycleseatreviews.com/
April 6
The change of seasons is causing me to think about my favorite spring activities like cycling, inline skating and paddling.
One real concern in two of these pursuits is that prostate problems can sometimes result in sitting problems. Although I haven't experienced serious discomfort since the days immediately following prostate surgery, friends have told me how they had to find ways to make sitting more comfortable. One used a rolled up towel, another tried a sock filled with rice that had been chilled in the freezer, and a third modified and disguised a donut cushion. I'll be looking for a lightweight solution that can maximize comfort, if necessary, while on an extended spring canoe trip.
-------------
The Serfas bike seat worked great.....
Another option, recumbent bikes are often recommended for cyclists who can't tolerate pressure around their "sit bones". Someone called it "a cushy club chair on wheels". Sounds like just the thing for a guy with a tender butt.
Links:
Prostate Pressure and Bicycle Seats
Bicycling Life: Recumbent Bikes
More good links from Hugh
http://www.bicycleseats.org/
http://bicycleseatreviews.com/
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