THIS GUY!
Last week, I learned from my doctor that my PSA count, five weeks after prostatectomy, was a big fat zero, which is exactly what we wanted to hear. Well, I wanted to hear it. Maybe my doctor harbours a deep-seated resentment towards me. Because of my cool hats. But I don’t think so because he gave me some party favours on my way out: Viagra — as he put it, “to keep the machine working.” Gross.
I’ll continue with blood tests every three months or so, tapering off over time. Even thought my prostate is gone, it’s important to make sure that none of those Krazy Cells got away. It can happen. But, as my friendly doctor put it, “You live with the results you get,” and right now my results tell me I’m cancer-free.
Obviously, I’m thrilled. In fact, I surprised myself at how relieved I was. I had been telling myself I was resigned to accept bad news if it came, only to feel a wave of emotion wash over me when the doctor shared the results. The mind does not always tell the truth. For instance, its opinion about that hat.
I’m sharing this news because so many of you out there in blogland have been so kind and supportive. Thank you all. I also wanted to point out that, as has been noted often, prostate cancer is treatable, especially when caught early. Nonetheless, I count myself lucky in so many ways.
I would also like to point out that this post is now particularly ironic.
Take care, everyone.
RM
Drinking Tips for Teens 
Great news!! Woo hoo!!!
Yup.
Okay, okay about the cancer… Now that we’ve got the little stuff out of the way, my Aunt Myrna just happens to be a hat fashion adviser…
Just kidding. Congratulations, my friend!
If you can’t feel good, look good, I say. Thanks, Ana.
I’m with you on that! Life’s too short. I recently dedicated a poem to Mary Oliver, assuring her ghost that whatever debacle I might have to walk away from suddenly in a single dress, it will have been my prettiest one I was standing in at that moment!
I have the same hat.
Naturally.
I wear it to embarrass my kids, as if I alone am not enough.
Next-level embarrassment.
Woo hoo! Great news Ross. And enjoy that new prescription of yours. 🙂
It’s a bit of a Hail Mary prescription, but we’ll see. Hi Marc!
Congratulations, yaaaaaayy!!
Thanks.
Wonderful news…it’s a bright, sunshiny day, no matter the weather!!!
Absolutely!
That is wonderful news, cheers. And what a relief for all of us out here, who would’ve felt constrained and unable to comment on that hat-like growth on your head. Please don’t get it checked, just check it somewhere and don’t go back, or release it back to the woods. (Seriously, congratulations)
There’s a thread going around the Canadian countryside poohpoohing the wearing of snow pants to work. I think you can guess what side of the debate I fall on. (And thanks, Robert.)
Great news, Ross! Keep on Bloggin’………
Thanks!
Have read the Eliot-blog, though I am neither male, nor in a relationship or even black. He has some fucking good explanation for the viagra. It’s all about Use it or lose it. I don’t know if you still have both strings of nerves intact, but you seriously have to follow your doctor’s advice on that! And read that blog. It’s worth it.
Yes, I have been reading it. My doc attempted nerve-sparing on one side. (The other side was where the cancer was, so they cut wide…) But, yes, stay active, as they say. Ultimately, this is a small price, and there are other ways to be intimate. My wife and I are having some good discussions about it.
Actually thinking of a different blog. What is Eliot-blog?
He commented on one of your blog posts – a British black guy who has a blog called I am the one in three
Oh, then yes! Who I thought you meant.
Sorry, Ellis, Peter Ellis, not Eliot – don’t know how I came up with that name – I am terrible with names. But Peter Ellis is a very good writer, though not as well seasoned as you are, I’d say when it comes to humour writing.
I have a lot of seasons.
We all have meanwhile, Ross. I am 50 now, Peter Ellis is in his fifties, too, if I read his about me page correctly (you know what you have to expect about me reading something and passing it on correctly).
Yay, you’re … wait, wut? What the hell is on your head? Oh, never mind, what I really want to say is that I’m so glad you are zero level… Seriously dude, what is that thing you’re wearing over your hair? … Celebrate the cancer free! Happy dance… You’re just wearing that to embarrass your wife, right? Is it a Canadian thing? I’m so happy for you (but not the hat).
The hat is my DGAS hat.
I am so happy to hear this. Congratulations 🙂
Thanks.
Fabulous news, great attitude and terrific writing!
Thanks!
such good news, ross on so many fronts. and at least you’re not all thumbs!
Two of my kids wondered separately how I took that photo, so maybe I do have extra thumbs, eh?
Absolutely
That’s great! Congrats! Definitely past the worst of it. Good to hear!
Yup. Thanks.
So glad to hear it Ross! And I love the photo with the hat and thumbs up, but I’m kind of wondering where it might show up in the future. Keep us posted.
Ha! That’s funny. But who would want a pic like this? (Then again, the grumpy beardy pic…)
I smiled. I wish you continued good health. God be with you.
Thank you. I really appreciate the love.
You are welcome.
Don’t you love happy endings. *sniff* *sniff* I sure do. That’s the most prescient post I’ve ever read. Perhaps you need to write one about an astronomical windfall and just sit back and wait.
My happy endings days are over, if you know what I mean.
Look at that. I pitched it over the plate and you swing at it aiming for the fence.
A regular Abbott & Elvis Costello
Oh I am so happy for you and your family!!! 💛🙌🎉 Congratulations on being cancer free. Whether the doctor likes it or not, I say “You can leave your hat on.” And OMG THAT OTHER POST WAS HILARIOUS.
I know, right? I mean, why that photo?
Thanks for your good wishes.
😆💛
YAY!! That is great news. My uncle just went through the same surgery a little over a month ago and is slightly annoyed that his recovery is slower than he anticipated.
Honestly, it’s taking a while. How old is he?
He is 68 and in fairly good shape.
Well, I wish him health, good luck and good healing.
Thank you, and the same to you!
Wow good news!
Yup.
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As I a new to your blog, I did not know these things, but very happy for you and congrats!
Thanks.
Congratulations! I’m very happy for you
Thanks.