Relief and Rejoicing

Jim saw his urologist on Tuesday and had blood drawn for another PSA test. That was his 4th one since finishing radiation for prostate cancer. The previous ones were all good, low numbers. In January however, we struggled for days to get the results. They were not on his "portal" and the office aide gave him a number that didn't make sense. It took well over a week to get the information we wanted. This time however, the number was up on his portal within 48 hours and it was good! We were so relieved and thankful. 

 I had been waiting for some lab results as well--not as concerning as Jim's--but I too was relieved to hear they were "borderline" and I just need to keep avoiding carbs and sweets. I had lost five pounds and I can and should lose more.

 For both of us, we don't need to check in with more labs for six months instead of three or four months. I feel like we are given a reprieve. Who knows what else could happen in the next six months? Last year who would have known that we would be seeking out vaccines to prevent a terrible disease? Or at our age, what else could deteriorate in our bodies? But for now, we are so relieved. 

 I am going to plan a trip to the Jersey shore for a few days. We will be going to the Catskills for a wedding celebration for a friend in June and hope to see Dan and Alex then as well. Next fall we are planning to spend six weeks in South Bend when Jim has been recruited to teach a seminar at Notre Dame. We can see family and friends in the area. I am determined to see Lake Michigan again--maybe even a few days in South Haven. We can worship in "our church" in South Bend. We are not sorry we have made the big move to Princeton but there is much we have missed back in the Midwest. 

 With our vaccinations done and our labs coming back with good numbers, we can make plans. And part of the fun of traveling is making plans.