Every Six Months

 I wondered if I had written about Jim's bout with prostate cancer before and looked back to the fall of 2019 and yes, I had done so--and even mentioned the recurring PSA tests he would have for the rest of his life.  So every six months, Jim has blood drawn and sent off to the lab and we await the results with some stress.  And every six months, we have had good news that the numbers are low and within the normal range.  The urologist has told Jim he could make his appointments yearly but Jim has felt he wants to have it checked every six months.  Early detection is probably a good idea.  

The results have been on his portal the very next morning.  Jim greets me with the good news and we are both so relieved and thankful.  He said yesterday it is like a burden lifted.  I prayed that if the numbers were high, we would get good medical advice and know what to do next.  We are very aware that many people do not get good news after medical tests and at our age, the good news can't last forever.  But is another six month reprieve.

We celebrated with a happy hour meal at On the Border--where we have celebrated other occasions--even memorably a Covid take-out meal after the last radiation treatment four and a half years ago.  The waitress claimed to remember us and called us her "regulars."  Maybe she did but in any case, it was a good line and made us want to tip generously!  I will remind myself however on the next occasion that a smaller margarita would be a better idea.  

I deal with my anxiety by emailing our children and their spouses.  Jim deals with his anxiety in his own way--but less publicly.  

I wondered if the threat of cancer again would mean that Stonebridge would not want to take us into independent living.  Maybe this good result is a sign that we should pursue that option now.  In the last week there has been another sign--two folks who live there have told us that it is a wonderful place and they are so grateful for it.  Another woman told us that her parents have loved being there.  It's a matter for our prayers because the way is not clear to us yet.  What will I be writing in this blog in 2025?