I just realized I may not have hit the "SAVE" button on my update yesterday...
I met with Dr P., and we fully reviewed my time with him starting with last March, 2008, through the prostate tests and treatments, and up to the discovery of the kidney problems a few weeks ago. That was good.
What we then resolved was to NOT proceed with today's left-side percutaneous nephrostomy (which would basically be permanent), but to look from below the bladder, to see if a dye will travel up to the kidney. That will then let him insert a stent in the left kidney tube. There is also a possibility of doing it from above, if signs are again good for access through the tube. He is not too optimistic (as he has remained), but I don't quite understand why; he says it's due to that tube possibly being blocked longer. But we agreed to take the look and give it a try. That will happen Wednesday, 6/24. He agrees the PN on the left may have been of little to no help anyway, and that even this successful procedure may not move the numbers much faster, just provide a better quality of life. Oh... the new creatine number, as of yesterday's results, was 3.5, down from 4.2 a week earlier. So we agree to just take it more slowly and let it go down. The right tube may come out soon during this recovery. I am still weak, with little appetite (but getting better), am still losing weight, and concerned that I have not moved my bowels in two weeks, despite taking Laculose (yeuchh!, and giving up, and now taking an over-the-counter enema powder - hope today's the day!).
So that's the latest on treating and stabilizing the kidney situation; one I'm much happier about. He tried to patiently answer all questions; getting to the final resolution, with comprehension on all possible outcomes and further procedural paths, was not easy. My wife says I'm too literal, and more demanding that most people would be. Diane P., I feel I was fighting to stop an unnecessary immediate procedure to change my life in an unacceptable way, directed by less than a fully professionally reviewed process, and take all opportunities to look at understanding the bigger picture with my health and my choices. It appears my urologist agreed.
Also, the PSA number is currently 127, down from 155 a week or so ago, so it looks like the new application of the monthly Degarelix® antagonist treatment is working, too.
I hope this gets to you in time to get the benefit of your opinion, research and wisdom before tomorrow's procedure. But, if not, at least nothing we can't undo (or need to) is going to happen. Wish me luck, again. I wish you all good thoughts and outcomes.
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I just realized I may not have hit the "SAVE" button on my update yesterday...
I met with Dr P., and we fully reviewed my time with him starting with last March, 2008, through the prostate tests and treatments, and up to the discovery of the kidney problems a few weeks ago. That was good.
What we then resolved was to NOT proceed with today's left-side percutaneous nephrostomy (which would basically be permanent), but to look from below the bladder, to see if a dye will travel up to the kidney. That will then let him insert a stent in the left kidney tube. There is also a possibility of doing it from above, if signs are again good for access through the tube. He is not too optimistic (as he has remained), but I don't quite understand why; he says it's due to that tube possibly being blocked longer. But we agreed to take the look and give it a try. That will happen Wednesday, 6/24. He agrees the PN on the left may have been of little to no help anyway, and that even this successful procedure may not move the numbers much faster, just provide a better quality of life. Oh... the new creatine number, as of yesterday's results, was 3.5, down from 4.2 a week earlier. So we agree to just take it more slowly and let it go down. The right tube may come out soon during this recovery. I am still weak, with little appetite (but getting better), am still losing weight, and concerned that I have not moved my bowels in two weeks, despite taking Laculose (yeuchh!, and giving up, and now taking an over-the-counter enema powder - hope today's the day!).
So that's the latest on treating and stabilizing the kidney situation; one I'm much happier about. He tried to patiently answer all questions; getting to the final resolution, with comprehension on all possible outcomes and further procedural paths, was not easy. My wife says I'm too literal, and more demanding that most people would be. Diane P., I feel I was fighting to stop an unnecessary immediate procedure to change my life in an unacceptable way, directed by less than a fully professionally reviewed process, and take all opportunities to look at understanding the bigger picture with my health and my choices. It appears my urologist agreed.
Also, the PSA number is currently 127, down from 155 a week or so ago, so it looks like the new application of the monthly Degarelix® antagonist treatment is working, too.
I hope this gets to you in time to get the benefit of your opinion, research and wisdom before tomorrow's procedure. But, if not, at least nothing we can't undo (or need to) is going to happen. Wish me luck, again. I wish you all good thoughts and outcomes.
June 23, 2009 - 11:02amThis Comment
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