CT Scan and Cystoscopy

 Due to continued trace blood in my urine, I was sent to see a urologist. The urologist suggested a CT scan with contrast (iodine) and a cystoscopy (where they go up through your penis to your bladder)

I survived both the CT scan with contrast on Saturday and the cystoscopy this morning! I was so concerned about how painful the cystoscopy would be I did not think much about the ramifications if he saw cancer in either test.

I did not realize the CT scan would involve injecting iodine in my veins where you feel hot all of a sudden. It took him two time to find a vein.

This morning, I took half a Xanax before I let for the urologist's. They had me pay the $150. co-pay for the procedure up front. In the past, I have always gotten the bills (unless it is just an office visit) after they submitted it to the insurance company. Then they wanted a urine sample. They never said if there was blood in it this morning.

From there, a female nurse led me into a room & told me to take off my shorts & underwear & put a think paper covering over me. There was no hospital gown involved. Then she cleaned the tip of my penis with iodine & put some gel on/in it to deaden it.

About 10 minutes later, the doctor came in & I told him the nurse had forgotten to hook me up to a morphine drip (joke). He said they were all out of that. Then it began. The worst was putting the camera in my penis, then he keep putting it deeper (which did not hurt as much as putting it in at first) & seconds later, he announced he was in my bladder. He then said I could watch the process on the screen & see inside my bladder. He pointed out a few things but nothing concerned him & he did not feel the need for any biopsies. And then it was removed (which didn't hurt).

Next, I was told that all looked good on both the CT scan and the cystoscopy. The last thing he wanted to do was get another urine sample to see if there were any abnormalities after mixing things around in there. He said he would call me if there were any problems.

So, unless the lab finds something in the second urine sample, that is behind me! He wants to see me in 3 months again.

The two times I have urinated since the cystoscopy, it stung, but has been bearable.

Thank GOD for the good results!

As of today, 12 October, 2020 I am still cancer-free, for which I give glory & praise to God!

Still Cancer Free!

 As of November 2015, my PSA is still zero & I am still cancer-free  six years since radiation, for which I thank God!

PSA still at ZERO!

I just got my latest PSA test 5 1/2 years since my surgery & five years since my radiation & it is still zero, for which I thank God!

PSA

I am thankful to report that as of now, my PSA is still at zero, for which I thank God!

September 15, 2010 Follow up

I had appointments with both my oncologist & radiologist this week.  My PSA is still zero & my testosterone is increasing after stopping hormone therapy in December of last year. These are good things & I am grateful for the results.  I have to have my PSA checked every 3 months & plan to meet my oncologist in 6 months.

The only side affects I have are having diarrhea more often and more fatigue.  I take a nap more days than not.  I was able to go on a 4-hour hike a few days ago though, with no problem.

Follow Up

I just returned from an appointment with my urologist/oncologist. He said that he was happy that my PSA was at zero. I was glad I did not need another hormone injection! I continue to get hot flashes from them.

I was told if I do not start producing testosterone on my own within 7 months, I will need testosterone injections, as without it, though it is good at keeping the cancer in check, the lack of testosterone could result in diabetes or heart disease!

He said I should get my PSA and testosterone tested again in 3 months. I am thankful it went as well as it did!