DOUBLE BAGGING IT-MY SECOND BATTLE WITH CANCER

THe weather,damp.rainy,and cold penetrating my body,matching my mood today, as I wrestle with the hand I am dealt. . Sept/2021-afterwaiting 1 year, because of the Co-Vid 19 pandemic currently playing out in Canada, I go for a PET scan which will ultimately predict my future. The test,the most sophisticated scan avalable for cancer screening, was necesitated by a series of abnormal blood tests. During the screening, I encounter problems emptying my bladder, which is necessary to get a clear picture.In their need for haste,there are only 2 active PET scans in Ontario, I am given Latix, a diuretic to encourage me to urinate. It works and the test is completed. One week latter I learn via My Chart, a digital file attached to the hospital, that I am cancer free but there is some "activity" near the prostate that needs to be further investigated. Approximately 2 weeks later I find myself in the Emergency Department at my nearby teaching hospital. Despite a week of antibiotics I cannot urinate.After an reasonable wait(3hours) I am seen and a catheter inserted thereby releasing 2 litres of liquid waste. Subsequently I request an appointment with the urology surgeon I had 5 years ago.HIs nurse says he is not taking new patients.I implore,beg,plea for him to see me.Out of the kindness of his heart he agrees. When I see him I tell him he is a real mentsch(honourable man.) During the past 5 years I have been closely monitored following my bout with colon-rectal cancer.THis past year, the blood test which is a marker for colon-rectal cancer has been elevated and the Doctors were unable to find out why? The answer seems clear now. Next week I meet with the urology surgeon to discuss my test results,diagnosis and treatment options. At this juncture I need more information. At this stage I am in a waiting period.As is my ways, I seek information from a prominent retired urology surgeon, who is also a close friend of my sister.He explains my options,possible diagnosis,and treatment plan in great details. He has the patience of a saint.I am indeed fortunate to have access to such well informed sources. I now have the information I need to ask the correct questions and to feel more in control of my life.Emotionally I oscilate between feelings of despair and hopefulness.I am in the middle of a process, whose outcome is uncertain.What I fear are further limitations, Who would have thought I would be tested again. Clearly G-d thinks I am made of the right stuff to be able to handle this crisis. I remain optomistic,hopeful awaiting the results of my biopsy.