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Levelling up in the PCa battle

Posted by northoftheborder @northoftheborder, Sep 13 4:38pm

In video games, characters gain levels as they defeat opponents and overcome new challenges.

How have you "levelled up" this month living with prostate cancer? What did you do, experience, or even just try or endure that was new and challenging?

For me, one thing was paddling kneeling in a canoe, rather than sitting up on a bench. As I've mentioned before, PCa left me paraplegic at first from spinal damage, and while I can walk again now, my legs are still wonky with only partial sensation. I thought I'd never be able to get down and kneel in a canoe, but I did it for 45 minutes earlier this week — three times!

Level-up achieved (imagine corny 1980s video-arcade machine victory music and a pixelated animation).

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

bluegill | @bluegill | Sep 13 5:26pm

Good for you! Just a copule of months ago I dragged out my canoe (that had been parked for 4 years) and I've been out on the lake twice with it. I can even hoist it onto my shoulders and walk with it. (I also have arthritis, but the symptoms have improved after doing weight training for PCa).

Keep paddling!

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northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | Sep 13 6:35pm

Great work! I don't think I could hoist the canoe onto my shoulders (but also, it's a heavy, cheap 15.5 ft Coleman that came free with the family cottage because the previous owners couldn't be bothered to haul it away). It's also a beast to paddle solo.

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stevecando54 | @stevecando54 | Sep 14 4:48am

Okay, I certainly haven't been able to level up, I'm currently been playing catch up. But this sharing helps to make this site what it is. We all have not so good days and when you can read on here what is possible, it gives us all a good feeling. (okay, a little jealous) Thanks for sharing. Best to all.

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1 reply
northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | Sep 14 6:12am
In reply to @stevecando54 "Okay, I certainly haven't been able to level up, I'm currently been playing catch up. But..." + (show)
@stevecando54

Okay, I certainly haven't been able to level up, I'm currently been playing catch up. But this sharing helps to make this site what it is. We all have not so good days and when you can read on here what is possible, it gives us all a good feeling. (okay, a little jealous) Thanks for sharing. Best to all.

Jump to this post

I regret that I led with something big and obvious like canoeong.

Maybe your level up was getting out of bed this morning when your body was telling you you couldn't. In 2021, mine were being able to move my toes a little, or swallow a few bites of hospital food. Those little things are the toughest victories.

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1 reply
grandpun | @grandpun | Sep 14 7:09am

My energy seems to be back since completing 2-years of Lupron last January. I still need too sleep at least 8.5-hours but the days go by quickly now with more family, friends, and fun. And I'm more anxious to have more fun with the good years I have left. Thank you Lord and the good doctors, staff, & supporters like this 'connection'.
Thanks for asking!

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bluegill | @bluegill | Sep 14 7:41am

I'm planning my next trip "Out West" (AZ, NM, CO, etc.) for next year. I've got some hikes lined up. OK, they're only a mile or two, and I'll take a few breaks lying prostrate on the ground. (Or, with my lying prostate on the ground??).

I don't get nervous on hikes until I see the buzzards circling.

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2 replies
ecurb | @ecurb | Sep 14 7:46am
In reply to @bluegill "I'm planning my next trip "Out West" (AZ, NM, CO, etc.) for next year. I've got..." + (show)
@bluegill

I'm planning my next trip "Out West" (AZ, NM, CO, etc.) for next year. I've got some hikes lined up. OK, they're only a mile or two, and I'll take a few breaks lying prostrate on the ground. (Or, with my lying prostate on the ground??).

I don't get nervous on hikes until I see the buzzards circling.

Jump to this post

Better watch out for Scorpions, Snakes too.

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northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | Sep 14 8:32am
In reply to @bluegill "I'm planning my next trip "Out West" (AZ, NM, CO, etc.) for next year. I've got..." + (show)
@bluegill

I'm planning my next trip "Out West" (AZ, NM, CO, etc.) for next year. I've got some hikes lined up. OK, they're only a mile or two, and I'll take a few breaks lying prostrate on the ground. (Or, with my lying prostate on the ground??).

I don't get nervous on hikes until I see the buzzards circling.

Jump to this post

"I don't get nervous on hikes until I see the buzzards circling."

It's when they land that you know you're really in trouble. 🙂

REPLY
stevecando54 | @stevecando54 | Sep 14 3:30pm
In reply to @northoftheborder "I regret that I led with something big and obvious like canoeong. Maybe your level up..." + (show)
@northoftheborder

I regret that I led with something big and obvious like canoeong.

Maybe your level up was getting out of bed this morning when your body was telling you you couldn't. In 2021, mine were being able to move my toes a little, or swallow a few bites of hospital food. Those little things are the toughest victories.

Jump to this post

no regrets required. You posted a positive and that is always a good thing. We all need the good news. Keep the good times flowing!! Best to all.

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