Getting back in the game (with a little help)

At this point in my cancer journey, I have many other reasons to be grateful. I’ve recently been given the result of my first post-op PSA test: effectively zero. While that doesn’t mean I should consider myself “cured” of prostate cancer at this point, it’s an excellent start.

The stressful steps of choosing my treatment, having the surgery and recovering from it have passed with as little upheaval as possible in my personal and work lives. My relationship with my girlfriend, who had many dark moments of her own along the way, is as strong as ever and we have fallen back into more familiar patterns.

The pants-wetting issue seems to be improving. I only need one pad a day unless I am extremely active and then it’s two. I think I might need to make a more concerted effort with the kegel exercises and keep some kind of log if I want to make it to the next level. But my doctor says I am right on track here and the truth is that it just isn’t bothering me like it did a few weeks ago.

As these things go, it has been a good trip. I was very lucky that the cancer was discovered at an early stage, although I will take credit for making the routine medical appointments that led to its discovery.

I will say that one of the best decisions I made along the way — right up there with choosing the right treatment for me, a great doctor and an excellent medical center — was to be as open as I possibly could with my friends and family and share my story with all of you. Fear and anxiety thrive in cold, dark, lonely places and by inviting others along on my journey, I had warmth, light and companionship.

Moving on and up
But it’s time to move on now to climb a few new mountains, remodel a kitchen and try to bridge the gap between “cancer patient” and “cancer survivor.” And it’s time for “Low Blow” to take a break.

Test yourself What's your risk for prostate cancer?

Although all of the contents will remain online and we encourage readers to continue using the message board and mailbag, this is the final regular installment. I'll be back with an update — and even better news, I hope — next year.

For now, I will close by saying "thank you" to the thousands of readers who have responded so kindly, compassionately and informatively via e-mail and on the message boards. I have made new friends and begun correspondences that I think will last a lifetime. Please continue to write.

And here are two last words for all you big strong guys, including some I love dearly, who know you should but haven’t yet: Get tested.

MSNBC.com writer Mike Stuckey was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April and has been chronicling his battle in "Low Blow." This is the final regular installment of the series, but Mike will return with an update in a few months.

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