The second blood test indicated the PSA was still elevated.
My doctor was not pleased about it.
He explained the cause could be of any of several problems.
His recommendation for a biopsy made my biceps weak.
I sensed the strength of my grip dissolve.
He explained the procedure for the biopsy.
The solemnity of this situation grew exponentially at the conclusion of the appointment.
I increased my focus for composure and pressed away the tension.
He did ask if I had any questions and I forced a shallow smile and replied I could not think of any.
I struggled to think of any question of importance to the situation.
I did not want the doctor to have the impresssion I am becoming fearful or aloof.
He tried to assure me that my situation was not typical.
My situation is typical in older men; not one in their mid forties.

Well, I was never typical...

It was my appointment to see the doctor.
I explained about my moment with the pressure reading.
She did a blood pressure check and ordered a bloodwork.
I was not worried during the wait for the test result.
The result caused my doctor to prescribe a referral for a specialist.
It was about 30 days when I finally saw the urologist.
He explained my PSA was elevated and he was concerned for the cause.
I asked for another bloodwork chancing the PSA would drop to acceptable levels.
He agreed.
We decided on a wait and see option.

Cancer left unchallenged will grow to destroy life.

It began as a mistake.

It was the annual employee health faire and enrollment event.

One of the features after the event was to get a blood pressure reading.

It was my turn, so I sat in the chair and watched the lady attach the pressure cuff to my arm. Instead of attaching to my left arm; as I have done with Mom a myriad times before, the lady connected the machine to my right arm.

Why did I stay silent?

The resulting reading was significantly elevated.

Her error in arm selection and my hesitation to correct her set in motion a pathway carved from the ticking days of time.

<>

13 April 2010 was the day I went to War.
It was a war I did not choose to fight.
How do I fight an enemy whose form is so small, it is only seen with a microscope?
What weapons are available for me to fight against an invading, unseeable adversary?
Where do I find others that have experience against the imperceptable assailant?
When can I declare total victory over the shadowy rival?