Today's New Favorite Word

Benign.

There's a procedure which men of a certain age - which now includes me, darn it - must undergo. 
Hmm, that's vague. Try again: for the last six months, my doctor and I have been watching one of the results from last fall's physical. 

The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer.The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. My number was too high, so we checked it again last month. Still high.

So last week, I got to see a whole new doctor (urologist), and got a biopsy of the prostate. That's not even as much fun as it sounds. (You can look up the procedure if you want; I'd rather not relive it. :)

The results came back today: 100% benign. No need for further invasive procedures; just watch the test numbers over the next few years for any changes.

Now I'm going to go celebrate with an adult beverage. I don't do it very often, but tonight it seems like a REALLY good idea. 

Public Service Announcement

Here at Way Up North, I'm nothing if not interested in passing information along to you, my friends. In that regard, I offer this:

You're welcome.