Stephen Meek

2024 Newcastle DGR Run and not quite done

What a fantastic day dawning cold and a bit damp the faithful began to arrive about 8.30, cofffee and hot food the order of the day. DJ Chong laying down some funk from 9.00. A half hearted attempt at a rain squall before we kicked off at 10.45 a fantistic run about Our Town, lots of honks and waves despite the cold. Back to The Station for more coffee food and  some chin wagging. a great day. And it's not over donations remain open until 2/6/2023 hit me up!

Part 4? of the never ending story

And it's a win for the boy! Biopsy results are in, all good no malignancy, yeeha 6th month check of blood PSA in October and a possible rebore ( not unreasonable considering the miles on the unit a bit coked up (never thought of myself as a 2stroke.... lol) if things are still troublesome. CHECK IT BEFORE YOU WRECK IT!!

The saga continues!

Well, the Biopsy on Monday went well, the best part being I remember nothing of it, managed to score a two for as they found some bladder cysts on the MRI and decided to whip them out too! My beloved donut is serving me well! Should be back on the bike for a short run on Sunday yeha!! Check it before you wreck it!

Time rolls on,

Big week of health checks and maintenance, more bloods and test in prep for the biopsy on Monday! Ultrasound on my damaged shoulder, review progress, may be surgery Ortho guy 23/4! This getting old thing is a tough slog! 

This year it's ,more personal

Check it Before you wreck it!

With a history of Prostate issues in the family, I’ve been a Diligent PCA checker since I turned 50 for years annually and the last 10 years three times with my Diabetic check. Always hovering in the 2s then boom late last year 13.0.

 After the initial WTF moment very rapidly moving into what do we do now mode. A crash course of antibiotics just in case it was an infection, it turns out infection can lurk there with few other symptoms, a few flow issues were about it, and they were dismissed as “old guy plumbing “by me.

 Three months of treatment and I’m back to 4.1. Still a little worrying and just outside the next step guidelines (3.0) for raising an eyebrow.

So off to the urologist for the MRI referral (and as it turned out a back passage examination). Despite the organ in question being smooth (the only bit of me that is) an MRI was deemed prudent.

 Enemas and gut immobiliser onboard it was into the machine for me! Something like laying extremely still in a 44 Gallon drum while someone bangs the outside with a shovel and a Theremin plays the theme music for Forbidden Planet in the background for 20 mins! 

Now we wait yet again. Thers is a lot of waiting involved, between tests, while treatments are tried, waiting for specialist appointments to be available. While tests are analysed. (ironic word). Not to mention the hours sitting in various uncomfortable chairs and waiting rooms.

Well results for the MRI are in and looks like more waiting instore. Still showing an enlargement  61cc whatever that means and an irregular dark spot that must be investigated. Transperineal Biopsy time! On to April for part 4. The bottom line…DON’T WAIT get checked regularly and don’t dismiss things as part of getting old. Check it before you wreck it!

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. This year it's a little closer to home. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I don my finest, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.