On Friday, Jan. 27th, I had a biopsy because of elevated PSA reading. You can imagine how that felt. The doctor said to take it easy for two hours then I could do anything. So I went to work for two hours and then went boarding the rest of the day at Timberline.
The following Wednesday the doctor called with the results. I had prostate cancer. Ouch!! I wanted to throw up and get it out but of course thats not possible. It appears they caught it early and he recommended surgery. He also referred me to another doctor who has a very good reputation. That appointment is Feb. 26th.
The exact course of action is yet to be decided but I want the shi*t out of me as quickly as possible. The consequences of any of the procedures are not all that great but I can live with those as the goal is to survive and thrive and of course to keep boarding.
After doing a lot of research, talking with others who had PC and talking with a few doctors it looks like in my case surgery is the best procedure. That is now scheduled for March 27th. It is called
LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY WITH A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT. Now thats having faith!!! The procedure offers the same success as full surgery or radiation but with perhaps less side affects. I can even return to boarding sooner although was caution about jumps and bumps.
Doc said to use all the style that a 55 year old can muster.
A couple of final physicals before the surgery, one routine one at the hospital and one at the doctors office. There the young, attractive nurse said to remove everything below the waste. She then ask if I ever had this done ( a
cystoscopy a telescopic inspection of the bladder and the
urethra) before. Nope can't say I have done that before. First she had to clean me so I was sterile. I had to concentrate to avoid a reaction as she was washing you know what. However that excitement quickly ended when she put some numbing cream into my ureatha. I hope it was as good for her as it was for me. The doctor then came in and did the procedure but admitted the numbing agent only works to a certain point. The good new everything looked good ... no sign of stones or tumors in the bladder.
The big day (Tuesday, March 27th) has arrive and I'm pretty relax and have the ipod going. Probably going boarding 4 out of the last 6 days had something to do with that. They put the mask on and I'm put for several hours. Actually about three hours of surgery and then recovery. When I wake up I notice the catheter is in me, which is a good sign, because of the cancer has spread then they do not take the prostate out and there would be no peeing into the tube. The doctors says the next day everything looked good as the glands were clean, the cancer which turn out to be on both sides of the prostrate was clear of the walls and appear to be contained. Finally got to go home on Friday although still on that liquid diet.
Following orders and just taking it easy, drinking liquids and goings for numerous short walks as I carry my bladder bag. Got the catheter and staples out the following Monday by that same pretty nurse. Doctor showed up and said I could get dress. Immediately after standing up I pissed on the floor just like a puppy. Doc said that was pretty much normal but I would regain control in a few months. Then he discuss penis rehabilitation. Oh great!! After this type of surgery old Mr. Happy is not so happy. The process affects a lot of muscles, nerves, etc in that area. So I get the little blue pills and a penis pump to make sure there is no scar tissue. Who needs scar tissue. I'll just do what the doc says.
Improving each day. Started readings e-mails the week after the surgery and then a little work at home. Started back to work part time after two weeks and currently almost full time. Finally got to go boarding last Friday, April 27th. Exactly one month after surgery. Only for two hours but you got to start somewhere. The doc said it was OK as long as you stay away from the bumps and of course jumps. Probably will go again this week after we get some more snow.
Next visit to the doctors is in a month where there will test my PSA again. That will happen several times in the next few years to ensure the cancer is cured.
|
Published by longboard16: 10:49 PM
Updated On: 4/30/2007 at 9:35 PM
|
