Posted by: "Curt Olson"
> I can't be the only one who noticed your recent absence and was
> concerned about how things are with you. Would you be willing to update
> us in a little more detail?
Ok, this is OT, so anyone reading has been warned. Some may find the
details upsetting.
In mid September the 5th biopsy of my prostate in as many years finally
found the cancer we were hunting for. May not seem like it should be,
but that was a relief. I had already decided on surgery of the options
available, but you still get put through the process of meeting all the
treatment specialists.
On Dec 6 I underwent a 5 hour operation in which my prostate with a
section of my urinary plumbing, seminal vesicles and associated lymph
nodes were removed. I was left with a 6" suture line, a surgical drain,
and a catheter that is holding the urinary passage open until the
sutures holding it together get a chance to heal. And a bunch of
assorted discomfort. I was on a epidural pain suppression system.
A side adventure was on the 2nd day of recovery when they first got me
up to walk. Due to the epidural painkiller, too tight anti clot
stockings and so on my legs collapsed out from under me and I did a hard
fall to the floor on my back. That actually did not harm me except for a
bruise on my head, but the medics checking everything out extended my
hospital stay from the expected 3 days to 7. For the rest of my hospital
stay I was not allowed to get up on my own, which meant less than normal
walking before leaving. Since arriving home it's been nice weather and
I've been taking longer walks in our front field and drive.
Three doctors in the hospital were assigned to just managing my
diabetes. They failed at the task and it was not until they asked me for
help that my blood sugars were brought back to normal. A diabetic is his
own best expert. I was on blood thinners while in the hospital as I have
a gene that can cause excess clots. Luckily no problems there.
Since leaving the hospital I've been home recovering. On painkillers,
though nearly off them, and antibiotics. Yesterday I left home for the
first time and was driven into town where the surgical drain was finally
removed. It will be another week for the catheter. The surgical staples
were removed before I left the hospital. The drain stayed in for longer
as it took that long for the flow rate into it to decrease enough for
removal. There is still a little drainage from the suture line to deal
with so I've still got bandages on. But nothing like the super king size
bandage I started with.
My activities will be considerably restricted for at least the next
couple months. No lifting for that long. I'm also restricted to no
driving for now. There's assorted other restrictions. I am getting to
feel a little better each day. Mostly lots of rest and recovery. With
the drain out I'm able to start sleeping in a more normal position for me.
The good news, since I was in the hospital longer I got the final
pathologist's report before leaving. Both lobes of the prostate
contained cancer, but it was not near the outside of the prostate. The
seminal vesicles and lymph nodes were normal and had no cancer cells. To
put it simply that's about as good a report as one can get for this. My
odds of cancer spread are now tiny. (before surgery they were set at
about 40%) Of course knowing for sure will take the rest of my life.
After a certain number of years if nothing turns up I'll be declared
"cured".
To the men in the group, if you have been putting off your PSA tests
DON'T! I had a brother in law who died in September from Prostate cancer
found too late. It's not a nice death.
Probably more than you wanted to know, but if you want more details I
can provide.
Walt
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