Well, after the decision was made I got busy...busy learning those blasted kegel exercises, busy reading about catheter care, busy buying all the stuff I might need at home when I return. I was busy too talking with the surgeon's office and the hospital...I have to mention how impressed I have been by how friendly, compassionate, efficient, and professional everyone has been. I end every conversation by saying, "And I'm looking forward to meeting you...you do visit all the patients the morning after the surgery, right?" That idiotic, smart-ass, question is always met with a laugh and a reassuring, "I wouldn't mind it...what I always hear from patients is how good they feel after the procedure."
Another observation I want to write about in length at another time is the number of men I have encountered who have either had treatment for prostate cancer (and they all are very positive about their treatment no matter which was chosen) or have been diagnosed. We are a big fraternity and we need to be more vocal and visible about prostate health.
So, today I awaken to a clear liquid diet followed by the dreaded prep beginning at 5:00pm. We're driving to Columbus this afternoon and checking into a hotel close to the hospital as I have to be there at 5:30am for my 7:40am surgery.
I mentioned I have never had surgery...so there is some anxiety, but the primary cause of the anxiety is not the procedure, but that damn catheter I'll be wearing for a week or so. Never had one of those puppies and I can't imagine what it's going to be like (remember how I practiced the biopsy hurting??? I can't figure out how to practice the catheter thing).
Good friends, great health care professionals, and Lucia have made the journey thus far a good one. OK, it's a trip I would prefer I did not have to take, but it has been a growing experience not devoid of humorous moments as well.
Next time (tomorrow, I hope) I'll post from the hospital after the procedure...stay tuned.
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