And most of you didn't even know I was sick
Wasn't sure I was ever coming back... but I guess it's true: the UV Bungee always works.
Not even 100% sure why I left; probably a combination of apathy, frustration, personal issues, etc. Don't think it was cuz I was sick because I left before I was diagnosed. But sometimes, I suspect you 'know' you are sick even when you don't know you are sick.
Eh?
Anyway, a couple of months ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Yeh, big yuck!
So I saw a doc who recommended removal (it was sort of your 'average' middle bear prostate cancer: not too bad, not too good, but probably should do something about it. So I scheduled a surgery for February (the 'old fashioned cut-em-down-the-middle' type, which I had done when my gall bladder was removed).
And then my buddy from Idaho called (he's a nurse anesthetist) and said I really need to look into the the 'robot assisted prostectemy'. So I did. And bingo, I canceled my surgery and scheduled a new one; earliest date I could get was April 3rd but that was OK because prostate cancer is normally veeeeeeeery sloooooooow.....
SQUEAMISH ALERT!
Very cool video the da Vinci robot doing a prostectemy (OK, the doc is really doing it but still...); kind of some internal bodily organ shots so if you don't like that stuff, just ignore the video. But it is soo cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME3FziQk_vsYou cannot believe how non-invasive this surgery is; first, they used no blood during or after the surgery. My blood loss was absolutely minimal.
Second, I never took any (not EVER!) and pain meds. Not because I'm Mr. Macho but because... it didn't hurt!
Oh sure, there was a bit of discomfort, what with the drain tube and catheter and stuff but no serious pain. Absolutely awesome.
So I had my surgery on Friday (April 3rd), I was doing laps around the hospital floor the same day, and was released (without wheelchair!) on Sunday (the 5th).
The ONLY restriction is that I can't lift more than 15 pounds until April 17. And then... no restrictions. None. Nada. Zippo.
No complications. All post-op lab tests were negative. No urinary/bowel issues. As far as one can be cured after having cancer, I am there. 100%. Fricking incredible.
So guys (and gals with guys): if you're 50ish plus, GET YOUR FRICKING PSA TESTED! It's just a simple blood test, nothing more than that.
And if you do have prostate cancer, DO NOT SETTLE FOR LESS THAN THE ROBOTIC LAPROSCOPY! Normally, I would let people look around, make their own decisions, etc. But in this case? Nope! Use the robot!
I've have both types of surgery and there is NO FRICKING COMPARISON!
*steps from preacher podium*
They caught this completely by accident. I was just having a normal checkup (hadn't had one in over 20 years!), and my doc asked "every had your PSA checked?" Me: "Nope". Her: "OK" (puts check mark next to PSA test)
Lab report comes back: PSA 4.5
"That's too high. Go see a urologist."
*BC sees Urologist*
Urologist: "You need a biopsy".
Me: "OK"
Him: *pokes me hard SIX times*
Me: "Whew, glad that's over!"
Him: "No, that's only the left side."
Him: *pokes me hard SIX
MORE times*
Me: "Sheesh!"
Biopsy comes back:
Urologist: "You've got the Big C!"
*spin to top of thread for the Rest of the Story*
So everything is now cool.
But I can't really recommend having a catheter for seven days. That is really not... pleasant.
So, OK, I'm back. Hi. Did I miss anything?
