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A Good Day during Pre-Op Prostatectomy visit-need that!
As the days to my impending prostatectomy surgery count down, I just wanted to share that I had a really good day during my pre-op visit. It's really nice to have an up day after a whirlwind of being poked, prodded, scanned and pushed through the conveyer belt that is cancer diagnosis and treatment and the stress that entails (mind you, I"m thankful, but my blood pressure has gone way up with the stress, so taking a blood pressure med now)
The PA and the nurses were incredibly nice at the hospital. As I was doing my medical consult to access my risk factors for surgery, the PA casually mentioned that she thought her dad was going to have to get a biopsy based on his MRI results. My experience level on this journey is early, but I now know about biopsies and PSMA Pet scans. I was able to share some advice with her on things to tell her dad to prepare him. She was very appreciative. So, I felt good being able to help someone.
The other piece of good news was that my surgical risk outcome test for surgical complication was 0.05, which is very low. Since I've been getting nothing but bad news lately, it was nice not to have to do a lot of additional testing before surgery.
There were downs; my wife is under an incredibly amount of stress with my diagnosis and with current events. She's not processing that well and I'm having to be the one putting on the brave face rather than fully expressing my own concerns. Later, she commented about how child birth and labor pains were probably longer and more intense than what I was going to go through. I let her know that was minimizing what I was going through. Wasn't her intention of course, but she took it hard and said she was done talking. But, I was able to get communication going again. It's funny, but I'm now perfectly comfortable advocating for myself when before I would walk on eggshells. Of course, it was also a hard day because we also visited a siblings marker, who died a year ago.
However, after that, we met up with another prostate cancer patient on the way home who reached out to me just from seeing a post I had on the forums. He's been through the gauntlet; surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and more...his is a six year journey. He's on the other side and doing great. He had so much wonderful advice. But, more importantly, he's doing amazing things that bring him joy. He's got that second chance. I was incredibly inspired and moved.
So, for all of us looking for that second chance, all I can say is to celebrate the small moments we got. Today was a good day.
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That is a very postive post. And yes, today is a good day! I think we talked about humor being important....so here is a joke I made up about PCa.....
I was laying on the gurney waiting to be rolled into the OR for my biopsy. The nurse came in and asked me: are you comfortable Mr X? I looked at her and replied: heck no Im not comfortable, Im going to have needles stuck into my taint 14 times.... And she said: yes, but youll be asleep.....lol...like that made me feel better!
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3 Reactions@stage4lovolmetpc Love it, I'm with you. Also think the pseudo supportive phrase, "Yes, but....." should be stricken from everyone trying to help. Their intention is good.....just give us ackowledgement of the suckitude I say.
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3 ReactionsHeyyyy : ))) !!! So glad to hear that you had great pre op and that you are in good spirits and ready to "slay the dragon" !!! 🐉🗡️
I am wishing you uber fast recovery and complete and forever eradication of PC !!! < 3
Keep us posted !
PS: When is D-Day ??? : ))) ?
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3 ReactionsPost diagnosis BP shot up to 164/106. Needed two BP meds on mid range doses to control. 2 and 1/2 mos post surgery and only on one lowest dose anti hypertensive. Maybe you will be off yours after surgery. Stay grateful and praying the best outcomes for you
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3 Reactions@tattodice
I agree, stress is just the worst. My husband had to go on BP meds year before surgery but since he was put on Cilais for penile rehab his BP is absolutely ideal lol, even on a low side 😃 ! He does not need his regular BP meds any more - yeayyy !
TWO birds with one swath 🥰.
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1 ReactionCialis for the win. I hope to get back off the blood pressure med later...but one thing at a time. I actually remember a quote from Dr. John Mulhall saying all men over a certain age should combine ED meds with blood pressure meds for better longevity even if they don't have PCa.
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1 Reaction@tattodice Yeah, yours definitely hit some high numbers. Super glad that you were able to drop to lower doses. Yeah, working on positive thoughts. Just riding the train that doesn't make any turns.
@surftohealth88 Oh, I love that...slaying dragons and eradicating the villainous PC. Thanks for all the amazing positivity!! Will update for sure.
PC begone day is the 21st....so the countdown is on.
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1 ReactionLooking at cancer positively is not just "having a stiff upper lip", its realistic. I'm glad you look at it with hope. There a lot of survivors that are cancer-free, & they rarely come here. There are a lot that have had bad experiences & come here to report or look for better treatment, but there are still alive & managing their condition. Then there are those that have very livable lives with no pain & minimal impact on their lives.
Most of us, before we knew we had cancer, acknowledged that we weren't going to live for the next 40 years, but when we find out we have cancer, it comes as a shock. My surgeon told me I could expect 5 to 10 years, even though both my parents lived to be over 100 & in full possession of their faculties. Well, it's been over 5 years, & I don't see the end as being anytime soon.
I believe in not being scared. People told me not to buy a house with stairs because I might fall. I bought a house with stairs anyway, & am careful. I think research supports the idea that positive people live longer.
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4 Reactions@readandlearn I'm super early on my journey-surgery is just one week away. I've prepped as much as I possible can. It's been a good distraction.
Such a good point that people who recover mostly move on and don't hop back on the forums. But, I'm thankful for all the folks who do stick around and offer all their learned knowledge and wisdom. It's been a huge help.
When I was first diagnosed, after that first wave of shock, one of the first things I did was make a decision that PC was not going to define who I was. I then outlined the three things I thought defined me best: 1. Family/Friends as a focus. My dad was a workaholic, so I made it a goal to be present for my kids growing up. 2. Creative being: I like to write music and actually make my living as a photographer. New life goal is to get back to my music more. 3. Finally, a non-conformist conformist. Meaning, I work within the system, but I've always tried to push boundaries.
I haven't listed PC survivor yet, but we'll see in the next months/years. Either way, working on staying positive. Thanks for your message!
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