Trip to San Diego

I stopped in at my work on the way to a Prostate Cancer support group Wednesday morning and was glad I did. It was nice to see everyone and have a bagel that Ken brought in. I didn't get to talk to everyone as I know you are all busy, but will try another trip soon. The support group meeting was interesting as I was able to talk with a number of men who have gone thru the ordeal. I am glad I waited until after the surgery as a number of men had some rather disturbing problems after their surgery. Granted most of them were a lot older than I was when they had it done, and were experiencing problems before. They got a kick out of my inside out depends story, so it ended on a up note. Hope everyone is doing well, John

3 weeks since surgery

Time has gone by fast. I am now getting into a routine and recovery is going well. Slow, but progressing. If you ever have to wear Depends, make sure you don't put them on inside out. They don't work that well. On the upside I did have a pad on the bed that got the overflow. It was 1:00 am and I was kind of tired so Mary cut me some slack. Anyways I am out and about most of the day walking a little further each time and tackling some slight hills. I am some what mobile now, the Dr said I can drive which I have taken advantage of on short excursions. Well its time for my morning walk so I better get going, hope to see everyone soon!

Today is Friday and I went out for a haircut due to all the rain. I took the dog for a short walk this morning and all was going good until two strays came after us. Needless to say there is a reason they said to not walk the dog too soon, as she was pulling on the leash and my stomach muscles as well. She was doing real good up until then, so I might try and get her out later with Mary. I walked over two miles yesterday but felt it when I got back. Even slight rises in the road I can feel. One of the big problems with recovery is you try and due too much and injure yourself. I believe it! So I am not trying to overdue it but, you can only watch Ellen and Oprah a few times before you get stir crazy.

No Carry bag!

I forgot I had this picture. This is the day after getting my catheter out. Mary took me for a drive down to the Oceanside Harbor for a little stroll. Needless to say I was still getting a little tired from walking, but it felt great to be outside and not having to carry anything.

Mary has been great!

Mary goes back to work full-time tomorrow, and I am going to miss all her help! She has been a real trooper and has taken care of all my needs. I love and appreciate all she has done to help in my recovery, and could not do it without her support. I try and help as much as I can but am limited to what I can do. I can't help it if the Doctor said no vacuuming or lifting. Anyways I wanted every one to know it has been a team effort and I welcome all positive thoughts and appreciate them more than you know, John

Life in recovery

The first night without the catheter was not much fun. I had almost zero control over my bladder and was up every 2-3 hrs changing my "diapers". I did not get much sleep but made it thru the night eventually. Saturday during the day was a little bit better, but definitely buy stock in those pads for men. I went out and about as it was a beautiful day, and a lot of my neighbors were wondering where my carry bag was and what I had in it. Apparently they did not want to pry and ask what was up. Anyways they got a big lecture on prostate cancer surgery and recovery. I think that was more of the reason since they know I can ramble on and on. Saturday night was much better sleep wise, since I was able to hold my bladder and did not have to change once during the night. I hope that keeps up since it is nice to sleep and get some good rest. I am still walking every day and feeling good. It's half time for the Eagles/Arizona game so I better go and do a lap around the neighborhood.

Catheter out, now the fun starts

Yesterday I had my catheter removed, and the worrying about the removal did not live up to the reality of having it pulled out. The nurse first filled my bladder via the catheter tube with about a liter of saline solution. This caused a very full feeling which I hadn't experienced for quite a while. Then when they said to go ahead and go, and while that was happening the catheter was pulled out with out me even knowing. Although the site of me peeing all over was not what I wanted to see but apparently they did to make sure I could go. Now the fun starts as I have to relearn control and have been going thru a lot of "pads" and clothes. Now I switch from catheter bag to diaper bag for a while. It could be worse I guess. If I had not said before, the pathology report came back and it appears that all the cancer was removed. My prostate was 10-15% cancer. All the edges were clean and no sign of spreading so a very good prognosis. Now off to the bathroom to try and get back to normal. John