Mastodawn

A. Lee Bennett Jr.

The day is here. Headed to the hospital for a prostatectomy. Had elevated PSA in last bloodwork. MRI led to a needle biopsy which has led to surgery today. Honestly feeling confident of the procedure. Also the recovery even though things are really gonna suck for a while. But I’m on FMLA for a month to recoup. Advice welcome from anyone who’s done this. And ƒµ¢‡ cancer.

A. Lee Bennett Jr.5d ago

Surgery apparently went very well. So I’m told. Surprise two-for-one, they discovered I had a minor hernia in my abdomen. They repaired that at the same time.

Now comes the recovery which includes ignoring the overwhelming urge to catch up on my work e-mail. Nope. FMLA forbids it.

A. Lee Bennett Jr.3d ago

So update on me: stayed an extra night at hospital coz my pain level wasn’t quite yet where I felt it should be. Came home this afternoon, settled on the sofa for a nap, and woke to. 101.4 fever. Came to ER and temp was 102.4.

So ya, I’m being treated for infection and possible sepsis. I’ll get readmitted tonight. No idea yet if just one night or longer.

Good news is I’m doing very well in terms of pain. Bladder cramps that had been awful are minimal now.

A. Lee Bennett Jr.2d ago

Next day update. Had REALLY bad night starting with chills and the MOST violent shivering I’ve ever experienced. Finally warmed up and awoke to sweats and still feverish.

Still no growth from blood cultures but waiting full 36 hours to be sure. Loaded me up with antibiotics which I know will take their toll (I know I know—probiotics). Good news is infection seems to be diminishing and seems to have never become septic. Currently feeling pretty good but will likely be in hospital till Monday.

A. Lee Bennett Jr.2d ago

At least the morning view from my hospital room didn’t entirely suck.

A. Lee Bennett Jr.1d ago

THEY GOT IT ALL!!!!

Early afternoon, urologist came to say the pathology on my prostate came back. Though more aggressive than first thought (4+3 instead of 3+4), report said clean margins!!! Lymph nodes at zero!!!

Doc didn’t use these words, but I’m translating it as I AM CANCER FREE!

And since I’m still in the hospital due to the infection and sepsis scare (thankfully it appears I avoided sepsis), doc says it’s not out of the question to have my catheter removed Monday instead of Wednesday.

A. Lee Bennett Jr.17h ago

It was a wild ride today.

I had just been delivered lunch when a tech came to bring me to a CT scan for images around the incision sites that got infected and to check how the bladder was doing in preparation of removing the catheter.

I didn’t initially understand what the process would be, but turns out it included closing off the tube to the collection bag and filling my bladder with saline.
1/5

A. Lee Bennett Jr.17h ago

I was to then tell them when I thought I was at the point I absolutely needed to empty my bladder. When I reached that point, they conducted a scan while still full. Then they drained it and performed another scan with it empty.

I have spoken before about battling pretty severe back pain because of the bad furniture in the hospital. Thankfully, I’m now on alternating meds to keep that problem at a minimum.
2/5

A. Lee Bennett Jr.17h ago

But, at the time of the scan, I was having pretty severe spasms. Combine that with a painfully full bladder, and you start to get the picture. The only thing I have ever experienced that was more excruciating pain was way back when I had pancreatitis. I’m not saying today’s pain was comparable to that, only that pancreatitis is the only time I ever experienced worse pain.
3/5

A. Lee Bennett Jr.17h ago

Jump ahead a few hours and my nurse was tending to some things and had mentioned about my catheter coming out today. I took that to mean in a little while, but no, he surprised me by saying “let’s get this done.”

I wasn’t mentally prepared, but we proceeded. Had I not gone through the CT experience, I might have said the catheter removal was painful.
4/5

A. Lee Bennett Jr.17h ago

But in comparison, more accurately I describe the sensation as extremely bizarre and uncomfortable.

Anyhow, assuming CT imaging doesn’t reveal any problems with the infection sites, I’m supposed to be discharged (again) tomorrow morning.
5/5

A. Lee Bennett Jr.17h ago

Oh, and about that interrupted lunch? Yeah, completely destroyed my appetite. It went entirely uneaten. And I didn’t even bother ordering supper.

addendum/5

A. Lee Bennett Jr.8h ago

Stryker, Hill-Rom, et al:

For the love of Pete, please start giving consideration to back support in your hospital beds.

Ged Maheux 1d ago

@leebennett YAY!!! Congrats my friend. That’s great news. Very happy for you!

@leebennett Congratulations!!!! That is wonderful news.

@leebennett glad things went well, both my bros had similar things, one radiation pellets the other cryotherapy. F-cancer indeed. So glad you’re in recovery now! Take care.

Ged Maheux 5d ago

@leebennett Get better quick!!

A. Lee Bennett Jr.5d ago

@gedeonm Hopefully discharged tomorrow. Back in a week to remove catheter (which is the suckiest part of all this). Just now managed two assisted laps around my room which I suppose is a good thing.