Today is a good day.
I’m trying to prepare myself of the news about my pathology. As well I’m anxious to rid myself of the catheter. I think I hit about 1 hour of sleep last night. It was not a good night.
My post surgery appointment was at 12:30pm. I paced anxiously waiting for my wife to get ready. We agreed to leave at 11:45. It’s 11:51 what is she doing?!! Ok be calm a few more times around the couch wouldn’t hurt. Finally she’s ready! We jump in my car because her car doesn’t have gas… Oh mine doesn’t have gas either?!! Ok let’s stop. They are not going to cancel my appointment because we’re late? Somehow my anxiousness is either ignored or tolerated by my wife. We get to the office at 12:35 and are seated and waiting.
First we focus on the catheter. I’m recalling my father talking about when he had his removed. “She just yanked it out. It was the most painful experience.” Ok, I’m not ready for this. Was I gripping the sides of the table? The Physician’s Assistant explains what she’s doing. “I’m deflating the balloon.” Huh? Ok? What is that? “Oh that’s inflated inside your bladder so the catheter doesn’t dislodge.” Once that’s done she says “ok, breathe in and out. On your breath out, I’ll pull the catheter out. Be sure to not clench your butt as I pull.” In and Out. “Ok you’re done, not so bad at all.” Wow what was my father talking about? I told her how uncomfortable the whole catheter experience was. She said this is because the balloon is inflated against the bladder and this makes you feel like you have to pee. Finally I’m free.
Now it’s time for my pathology results. Am I ready for this? She says let’s go over your results. Here is the information she shares with me:
So many things to be happy about. The good news nothing outside the prostate. The other good news my Gleason score was downgraded to 4+3(7), Grade Group 3 instead of 4+4(8), Grade Group 4. Does that mean I’m out of the woods? Not by a long shot and I never will be, but it’s definitely good news and in the right direction. So what is my next hurdle? Well that’s my 6 week PSA test. Where we find out if my Prostate Specific Antigens (PSA) are negligible enough for continued monitoring or if further actions need to be taken. As of now I’m hopefully optimistic. My wife and I cried as we heard the report.
Today was a good day.
