Incision

My apologies if this is too graphic. The incision is about 13" long plus the jog around my belly button. They used 40 metal staples. Looks like someone stopped at the hardware store before the surgery. They are really long and heavy gauge. One doctor called it a "trophy scar". Every doctor and nurse that examined me commented on it. But they were also quick to comment that it appeared to be healing really well. No ab crunches for awhile.

HOME

March 28: I was released this afternoon and now I'm home on the road to recovery. One of my doctors put it this way: "After we take out everything we put into you, we no longer have a reason to keep you here." The passing tests were: can you pass gas?, can you pass urine without the catheter?, can you eat solid food without any nausea? It feels really good to get home. I was trying to beat the 7 - 8 day expected hospital stay by a few days and ended up spending 6 days there. We received results of the biopsy and they did find some microscopic cancer cells in the largest tumor but they were so small they couldn't tell what kind they were. In general, this is good news. It means no more chemo and a regimen of surveilliance.

They will take out the staples on Monday and then there's a follow-up visit a week or so later to see how the incision is healing. I am feeling pretty good but definitely need to keep up with the pain medication. I let it lapse last night and was in a lot of pain this morning when I woke up. Can't be tough here. Need to keep the pain in control. I'll write more about my hospital experience in the coming days. I'm really happy to be home.

Progress

March 27: Doug continues to improve. He is sitting, walking, and now is free of the irritating tube that was down his nose, throat and into his stomach. This allow him to enjoy the freedom of getting in and out of bed without calling for help. The Doctor is very happy with his progress. Tomorrow he hopes to be put on food (though it will be liquid only). He has not eaten a meal since last Thursday morning. One more step towards going home.

Surgery

March 23: Surgery went well; they removed all tumors. It was completed in 6 hours. I will be spending the night in the intensive care unit and will be transferred to a regular hospital room tomorrow.

Getting ready

March 19: I completed my pre-anethesia clinic last Friday. This consisted of an EKG, blood draw and answering some general health questions. It also included meeting with a different Urologist than the one who's doing the surgery. I think this is a check and balance step on the part of the hospital. I can't eat any solid foods past breakfast the day before surgery. Then, I have a self-service kit to make sure my intestinal tract is empty. Not looking forward to that procedure but all necessary. Anxiety is building and I'm finding myself working to make sure I have everything done that I won't be able to do for awhile.