expectations

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As usual the month of December rushed through with a fury and if you blinked, you missed it!  Christmas and New Year’s Day came and went, and before those holidays; Gary and I took a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

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Last week in my post ‘to whine some today‘, I let you know of my follow-up visit with my Urologist Dr. P. that resulted in my ureteral stent being removed.  During that visit, pre-surgery documents were signed and Dr. P. made time for Gary and I to ask questions and discuss details and expectations of my surgery that will take place a week from tomorrow.

To review; my upcoming surgery is Radical Cystectomy, please read my post ‘My Message‘, as it includes detailed information about the surgery.

Here are some expectations concerning my upcoming surgery –

The surgery is performed using robotic assistance, but if issues arise a traditional ‘open’ surgery would be performed.

Surgery could take up to 8 hours to complete.

Once surgery is complete, I will be in ICU for several days.

I will be in the hospital up to 10 days or longer if issues arise.

10-15 lbs. of body weight loss is likely.

A long recovery of 2-3 months will take place.

How do I feel about this surgery, the recovery and the change in my life?

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I have many mixed emotions leading up to this surgery.  I think back when this all started over a year ago, when I noticed a discoloration in my urine.  This was followed by a diagnoses, blood and imaging tests, procedures, 2 minor surgeries, more blood and imaging tests, more procedures, chemotherapy, still more blood and imaging tests and procedures and many, many days of experiencing pain.  The pain continues today and the upcoming surgery will end the current pain only to have me begin experiencing new pain.  The surgery pain should be short lived, but the recovery will be much longer.

For the rest of my life, I will have a urostomy bag on the outside of my body to collect urine.  This entire concept will be something I will grow accustom to over time.

I will have a period of recovery not just physically but also psychologically and emotionally.

With this surgery, my body will have less organs and a new way of life will begin.

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52 thoughts on “expectations”

  5. Terry, thinking of you and Gary. Hoping that this creates the best possible outcome for you. My daughter had an ileostomy at 10 days old (though hers was eventually able to be reversed) it is manageable. It takes some time to get used to stoma care but be patient and gentle with yourself.

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  7. My friend, this is the reality of the situation. It is not going to be easy, but I have full faith in you. This will be the new chapter of your life, but you will never change. In time the adjustment to your life will be like second nature. I may be over the sea and far away, but I will be with you. Hugs 🙂 x

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  15. Terry – I’m pretty sure I told you this last week, but I’ll say it once again – I’m most happy to be active on WordPress again to read the blogs and stories that have touched my heart. Your story has always affected me deeply and your words are consistently inspirational and touching. I just love the way you write, and please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers as you embark on the next leg of your journey….Molli

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    • Molli, your comment brings warmth to my heart, I just write words down and for you and others to read them and be touched by them; I really have no words that can truly express how I feel. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment and certainly your thoughts and prayers bring me comfort. Have a great week my friend. 🙂

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  18. They diagnosed my cancer at stage 4 and told me to figure out what I was going to do with my kids because I wouldn’t be here next yr. – True story. Nothing like the movies. – That was in 2006. Here I am. YOU will do this and you’ll do it well. You’ll use all the cuss words you’ve ever heard and you’ll make some up but you’ve got this. And we’ll all be here pulling for you, praying for you and thinking about you.

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    • Thank you, I laugh a little because I certainly have used many cuss words already. I appreciate your story and am very glad you are here to share and encourage. I am strong and WILL get through this. Thanks for the comment, and prayers. Happy Day! 🙂

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  19. I can’t begin to imagine the trepidation you are feeling as you approach this radical surgery. The recovery will be hard and the adjustment to having a ‘bag’ will not be easy. I will not sleight you by suggesting I have any idea how on earth you must be feeling, instead I will simply sent my heartfelt support over the ether, my unswerving rays of warmth and the promise that I will be here thinking of you as I ever do as you prepare for and go through your ordeal. Hugs 🤗

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