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.
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?
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.
This is a lot to cope with, you will need all our support and we will be here when you need it. 💜
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Thank you Chris, I do have lots of support here – I am fortunate. 🙂
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Hey there Terry-will Gary be up-dating on your blog for you while you are in the hospital??? Caribbean Hugs
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Cheryl, I will have more details on that later in the week – thanks dear – have a great day. ::)
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I know this will be hard Terry, you are so strong! I also want to know if Gary will update us on everything? Hugs and warm thoughts xxx
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Thank you Lynn for your encouragement. I will have more later in the week as to what will take place after surgery. Happy Sunday! 🙂
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xxx
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Prayers🙇
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Thank you very much – I appreciate prayers! 🙂
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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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Thank you Marci, it certainly will be an adjustment for me, but I know I will manage. Happy Sunday! 🙂
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What you are describing sounds like a journey, and of course all journeys lead to a destination and your destination is the new you! Take care Terry. xoxo
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Kathryn, it has been a journey, one that hopefully will find the destination soon. Thanks dear, appreciate you! 🙂
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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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Thanks Lynne for the hugs as you know I like them very much. Yes, I agree a new chapter, but I will be the same and maybe even better! 🙂
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Hang in there buddy ! Xxxooo
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Thank you Jodi, I promise I will – I appreciate you – you know that, right? 🙂
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Yep. And I appreciate you. And love you. 😉❤
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It’s going to be a tough walk but we will all be walking with you. Sending warm hugs to you both. 🙂
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Thank you Laurel, it certainly helps me knowing I have wonderful friends here, the hugs are felt! 🙂
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🙂
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Thinking of you and sending hugs and positive thoughts. You are incredibly brave and strong and will come through this. x
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Thanks Su for your support, it helps me more than you know – I appreciate you! 🙂
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Thanks Terry.
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Profound change, big surgery, this is big challenges time. I wish you could avoid all this. I am at a loss for words. Hang tough.
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Thanks David, I know you have gone through some challenges of your own and I certainly can learn strength from you. Thanks friend for your encouragement. 🙂
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You will get a new start of life Terry and I wish you all the best and continue to send you healing thoughts daily.
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Irene, thank you for your continued support, it warms my heart. 🙂
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I’m sure this is a challenging and emotional time for you, but just remember that you will get through it and come out even stronger for it. Hang in there!
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Thank you, and yes I agree, it will take some getting use to, but I will get through it. Hope your weekend is well. 🙂
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Isn’t it wonderful that there’s a surgery that lets you keep living. Of course, it will be a different life, but definitely a life worth living.
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Yes Peggy, absolutely it will – thank you for the encouragement. 🙂
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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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First, I love that picture of you and Gary – he has such a great smile!
Second, we’re all thinking of you (I know I said it yesterday, but the same holds true today).
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Thank you Sarah for your kind words, you are here each day and I appreciate that very much. P.S. Gary says ‘Thank you’. 🙂
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All our prayer with you Terry. You are so strong and brave you can do it!! Take care.
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Thank you Sumith, for your support and encouragement! I appreciate you reading and commenting – have a great day my friend! 🙂
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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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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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Thank you Osyth, how fortunate I am to have a friend such as you – you may be far away, but you are always close to my heart. Your thoughts bring a smile to me – thank you! 🙂
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I love that big smile in your selfie 🙂 I think you are handling this so positively Terry. Glad you had a nice vacay, wishing you the best!
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Thank you Sadie for your kind comment. I appreciate your support as I go through this. Have a great week. 🙂
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I hope all will be well. The surgery sounds to be a strenuous one but I’m sure you’ll face it with courage. I admire your mental strength and determination. 2017 will definitely be a wonderful year for both of you… 🙂
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Thank you Manparna, for your support and encouragement. I appreciate you – have a great week. 🙂
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My mother had the same surgery a year ago and has done really well with the necessary adjustments. We will be praying for you and your recovery.
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Thank you very much, I appreciate your prayers. And thanks for stopping by to read and comment – have a happy week. 🙂
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Terry, this is a lot to deal with for both you and Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you!
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Thank you Blue, we both appreciate your thoughts and prayers. 🙂
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Selfish question….is Gary going to post on Monday or Tuesday to let us know that you are in ICU and missing all of us?????
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Not selfish, I will you know in the next couple of days – okay? 🙂
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