UPDATE
Thanks all for your thoughts, prayers, support. Has meant everything. Here is the 4/28/25 report of urology clinic surgical follow up. On that date the Foley (indwelling) catheter put in place during the operation was removed. Just prior to doing so water was pumped in which resulted in soon after being able to pee into a urinal without any type of catheterization for the first time since all this started on 12/6/24. That was able to do so and subsequent ultrasound confirmation that there was no bladder water retention meant no need for either another Foley or use of intermittent catheters for the foreseeable future. A result that had dared to dream would be possible but was prepared such would not happen. Am overcome with joy.
There is high chance, however that will need to continue with CIC (clean intermittent catheterization) as to do so may well lessen progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prior to the surgery my chart showed was in stage 3, now it indicates am in stage 2. Doesn't lessen though how good I felt regarding post op results.
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| pre op room with hospital issued yellow socks, light blue gown and blue smock for head. sitting on gurney giving a shaka |
Here is the latest on what follows as to journey have been on since December 6, 2024. On April 7 underwent a robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. What had worried about the most mainly the surgery had pretty much dissipated time checked at 5:30 am as evidenced by very favorable blood pressure reading. Family and friends had told me not to worry about the surgery part and they were right. It was easy. Just breathe into a mask and next thing you know you are in the recovery room. My surgeon Dr. Gerald and the Honolulu Kaiser team are great.
The next few days in the hospital though were at times rough. First off had thought until the day before that would be coming home the same day so really never paid much attention as to what would happen post op. As it turned out didn't get out till April 10 and due to nausea issues was very worried that may had been stuck in hospital for a week or more. The medicine pumped in made me so dizzy the first night. After an early Tuesday morning 1:55 am dosage I asked the care team to stop with the oxy. That helped a bit but still threw up later that day. Doing so ensured would need to spend a second night in the hospital. I worried that whole evening about being able to get out on the 10th as was told would need to be able to eat breakfast and lunch and not throw up before could get discharged. Made it through those meals but during nurse discharge instructions dang near passed out. Was just hanging on not to. Did get through it though and the next few nights at home had some really good rest.
Had never slept in a modern hospital bed before. My back ached a good deal prob due to my constant pushing of the position buttons. Lights were on each night till around 4:30 am. By 6 am they were back on. First nights roomie was in pain. Next day a different patient with a kind family were present, I felt sorry for them as I kept stinking up the room with gas.
But the hardest part of me those two nights was mental. I mean you know I had my running mantras that kept repeating, however they did not help much. What did though was knowing family and friends were praying/sending thoughts for my recovery. Those well wishes helped push dark thoughts aside for the most part. And I had plenty of those including regretting decision to get cut open, dwelling on the fact that Doc had to take a lot more nerves than wanted due to finding the prostate latched on to the bladder, and my self image. I mean, I am known in some circles (work, camp, Army) as either Big Dave or Windward Dave or "Missouri", and now is like have become Cancer Dave.
The more think about it though Cancer Dave is okay. Friend George told me even if all the results turn out to be rosy this cancer journey never really ends. There will be ongoing lab tests for years which depending on results could involve radiation treatment or more. He knows of some one whom every time something seems a little off they think cancer is back. It is natural to get discouraged. I think George is right and is best to realize that need to stay vigilant and as healthy as can be these remaining years. Given my grandparents and Mom's longevity, and those online how long you will live inquiries I figured would get to 99 years. That may still be so but these past few months have made clear just how uncertain the amount of days one has is. The only guarantee is that made it to the day in which woke up in.
I am so fortunate. I know what have been going through lately is nothing compared to what many of you have, and what my Mom endured via two major colon surgeries when she was a fairly new 61 year old widow - yet survived another 36 years. I believe we like her are all survivors.
Josh being home this past several days and Becca across the street with Ray and Betty are all right here to make sure getting rest and nutrition and most of all their love. Same goes for fam not in town right now - Wendy, Deborah, Albert. They even sent apple pie, strawberries, beer and flowers. That have friends and brothers been able to email and/or talk to has been tremendously helpful. Thanks so much to everybody for your support.
Am healing up. Going to be fine physically and mentally. Watch out neighborhood, the old dude that moves slow as the hills is going to be out on the streets running again in no time. In his mind he is a champion!
This next section is the original post titled My World which was written a few weeks prior to the surgery.
okay, I got cancer. Prostate cancer that is which as have been told and read is if you are going to get cancer it is the best kind you can get. The abnormal cells are so non threatening that for years and maybe still many in the medical profession have practiced not informing patients that they have such. Especially if they are over 70. The reason being that the amount of time it takes prostate cancer to kill a person they will probably be dead anyway. It is very common. Autopsies on men 80 years old and above found that half of them had prostate cancer. Most probably never even knew it. Is easy to think it is nothing to really be concerned about, except it does seem that prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death for older men.
My diagnosis is prostate cancer favorable intermediate stage 2 level. Three of four quadrants have the cells, and none confirmed via mri and biopsy show spread beyond the prostate gland. So am fortunate. Very much so one could say. And others may well be correct when think and say having such is "no big deal, a nothing burger, what are you whining for."
For me though it has become my world.
November 2024 saw a general practitioner as was fairly certain had a Urinary Tract Infection. He ordered lab work.which confirmed such as well as a 9.75 PSA score, and made a referral for a December 6, 2024 urology clinic appointment. There a lump was found and was told that had serious water retention issues. The physician did a catheterization procedure which confirmed such and suggested I commence on an Intermittent Scheduled Catheter (ISC) process three times a day. He had me watch a short video asked if thought could do so on my own and was sent home with a box of sample catheters.
Was on the bus that day and the cathbox which is 2+ feet high got wet walking to the hospital bus stop. One fell out even while at the transfer downtown Alakea stop waiting for #65. An elderly local man told me "hey bruddah one fell out." But nah I not embarrassed. Especially after standing/laying around but naked in the urology clinic for what seemed hours on end. Strangers noticing my cath supplies no can bother.
The ISC quickly went from 3 per day usage to 6 to 8 due to effort to keep output to less than 400 mil. And was having no problems with that amount of poking until a few days after January 15 biopsy when started having one to two per day disconnects. Then bladder not reached, and have to withdraw the cath which results in throwing it away. Betty encouraged to recycle but the devices using come in a sterile sleeve encased in water so no can reuse. They are expensive. After got thru the sample batch ordered 270 of which my share of the cost was $365. Medicare picks up 80% of allowed Medicare charges and on my plan have to pay 20%. The Medicare charge seems to be around $7 per item and if were to buy retail seems would be over $10. Got a second batch of 180 and my share for those were $271. I tried to find competitors but Byram is the only medical supply firm that will work with Hawaii Kaiser.
After a week or two of not knowing each time that go to pee whether or not could void decided to switch to an indwelling (Foley) with a split valve lever which meant no bag necessary. You just make sure a plastic lever attached to the upper thigh is pushed up when have urge to void and pushed back down when pau. After forgetting to push it back down a few times I learned to not skip that step. The foley worked well. After a couple of weeks of it though developed a good deal of soreness, and had blisters on the thigh underneath the saf-t lock. Also it was somewhat uncomfortable to run with, and at times when sleeping too. Plus was limited to sponge bathing and ran out of saran wrap. So at the one month follow up to insert a new device decided to return to using the ISC supply.
That is what doing now again. Averaging 6 to 7 times daily with an occasional 8th. Only one disconnect in the past 3 weeks but have had plenty times where needed to pause and breathe to get the job done. But plan to stick with it till April 7 surgery. At least if do another 3 weeks will get my money's worth as to what spent on the items.
Yes, April 7 is the day scheduled for robotic prostatectomy. Started exploring options the day went home with that box of catheters. Recalled that had friends with prostate cancer. Upon contact with them became informed as to the steps that would be taking, ultra sound, mri, biopsy. Two of them had elected for surgery. Soon as told Betty a lump was found she said to have the prostate removed. After much further study decided that would be the course of action and when a week after the January 15 biopsy the urologist laid out the options I knew what one to choose. There are no guarantees but for me removal seemed to give the best chance of not having to use catheters the rest of my life, and as time rolls on dialysis. I mean after all is bad enough that in order to be able to keep running now days have to wear a brace on the left foot. Have adjusted to the brace but sure as heck hope can dis the tubes.
Surgery op was not an easy decision. There are plenty horror stories can find from those who went the surgical route. But such was a success for my friends as their cancer did not return and they were able to continue to enjoy life experiences including their hobbies, traveling and families.
But am terrified. Not so much as to the possibility the surgery will not be a success. If it is not I know can still have a good life. Will just need to get a boatload of depends and vapro or color plast devices and carry on. What scares me is the procedure itself. Have not been operated on since tonsils removal when was 70 or so years ago. Am not able to recall much of what that was like but from old slides do know Mom made brother Paul and I matching robes and that we shared a hospital room the night before. I suspect we spent most of our time horsing around that evening. Have no bad memories of the event or aftermath. There are times I wonder if what going through the past few months is payback. Have never had to be concerned about overall health or gone anywhere near the medical issues both of my older brothers have. They are supportive but I imagine they are thinking "see we told you getting old and you gonna have buku problems just like us."
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| Can't find the matching robes photo but here we are in matching green shirts that say we climbed some mountain. We both old in this photo. |
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| With both older brothers at the Grand Canyon. We not too old in this picture with John in the middle and Paul and I on either side wearing shades. |
I know my fear is irrational. Am working on positive self talk, similar as to what do when out running. There is plenty scientific data that backs up how mantras like "you got this, you doing great" provide motivation and boost energy to keep moving. I know mantras help me when doing 10x400's or not stopping on the hill home. Visualization works too. When in he midst of a log run do a 2 mile set at race pace to think of how good will feel when done keeps me going. So, am practicing when feel anxious (panicky?) telling myself "you can do it" and picturing me on the podium as one of the top 3 prostatectomy patients of the day. Gonna get a medal!
Care received from the medical team at Kaiser's urology clinic has been awesome starting from that first visit. Am confident such will continue. No one laughs when I put the gown on backwards or need help putting my pants on.
The love from Betty, family, friends is most helpful. Josh is coming home just prior to and will stay a week after. Rebecca is taking off work when meet for pre op appointment and to be on hand that day. Deb more than willing to come home from New Delhi (but we told her best to come later as she was just here over the holidays). Albert, Wendy, Ray check in often and have been very kind. I never thought much as to whether or not would let people know about serious health challenges as never had any. Once informed that had cancer though decided that just knowing others know and that they would send thoughts, prayers my way comforting. Writing this blog post has been cathartic. I feel better now.
My world is all okay. It is more than good.
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| Christmas 2024 Santa on the left then Betty and our three plus our three via marriage and the 3 grands |
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