HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

George's Journey

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/28/2006 5:22 PM (GMT -6)
One week from tomorrow, Dec. 6th, at 7 a.m., I'll be moving to "the other side". Thought I'd start this page and add to it as I pass each milestone.

Just came from the physical therapist for an "Introduction to Kegals". Well, since I had been practicing for weeks with the info gleaned from this forum, I nailed the exercise each time. Had the bio-feedback thing that someone else mentioned earlier. As I said, I already knew which muscles to engage for the process, but it was neat to have it confirmed.

Next step is Pre-Op on Friday followed by the bowel cleansing on Tuesday, the day before surgery. Anxious to get it on! (the surgery, not the bowel thing)

Looking forward to a little rest from the speed walking and exercise. Sneakers not only need a retread, but a good bath as well.  Figured that, at 3.5 to 4 miles a day, just this month alone, I've logged better than 100 road miles and over 30 hours of workout time. No wonder the sneaks need a bath, huh?

I think I'm finally in the shape I need to be in to, "Rip-it with the Robot"!!

Think of me on the 6th!

Regards;

George

 

Posted 11/28/2006 5:30 PM (GMT -6)
George,

Gosh, what a great attitude!! I was ready for mine but not as pumped as you seem to be. I got pumped the minute I woke up in recovery and was totally absent of pain. You have done well getting prepared and you will get to the other side easily. I to started a thread and when i look at how many times it has been viewed it just amazes me. Hopefully, I have given back as much as I got out of this forum. Sounds to me that you are committed to the same. I have you on my list for the 6th. Good luck!

Tamu
Posted 11/28/2006 6:10 PM (GMT -6)
Hi George,

Sounds like you're in great shape, and mentally prepared also. As I recall the worst part of the whole surgical procedure was the bowel purge the night before, and maybe waiting for an hour to get into the OR. The only thing I can recall after that was waking up in the recovery room. So I wish you good luck, and a speedy uneventful recovery.

Glen
Posted 11/28/2006 7:02 PM (GMT -6)
Go George Go! you are as ready as you'll ever be! you're going to have an easy recovery with you being in such great shape and with your determination. best wishes... kat
Posted 11/29/2006 7:57 AM (GMT -6)

M.Kat, Spinbiscuit and Tamu:

Thanks for your comments. But, more importantly, thank you for posting your own journeys to this forum. Sharing your individual trip and experiences along the way, the good, bad and the ugly; warts and all, sure makes it easier for guys like me to tip-toe in your footprints. You, and all the vets on this forum, are mentors!As for a good attitude, well, thinking positive about a negative situation doesn't cost anything extra. yeah

Regards;

George

P.S.: Keep Mickeyboy in your thoughts - what an adventure he's having!

Posted 11/29/2006 2:14 PM (GMT -6)
Sounds like youve got it down George, it's going to be a walk in the park for you, no pun intended! 100 miles??? Holy cow!! Reading how ready you new guys are is unbeleivable! Back when I had surgury, 3 1/2 years ago, I was in terable shape, overweight, and not nearly as educated as you and I didn't think the whole thing was so bad at all. What got to me was pos-op depression and I still haven't completely shaken it. But the way you guys get yourselves ready and with the help of these good people in this forum it will be cake! I guarantee it!!!
Thinking about all you pre-surgury guys,
Pete
Posted 11/29/2006 3:15 PM (GMT -6)

Geobet1,

Hi,  I am 3 or 4 weeks behind you and I think I am going to go for the robotic surgery.  Where do I find the kegel exercises?  The only ones I found were for women and they don't seem to be what I am looking for.

Thanks, motelmat

Posted 11/29/2006 4:01 PM (GMT -6)

Hey Motelmat: Sorry to hear your on this bus. Anyway, take a look at previous posts, one in particular is recent, "kegals", read dawgfan's post - gives you an idea. Look also at some of the other threads on previous posts - there is a lot of info in there as well. Thats how I learned to do them the right way.

I tried to do a search on this site and the archives, but didn't turn up anything. Check out the leads I suggested and maybe someone else will jump in with more detail.

Regards;

George

Posted 11/29/2006 4:20 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Pete: 

Sorry to hear about the post op depression hanging on so long. I gotta say that finding this site sure helped get me ready to face the challenges ahead. It not only educated me, but motivated me as well. Lots of really cool people on here.

I've always tried to keep reasonably fit. But, I'll be the first to admit that in the past, I've been an occassional  "back-slider". Having cancer changed all that. Having this unwelcome intruder was the motivation I needed to get back into the best shape I could. And, it helped with my drive, determination and attitude as well. Plus, I figure that since I'll be dancing with the Robot, the least I could do was to prepare for the occassion.

Regards;

George

Posted 11/30/2006 5:41 PM (GMT -6)
Another logbook entry: Pre-Op - Thursday, Nov.30

Just completed the last item of my check off list before my surgery next Wednesday, Dec. 6. Pre-Op. No big deal, just more tests, EKG, yet another Xray and, you guessed it, one more blood test. I gotta be running about a quart low by now!

Filled all my scripts for meds yesterday for use prior to surgery . One pill to keep nausea at bay, more pills for antibiotics, and . . . a 4 liter jug of stuff I can't believe a bull moose could get down. But wait, I forgot - I have a choice of flavoring packets that I can add to the brew to make it more palatable. Sorta make me want to jump up and do the "happy dance".

Then came the ominous instructions from the nurse. It probably would be in everyone's best interest to stay close to the bathroom when I start guzzling my jug the day before surgery. She indicated it could be an explosive event. "Oh, be still my happy heart!"

Not to fear though - I've stocked the room with all the essentials and a few extras; paper for the obvious, lotion to quelch the butt burn, paper and pen to record any noteworthy events, enough reading material to finish my unfinished degree, a portable phone, my extra laptop, and last but not least - what bathroom is ever complete without a portable TV. Yep, I got that in there too! I would have moved the big screen in but the wife said hell no. I'm thinking I've got enough time left to install extra power vents. Heck, I'm thinking I could set up housekeeping in there.

More as it happens.

Regards from the front:

George
Posted 12/1/2006 1:01 PM (GMT -6)
hahahahha,  thanks for the laugh!!!!

i think i would draw the line at the plasma in the bathroom too!!!!!!!!!

(making mental note to stock up on the aloe toilet paper ... soft on the tushy!)

tanya

 

Posted 12/1/2006 1:42 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks George,
You are right about this forum. I only found it last month and it's helped me so much! Not just all the great information but also a place I can release some pressure built up from feeling so alone for so long. Here everyone knows exactly what I'm talking about, especially Swim Mom.
But onward and upward! This is your topic thread! I can't beleive you are so ready! What 5 days and counting? You sound like NASA before a launch! You all are talking about purging you systems out before surgury?? I didn't remember having to do that. Having it done at Johns Hopkins, I remember being down at the harborfront in Baltamore having crabs & beer the night before mine. I guess times have changed! You have a lot of people cheering for you from the other side, so keep up the good work! You'll be over here with us before you know it!!
Sincerly,
Pete
Posted 12/1/2006 1:45 PM (GMT -6)
And I keep thinking of my hubby going through the purge routine TWO nights in succession. His last meal was on Sunday . . .broth and jello Monday and Tuesday and the Mr. Plummer pills and liquid on BOTH nights with surgery on Weds. Then the liquid diet in hospital with no solid food until Friday afternoon at home. Yuck!! And truly, that was the WORST part of the surgery journey.
;o)
Posted 12/1/2006 1:51 PM (GMT -6)

George

Way to go, we'll be waiting at home plate to slap high fives after you round the bases for drilling that prostate "out of the parK".

Its funny I have read many posts about post op prep regarding bowel prep etc. All my hospital said to do was one suppository at 5 the night before. That was it, no major flushing etc. They did not even ask before surgery if I did that.

Good luck and God bless

Daveed

Posted 12/1/2006 2:25 PM (GMT -6)
George,

If there were one thing I'd want installed in the bathroom it would have to be a heated toilet..not only the seat, but the water too! Nothin like a second flush to warm the tush! Good Luck to you Goerge.

God Bless, Swim
Posted 12/1/2006 7:43 PM (GMT -6)

Way to go George!  You are going to do great.  When you are well recovered and I am beginning my radiation, I am eager to share and exchange experiences.  This is a lousy trip, but it's ours and we're going to make it.  I expect that you are well equipped to handle what awaits you. Hang in there, my friend.

Regards,

Bill

Posted 12/1/2006 8:42 PM (GMT -6)
Our prayers are with you, George! Just remember, when you're dancing with DaVinci, let him lead! lol

You'll do great.

Blessings,

Dennis and Sara
Posted 12/2/2006 12:25 PM (GMT -6)

Dennis & Sara, Bill (jetguy), Swim, Daveed, Bob & Linda, Pete, Tanya: Hi Folks . . .

Thanks for your replies and encouragement. What a super bunch of folks! Well, I'm 4 days out and counting down. Sorta like the NASA thing like Pete said earlier. Trying to cram everything in. Sugery on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 a.m.

Broke my goal of 5 miles speed walking yesterday. Blew out the left sneaker, though. Note: Proper services will be held post-surgery (sooner if the wife gets her hands on them). I've also figured out how to cram one more workout session into the actual day of surgery. Here's my plan.

I have to take my last pre-surgery meds at 11 p.m. on Tuesday. After a day of gut-cleaning! Surgery is Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. I gotta be at the hospital by 5:15 a.m. which means leaving home by 4:15. So, I gotta get up by 3:30 a.m. Yeah, like I'm gonna sleep anyway, right?

Figured from the time I take my last med, until wake up, is only 4 hours and change.  So, I'll catnap for a couple of hours, set the clock for 2 a.m., do my roadwork and workout, shower and be ready to lock and load and out the door on schedule. My luck, I'll either get mugged, solicited or arrested for prowling the neighborhood.

I think I've pretty much met my goal to get into the best shape I could before surgery. Wish I could say the same for my sneakers. I refused to wash them until after the big day. But, thats a good thing! They smell so bad now that the neighborhood dogs don't even bother to chase me anymore. After the untimely left sneaker blowout, I found yet another use for duct tape.  And, the strings on the right sneaker were beyond repair, so I substituted an old lamp cord. Works great - looks horrible! Wife wants to burn them. I'm thinking about showing up for surgery in them.

Stay tuned.

George

Posted 12/2/2006 1:22 PM (GMT -6)
Yep, George, you're good to go (literally, too, of course)! We are firm believers in the early, early scheduling. Takes your mind off that first cup of coffee and gets you there when the doctor has hopefully had a couple of cups himself. You've come into this forum at a great time. There's so much information and such a great new batch of fighters who have joined the old ones in the past few months. You're into serious countdown mode and, I'm sure, getting impatient to get it on. Very cool to get this close and - it's just fly by, really!
Posted 12/4/2006 10:59 PM (GMT -6)

Best to you, George.  We're with you.

Regards,

Bill

Posted 12/5/2006 6:10 AM (GMT -6)
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, We love you Tomorrow, it's only a day away!! We are thinking about you George! Just take it EZ today (NO SPEED WALKING!!) and cruise through today.
Your There!
Pete
Posted 12/5/2006 6:38 AM (GMT -6)
George, I'm with your wife. it is time to turn in the sneakers. I think brand new ones are a great way to begin your recovery. instead of walking early in the morning, wake your wife up. hint...hint. best wishes! kat
Posted 12/5/2006 7:41 AM (GMT -6)
Kat, Pete, Bill, Greenacres: Good morning from the front. Thanks for your thoughts. Just think, in less than 24 hours, this trip takes a different turn and goes a new route - I'll be on the otherside along side so many of you.

I begin the bowel thingy in a little while but wanted to cram one more session of walking in first, even though Pete said to take it easy, and of course, one final "pre-surgery" update to my page.

I've appreciated all of you allowing me the pleasure of taking this ride with you. To have someone blaze the trail ahead, and then to share their experiences, has been a true blessing.

So, as I lace up the sneakers one more time, and hope they hold together to get me back home, just wanted to say;

"Time to Circle the Wagons, gang. Cover me, I'm going in!!"

 

Regards from the front - me and "hang" will see ya on the other side.

 

George

 

 
Posted 12/5/2006 8:32 AM (GMT -6)
George,

As you begin this part of your journey just a few words from an old Irish prayer for you,

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun brighten your path and shine on your face
May you arrive on the other side with joy in your heart

Good luck!!

Tamu
Posted 12/5/2006 8:52 AM (GMT -6)
George . . . .Good luck to our new friend. You will soon be on the right side of this journey. . . . seems to me once you know you have to make the journey you just want to be on the other side of it and YOU ARE THERE!!!! (well tomorrow anyways)

Take care and keep us posted . . our prayers go with you!
;o) Linda and Bob
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12