Fears Confirmed

Fears Confirmed

Had my visit with Dr. Hurley in Salem NH this morning.  I was a bit confused as to what was actually going to happen today.  I knew that after reviewing my ultra-sound on my last visit, the Doctor did say that I have bladder cancer.  Today's cystoscopy (I now know) was his way of confirming his previous diagnosis.  I was under the impression that he was going to be scraping away the cancer today.  That was not the case.

Upon my arrival and check-in everyone was masked (I was glad).  Waiting room was arranged so each seat was at least 6 feet from the other.  There were only about 4 people waiting and the room was rather large.  My name was called and I was directed to an examination room through a number of corridors.  Upon entry, two attendants told me to remove my pants and sit covered using a disposable blanket.

Shortly after, Dr. Hurley arrived, shook my hand and asked, "How are things going?" and, "Have you had anymore bleeding?".  I mentioned that I was (relatively) fine and I did have bleeding the previous day, but it was now clearing up.  He did mention that with bleeding comes clots and those clots could obstruct my urine flow and he said, "We don't want that."

He then said that he was going to add some goo then proceeded to gingerly guide the medical instrument up my urethra.  It was quite unpleasant and I didn't want to watch. He did say, "You'll feel a pinch" as he passed my prostate.  Yup, I felt it.  A few moments went by and he said, "Yes my man, you have bladder cancer."  Even though I was resigned to that fact, just hearing it again was disconcerting.  He then said, "We need to get that out.  If we don't, the bleeding will continue and you will eventually have a clot that doesn't pass."  I did mention that once I had a brief obstruction, but the flow forced it out.  I know when that happened, it was distressing, but when it cleared, I did see a huge clot come out.  (I could actually feel it being passed.)

Dr Hurley said that he would schedule the day surgical procedure for next week.  He gave me some towels to clean up and asked that I see his receptionist for scheduling.  He then left.

After cleaning up and dressing, I proceeded to the receptionist, who informed me that the next opening was September 8th.  I had mentioned that I was having cataract surgery the day before and a subsequent post op follow up on the 8th.  She went into inform the doctor.  He came out of his office and said he could schedule something for the afternoon.  I looked at my calendar and saw that my eye doctor appointment was at 9:30 in Waltham, so I estimated that I'd be home by noon. The doctor said, "We'll make it work.  We need to get that out of there."

The receptionist indicated that the day surgery would take place in Andover and she would call me with the time and other information.  She did mention that I would need a ride to and from.

Luckily for me, my little sister said she would give me the ride.  I'm fortunate that she's able to help me out and she's also taking me to my cataract surgery on Tuesday.  Thank you so much Leslie.

More to come!

Where did the summer go?

Where did the summer go?

Some new developments since my last entry.  My bladder cancer procedure has been moved up to 8/31.  And, yesterday I had my annual check-up with Dr Song at Mass Eye and Ear in Waltham.  

I've been going to Dr Song for a number of years since my chemo therapy (the gift that keeps giving) caused a cataract in my right eye.  About 5 years ago, Dr Song performed laser surgery to remove my cataract so I took that opportunity to have in-ocular lens (IOL) implanted.  After a consult it was decided that the lens would provide better distance vision.  At the time my left eye had a 'slow growing' cataract and the end result was near 20/20 vision. It's referred to as 'mono vision' the brain adjusts and corrects what it sees.

 

Over this last year, I really noticed that my left eye (cataract) was worsening. It seemed like I had vaseline smeared on my eye and my vision was obviously not clear. I don't wear glasses but noticed I needed more light when reading.  In addition I noticed that the TV didn't seem as clear to me.  Luckily my right eye was carrying the vision load and I was still able to function 'normally'.  But as of late, I found myself rubbing my left eye and it seemed to be tearing much more.  So when I had my appointment I was expecting that my next step would be cataract surgery and implanting of an IOL for reading (near sighted).  The doctor did indicate that I had an astigmatism and there might be a chance that I would need reading glasses (or cheaters).  He also indicate that I may need to hold reading material closer than I had been.  But he also said that it might be just fine.

I do recall the 'break in' period of adjustment and dealing with the halo effect that eventually cleared up.  So I'm prepared for the body's adjustment.

So, September will be a busy one health-wise.  Already four appointments booked.  I do recall that the most difficult part was the regimen of eye drops.  Small price to pay for better vision.

 

Post Script:

Had a call from Dr. Song's office.  It sounded like a review of the measurements showed that my astigmatism had changed (?).  They asked if I could come in the next day to be measured again.  I do recall that the doctor said something about a need to re-measure because my eyes were dialated.  I guess that had something to do with it.

 

I arrived a very busy waiting room.  It wasn't too long before I was called.  I sat in front of two machines and the attendant once completing the tests, said that the doctor wanted to talk to me.  Hmmm, sounded ominous.

 

I waited for Doctor Song and once he was free he discussed the new developments. Apparently, for my astigmatism, the lens we discussed would not work.  I had two options: get a lens and a have to wear prescription glasses for reading or, have a Toric lens implanted.  I had a Toric implanted on my other eye.  Unfortunately the Toric was an additional thousand dollars.  I'm worth it and vision is important so I chose to pay the additional amount.  However, the person who takes the money was not in the office.  He indicated that she would call me.  [As of this writing 8/31, I haven't had a call back.  I did call the office today but got a voice mail.  I'm sure they will find me]

More to come!

My mother used to say you have to worry 'just enough'

My mother used to say you have to worry 'just enough'

When my primary care doctor set me up for an ultrasound of my carotid arteries, I was dreading the results.  For the last 10 plus years, I've been taking good care of myself.  I've managed to lose more than 80 pounds (and keep it off); walk 3 to 5 miles a day; eat healthy; and stay clear of 'things' not good for you.  In addition, my cholesterol numbers have always been stellar and (knock on wood) I've not needed to take meds to control it.  (I really hate taking meds, but if I have to...I have to).  So the thoughts of plaque build up and subsequent prescription of a 'statin' made me worry.  My mother always said, 'You have to worry just enough'.  It seems to still hold true.

 

I went in for my ultra-sound and it was very quick.  The technician was frantically taking 'shots' and annotating the slides.  I could hear audible snippets of rushing blood (whoosh whoosh).  At the end, she said, "We are all done.  The doctor will review and send the results to your primary care doctor.  It may take a few days."  Ok then, now the waiting.

In the early afternoon, the phone rang (it's always ringing with robo callers and telemarketers).  I screen all my calls.  I did hear the voice say that it was Dr Rees's office calling.  I quickly picked it up, fearing that this speedy return call was ominous, not the 'few days' I was told.  I was elated to hear her say, "Your test results came back normal".

Hallelujah!  Some good news for a change.

More to come!