Before starting my BCG treatments, Dr Previte told me that after the first round, I would have a cystoscopy and a biopsy to see how the treatment was doing. If the biopsy indicated bladder cancer (again), I may have to do another round of treatments.
Today I graced the halls of Holy Family in Methuen for my day procedure. At an ungodly hour, my alarm went off so I could be ready for a ride to the hospital. Of course I was fasting so no coffee was allowed and I was only allowed to have just enough water to choke down the pills I was allowed to take. It was dark and cold, plus my brain was in a fog due to the early hour and lack of caffeine.
Cheryl King and Phil Leavitt arrived right on time to give me a ride. I apologized for their having to get up so early to cart me to Methuen. Both were very kind and said they were happy to assist. I expressed my deep appreciation for their kindness.
I was surprised how much traffic there was for the time of day, but we made good time and got to the hospital a few minutes earlier than my scheduled check in time. Prior to their leaving we had a game plan in place and if things worked out, they would come back and provide my ride home, we figured mid-day. I thanked them again and proceeded to check in.
Covid protocols during regular hours, required one to be screened and tagged prior to proceeding. But given the early hour, there was one person on duty, but there was sign that said I had to enter at the ED. I was was stymied. Couldn't determine was ED was or where it was. Luckily, the one person on duty saw me and met me in the lobby. I pointed to the sign with a quizzical look. "Where is ED," I said. She responded with, "I told them that sign wasn't helpful especially to the Spanish speakers. ED is the emergency department." I agreed. She took the sign down and let me in. After asking a few questions and taking a fresh face mask, she directed me to Day Surgery on the 2nd floor.
I arrived on the second floor and it was basically dark and closed up. I tried a few doors, but they were locked. I waited a few minutes and someone let me in. There was no one at the check in, but there was a patient sitting in the corner who said, "She'll be right back."
A few minutes later, an attendant asked for my name then left. Shortly after the other patient's name was called and she was being serviced at check it. I was then called. I signed off on some required forms, my ID was reviewed, my Covid card was copied, then I was told to have a seat. Not too long after, a nurse, Paula arrived and called my name. Verifying my DOB and full name and my reason for being there she walked me to an all too familiar Day Surgery Prep and Recovery room. I was told to undress and don the hospital gown and gripping stockings. She went over the order of appearances and a thumb nail sketch of what will be happening, all while thumbing through my prepared book and signing off on certain tasks/forms. Once in my new uniform, I was weighed and had a few tubes attached to me at various locations. Just as discussed, I had a visit for the Ghost of Christmas Past.....no...wrong story...the anesthesiologist and his team, the lead nurse, then finally Dr Previte. Each had their spiel and corresponding check/sign off sheet. Many had the same questions, but I was consistent in my answers despite the lack of caffeine. Dr Previte reviewed the expected game plan and discussed possible scenarios (best case/worst case). But it seemed there would be no overnight stay. (YAY).
I received my stint in my hand. Uncomfortable, yes. The whole team waited for the word then my entourage wheeled me into the operating room. Much like a pit stop crew, each had their own task to perform, all at the same time. I heard one person say, the doctor is on his way. Breath deep, you'll feel like you are drifting away. I was out.
I woke up about 2 hours later. Mostly uncomfortable, but not really in any pain. The nurse said that everything went well and the doctor will be by to talk. She gave me apple juice and crackers and adjusted the bed. By this time I figured out that I had a catheter, which I was expecting. She indicated that the urine was clear (no blood). She also said that I was going to have it removed tomorrow. [Encouraging].
Doctor Previte arrived and said, "There was more to do than I anticipated. I found and removed 5 tumors." [I didn't think that was a good sign, since 5 tumors were removed before my treatment. It was my thinking and hope that there would be none or some, but not 5]. He showed me pictures, but I had no reference at what I was looking at. It looked like spin art to me. He went on to say that I wasn't going to stay over night, but he wanted to keep the catheter in for a few days. But, Thanksgiving is Thursday and the office is closed Friday. So I'd have to wait until Monday. OMG 6 days with this torture device! He said he called in two prescriptions for me. [Given the number of tumors and relatively short period of time since the last surgery, my concern is: has it invaded the muscles? Won't know until the pathology report.]
Eventually I was allowed to dress and have my ride pick me up. Of course my prescriptions are delayed because the pharmacy need more info form the doctor and at this writing, the doctor's office is closed for lunch. So I'll be chasing that down. In the interim, I'm quite uncomfortable with the constant tugging and it's too late to have coffee (for me).
Post Script: Got my scripts. One is an antibiotic; other makes my pee orange. Got an email confirmation of my next appointment. Catheter will be taken out 11/28/22 at 9:40AM. I'm counting the days and minutes. Slept for 9 hours, albeit interrupted. Once I find a position that's comfortable, everything is tolerable. But anything else is quite uncomfortable. So basically meandering from chairs to bed with visits to toilet to empty my freshly made warm orange Julius. Might try playing piano today or not ;-)
More to come!
