Have plan will travel.

Today is good!  In fact, all this week has been good as Mary Ann and have   begun preparation for the long journey out of this place I call “Cancerstan”. 

In Cancerstan,  my continued health is most uncertain, the good guys are as dangerous as the bad and there are roadblocks, potholes and IEDs  everywhere…Mary Ann and I have been working together to get out of Cancerstan.  In this place, the best guides and transportation seem to be provided by medical professionals.  (While we’ve heard suggestions of choosing transportation via frequent coffee enemas we’re not yet ready for that.)

We have  talked with numerous friends new and old and had office consultations with four urologists, three nurses, two oncologists, two naturopaths and a body works person. This week we have selected our guides to get out of Cancerstan.  Those guides include:

Surgeon Bruce Lowe MD FACS  

See http://www.nwurological.com/ourdoctors/lowe.htm

he will do a radical cystectomy

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cystectomy

An Ostomy nurse (aka the  “bag lady”)  will teach me how to use “the bag” See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ileal_conduit_urinary_diversion

Oncologist Marcus Braun, MD  will provide medical oncology advice.

See http://www.nwcancer.com/dr-marcus-braun.php

Naturopath, Ken Weizer, ND will provide alternative advice regarding keeping well… See http://oregon.providence.org/patients/healthconditionscare/metabolicsyndrome/Pages/careteamlanding.aspx?CareTeamName=Ken%20Weizer&LinkType=RltdCare

Mandy Gregg, LMT will provide deep tissue massage and I will be continuing weekly yoga exercises.

For the next ten days we are planning to build our resistance through good food, lots of rest, exercise and fun time with plenty of sleep.

THEN May 24- Major Surgery

I anticipate that major step will result being on the trek out of Cancerstan.

Tuesday at Good Samaritan Hospital  in NW PDX, 8am surgery with Dr. Bruce Lowe in charge...radical cystectomy, prostate and lymph node removal with construction of an ileal conduit and stoma...expected time in surgery 3-5 hours...followed by 5-10 days hospitalization.  I am expecting lots of pain hopefully often masked by morphine and sleep.  (The surgeon has encouraged me to consult with the anesthesiologist regarding pain management.  

And, it so happens that we are fortunate to have a good anesthesiologist who has agreed to be available for consults. (:-)  )

On or about June 1, I expect to return to my safe house for two to four weeks of lots of sleep and slow movement.  

Must move around but will be moving slowly.  WE will be learning a lot  and have been told recovery is a many week process...likely the entire summer.  

Note: The most satisfying part of this unexpected visit to cancerstan was yesterday's 1.5-hour consult with oncologist Marcus Braun.