2018

January

I’ve now had 7 courses of antibiotics since last June. Until now, I don’t think I’ve had more than 7 antibiotics in my lifetime. And now 7 in 7 months. They’ve gotten progressively stronger and I’ve had my share of side effects and drug interactions.

I’ve had another problem brewing for years. And now it’s time to take action.
I’ve had a couple exams, gone thru urodynamic testing and met with the nurse practitioner and the urogynecologist.
We all agree … Surgery is the best option.

February

I’m preparing for surgery on February 15th.
I’m praying for an easy and short recovery.
And then, I’m optimistic that I’ll be healthy and strong for a long time. 

My surgery was early Thursday morning, February 15th. I had a partial hysterectomy, bladder and colon repair. The amazing part is that I have no visible incision. I have some pain, but it’s a small price to pay for such a big improvement. I was home by Friday evening. 

Here are the medical terms for the procedures:

Perineorrhaphy
Anterior/Posterior Repair
Transvaginal Taping-Obturator Sling
Cystoscopy
Vaginal Sacrospinous with Mesh

For more details about this type of surgery, the doctor was interviewed in this video.

July

An ultrasound in July led to 3 months of CT Scans, MRI’s, Nuclear Medicine testing, X-rays and blood and urine tests. Four doctors later, I’m heading for surgery to remove my right kidney. It has a mass that’s overtaken the kidney and is bulging out.

October

Surgery was October 15th at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. A team of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses removed my right kidney with a large mass. The doctors think the mass is cancer. But, it’s contained, So, when they removed the kidney and the mass, there is no more cancer. I’m waiting for lab results.

With normal vitals and blood levels, I left the hospital on Friday, October 19th.

I went back to Parkside Villa for rehab and therapy.

I spent 2 months at Parkside last year after breaking my collarbone. This time Medicare picked up the bill. Two weeks later, I’m ready to go home.

I completed physical and occupational therapy in 2 weeks. My thanks to Abel and Caroline for getting me back on my feet and able to take care of myself again. The worst of the pain is gone. The incisions are healing. And I’m feeling better every day.

November

I returned home on Saturday, November 3rd. Now, I’m working with home health care to make sure I’m safe at home.

My primary care physician interpreted the pathology report for me.

The bad news …
It was kidney cancer.

The good news …
They got it all. So, it’s over.

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