Steve’s Journey Part 9
Six weeks on from my operation, the day had arrived when I would journey back to Addenbrookes to get my histology results. Since the removal of my catheter twelve days after my operation I had on the whole managed to remain dry. On the odd occasion when laughing or not concentrating, Percy had produced a few little dribbles, but generally I am so thankful that my post-op fears of incontinence and the potential embarrassment that goes with it had not materialised.
My immediate ability to control my waterworks has allowed me to return to normality much quicker than anticipated, and amazingly only 26 days after my operation I was able to travel to Wembley and watch the Champions League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. I had won the tickets in a competition and desperately wanted to attend the match, but when my date for the operation had been confirmed I had dismissed the possibility from my thoughts. Being part of around ninety thousand fans watching some of the best footballers in the World is as good as it gets for a football nut. As I took my seat I couldn’t help but reflect on my recent journey and the amazing people in and around Addenbrookes that had allowed me this opportunity. The general speed of my recovery had been astonishing, however I did visit my GP in week four post-op, following a small discharge of blood and a slight pain when urinating. I was given a course of antibiotics and this quickly relieved the problem.
My emotional return to work had been made even more moving when my colleagues presented me with a welcome back present. This was in the form of a yellow inflatable duck paddling pool, which had been wedged in my chair with the aim of providing both comfort and an integral commode, should the MD still be unable to control his waterworks.
Matron Marie (my dear wife) had throughout my recovery period maintained a strict regime ensuring that my return to work was phased, with long journeys kept to a minimum. Along with the time management I was given strict instructions regarding hydration, with the aim of more juice and less coffee and only the occasional alcoholic beverage.
In an effort to get away after we would receive the histology results, Marie had taken it upon herself to arrange a three day stay in Norfolk at our favourite B&B, re-visiting the place we had gone prior to my operation. This would enable us to either celebrate the results or prepare for the next course of treatment should the news be less positive.
We set off for Addenbrookes from our home in Rutland and arrived in good time for our appointment with the consultant. I was feeling positive, we had made the difficult decision to go ahead with the operation, and nothing since that day had made me feel we had not taken the correct course of action for my personal diagnosis. The next few minutes would determine whether our decision to strike out at the cancer while I was strong and it was weak had been the correct one. Whatever the result, we both felt that to remove the Prostate was our best chance of fighting this awful disease.
I was called and was greeted by one of the nursing team who explained that she would be taking a blood sample which would be sent for analysis to determine my PSA level post operation. I would then receive my PSA result within a week by telephone. The PSA test would be carried out every three months for the first year and then every six months thereafter. I returned to the waiting room and very soon Marie and I were called through to meet the Consultant for the Histology result.
This moment had been playing on my mind ever since the appointment had been confirmed, and despite my positive recovery to date one always fears the worst. Subconsciously I was already planning in my mind the next part of the journey, should my cancer had not been fully contained within the Prostate, which would undoubtedly result in the need for Radiotherapy or other treatments. The consultant holding a small piece of paper first asked me how I felt generally, and then questioned me on my bladder control. I responded positively to both questions, confirming that I felt very well in myself and had gained full control as soon as the catheter had been removed. Excellent he said… he then went on to confirm the histology results concluded clear margins, with the cancer fully contained within the prostate, and on this basis no further treatment will be required at present. We will of course continue to monitor and carry out regular tests to measure your PSA levels.
I looked to Marie …had I fully understood what he had just said? Marie’s tearful smile said it all….we had the result we had prayed for. My emotions were all over the place, a mixture of relief and disbelief. The decision we had taken eight weeks earlier to operate had been fully vindicated.
In my case, the problems I had experienced with my stop start flow had been the trigger to investigate, and ultimately confirm the presence of cancer in my prostate. I am fully aware that this inadvertent warning sign that I was lucky enough to receive rarely happens, leaving many men facing prostate cancer sometimes in an advanced state, having had no symptoms at all.
My personal battle with this awful disease looks to have been won at present, and I will be forever thankful for the care and professionalism of the Addenbrookes staff throughout my journey. I would also say without hesitation, if your condition allows, take the cancer on and hit it while you’re strong and it is weak. I would like to wish all fellow sufferers of this awful condition my very best wishes, be positive and hang on in there. Thank you for reading my blog which I hope in some way has helped and maybe occasionally put a smile on your face.
Finally I want to thank my lovely wife Marie (Matron) for her support and guidance throughout my journey. We still have a few more hurdles to get over with Percy’s ability to stand to attention once again - our next goal!! Oooeerr Matron!!
The End