Cancer FREE (and other stuff)

Tuesday, May 19, Steve had his first post-surgery appointment with his surgeon. His lab reports had come back and Stephen is now officially Cancer-FREE!!! He still has a couple "tubes" running out of his body. If all goes as planned, those will be removed at his appointment next Tuesday. 💗

On a slightly different note....one of my other favorite guys is in the hospital today having an unexpected surgery. My dad went to the hospital a couple days ago with severe abdominal pain. After a couple days of tests, they determined that Dad needed his gall bladder removed and that he needed it removed sooner rather than later. He just got out of surgery (while I was typing this). The nurse just called my mom and told her that the doctor said "they had to do the big cut but he (my dad) did very well". Now I guess I'll have 2 guys about whom to keep you updated for the next couple weeks.

And finally...
Love to all -- Stay safe, germ-free, and have a happy Memorial Day Weekend!💕🌞

Surgery

Because of Covid-19 shutdowns and special practices at hospitals, I felt more like I was dropping Steve off at a Good Will Donation Station than taking him for surgery.

Literally:

1. Drive Up
2. Drop Off
3. Drive Off

That was Wednesday, May 13 @ 5:40 am .... It felt strange.

Surgery lasted about 6 hours. The surgeon, Dr. Heulitt, called me after to let me know things "went as planned...they went well".  He removed the top part of Stephen's bladder around and where the tumor had been (I believe the doctor called it the "cap") along with some pelvic lymph nodes. His report was mostly good news with a small shake of mediocre news thrown in for good measure.

Good News :

• doctor didn't see anything unexpected 
• he could no longer see a tumor / only saw scar tissue where it once was
• quick lab test of surrounding tissue did NOT indicate cancer cells were present
• no collateral complications
• Stephen still has a bladder (it's a little smaller than before but we are thrilled he still has one!)

Mediocre News :

• Steve will need to wear the catheter for 2 weeks rather than the 1 week Dr. Heulitt initially estimated 

Steve back in the office Friday morning with Chemo & Covid Hair ;-)

Surgery ended around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. As planned, Steve spent Wednesday night in the hospital. I picked him up Thursday around 2 pm. He slept on and off most of Thursday (as did I). Thursday night was a bit rough but we knew it would be. Then, Friday morning we were back at the office!! We got in late (10-ish) and left mid-afternoon. 

He will see the surgeon next Tuesday and then again sometime the following week. We are not sure exactly what follows after that....there will be lab work and a few other tests to confirm the cancer is gone.  As usual, I will keep everyone updated.