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.