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Having had surgery to remove urethral tumours in both November and yesterday, I was hoping for that to be the end of it. Well, in one sense I am getting my wish. I will not be having any more urethral tumours. Unfortunately, the reason for that is that the surgery yesterday revealed more serious issues and I am going to have to have both my urethra and my neobladder removed. An ileal conduit will be the diversion of choice. The surgery will once again be quite invasive as you can imagine. It will need to be done asap, prior to the end of this month.
It was not the news for which we had hoped and prayed, but as one with a firm faith in the Lord, I rest in His purposes. Unquestionably, I would choose a different path. But my vision is so very short-sighted.
So as I lie here wide awake at 4:30 a.m. in the hospital, I thought I would share this latest chapter in my next book! And assure you that, while I am not looking forward to the process, I am looking forward to growing still more through this. Things that do not kill you outright indeed seem to make you stronger – eventually.
Following my urethral trauma today, the catheter blocked and I had to have it removed and new one place along a guide wire. In a raw, bleeding urethra, that is not an experience I will soon forget. Deep breathing does not quite do the trick!
So now you know what I know. I’ve much to thankful for in spite of this and I choose to be joyful rather than miserable – unless the catheter blocks again!
Greg
Dear Greg, love and courage never leave you alone, you are brave, you are admirable. I am sad to hear your update but I don’t want to be sad, I want to be as strong as you. We all have to learn from you.
When mom had her catheter blocked with blood clots before her ileal conduit surgery, she screamed like never before, she said it’s as painful as giving birth! Now, 6 months after surgery, she’s doing very well. In fact, once after the correct product was found, she recovered remarkably quickly. Now I am 100% sure you will do much much better than mom.
No weeping on teddy bear
It’s normal body wear and tear
Sadness is nowhere near
We all be strong and cheerAwww Greg, I had so hoped for an easier outcome for you. I know your Faith in God is stronger than anyone I know so I do hope it brings you through this next chapter with flying colours. This book of yours is going to be a big one.
With everyone on this site praying for you we will undoubtedly get you back on your feet in no time.
Take care my friend.
Monique
Greg, your inner strength, courage and faith are a guiding light! Thankfully the funny bone cannot be removed, but remains with you 🙂
Lots of hugs to you and your family.
Ieva
Greg, you never cease to inspire me in how you always find a way to look at the bright side. I know if that were me I think I’d be a howling, blubbery mess. You’re in my thoughts and prayers that this upcoming surgery will be successful and you’ll have a speedy, uneventful recovery. I also hope and pray that this will be the very last time you have to face a surgeon’s knife. If they keep taking parts out there won’t be anything left of you. LOL! (((((BIGGEST HUGS)))))
Greg, certainly not the news you wanted to here. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you. Al and Joanne
Greg. Tough news. I want you to know that you don’t have to personally go through every possible different kind of bladder cancer experience to be able to encourage the rest of us! Cystos, BCG, TURBT’s, Neo bladder, ilial conduit, Enough already! Seriously, Greg, I am sorry that you have to have your insides messed with again. I know that this community will do all we can to walk with you through the following weeks, and months, even as you have with many of us, and I hope that you find in that great encouragement, hope, help and comraderie. We cannot walk the road you have before you, for you, but we are here with you. Thanks for your honesty, humour and quick posting of your situation. I know that your faith has been and will be a huge help as you move forward. Praying for you and cheering you on Greg.
I am so sorry you have to have all this “excitement” in your life. Hope and pray that all goes wel with the surgery and that the recovery will be unremarkable.
You are in my heart and prayers
Hugs
Lynn
Stay strong…… You are specialDearest Greg
So sorry to read the update. I was hoping for God to choose the other option, but as you said, His vision is greater than ours. He never gives you something you cannot handle. With your faith, your family, your medical team and your BCC friends you will get thru this.
I will keep you in my prayers, my friend.
Valerie MacLeodGreg, in “clicking here & there” within the site, I came across your “scoop”. I simply cannot imagine what you have gone through & what you now face. I only hope I have a fraction of the strength that you possess. Please know that I am thinking of you & praying for you & your family.
DougGreg: This latest chapter will certainly make your book into best seller. We are so sorry to hear your latest news. Sending good thoughts your way and wishing you a speedy recovery.
All the best
BevGreg,
Sorry to hear you’ll need further surgery. No matter what, your Faith and our ongoing support will get you through this. Stay strong, think poisitive and see yourself this summer when you are out and about with no cancer. Life changes regularly but carries on.
Thoughts and prayers…
Rick
My urethrectomy surgery, including removing my three year old neo and constructing an ileal conduit is scheduled for Tuesday. I see the surgeon this afternoon to ask questions and get the low down on what he plans to do. He indicated he might be able to use some of the neo if there was no cancer there and then he would not need to re-purpose additional lengths of small intestine. He won’t know that till he explores this new world once again. Clearly if there is even a hint of cancer he will not use any neo. I’m not sure if he uses additional intestine whether shortening it will remove any wrinkles around my eyes from the tightening! I’ve always had a bass voice, but maybe tenor is in the future!
I’ll be glad to have the catheter removed – I guess once for all. I am amazed at how these things can still allow you to be soaking wet when you least expect it. I nearly drowned the other night! Designed to keep us humble, I expect.
I’ll try to post next week if I am feeling up to it. But sorry, no photos.
Hello Greg
You have lots of people pulling for you, so soak in the love and looking forward to your updates.
You will be in my prayers along with your family and the medical team. I know you’ll be fine and back helping to lead Bladder Cancer Canada into the next decade.
Valerie
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