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Hi all,
I’m back home after the TURBT yesterday at Sunnybrook. The whole event went relatively smoothly. I was checked in at 9:30am with an original op time of 11:30am, however due to some delays, I didn’t get up to the O.R. until 12:30pm. The “quarters” (staff that run patients from room to room) snagged my gurney and I, reenacting fast the furious up to the 6th floor. Talk about control and speed! This woman was an artist as we flew through the halls, narrowly missing desks, garbage cans, staff and other “racers”. Impressive!
I sat out in the hall for a few minutes speaking with the nurses, anesthesiologist and eventually Dr. Kodama. They were all fantastic and really put me at ease! I truly felt safe and comfortable in all their hands. Even a quick comment on the anesthesiologists great skin ensured that I would get “the good stuff” as she put it.
Shortly after my comment I found myself in recovery (wha happened?). I woke all drowsy and dopey, even more than usual but there wasn’t a single zing of pain. If anything I felt pretty good.
After laying in recovery for about an hour, I was wheeled down to the Sunnybrook “short stay unit”. My folley was checked and they were surprised that the bag that receives the flushed bladder fluid wasn’t even remotely pink. Actually, at no point did I bleed post op from the bladder (all good signs according to the nurses). About an hour into the “short stay unit” I received mitomycin C via the catheter. I was asked to hold the chemo for 1 hour (15 mins intervals on my left to right side). I never experienced any pain, cramping or issues of any kind. The chemo was removed via a chemo bag attached to the folley and then it was time to just relax and prepare for a relatively sleepless night. I highly suggest bringing an ipod or as MarySue suggested, a book and some mint tea (Thanks MarySue, the tea was a great suggestion!). By this morning the catheter was really beginning to bother me and was pinching and aching a bit. Thanks to the night nurse the percocet dissolved that little issue.
Seven thirty A.M. rolled around and they removed the catheter (folley), had me load up on liquids for the next 20 mins and then “void” my bladder. Greg, you are bang on about it being uncomfortable. I may have to join your choir of sopranos! After a quick check by the nurses on my “voiding” and a quick bladder scan, I was outta there!
Stopped by the pharmacy to pick up some antibiotics, perks and now I lay in bed a little sleepy but not too worse for wear.
Now I wait for pathology, but initial chats with the Doctor suggests that it is likely superficial, despite it having a thick stem.
Thanks again all for the words of wisdom and your input, it has really helped me through this process. If there is anything I can do to “give back” I would very much like to! I won’t however paint, do yard work or wash dishes 😉
Sending my best to all of you
Ed
Hi Ed
Glad to hear all went well. Now the waiting for the path report and getting ready the BCG treatments.
Please keep us posted.
All the best
JackThanks Leva!
Hi Jack,
When they administer the BCG treatments via the catheter, do they numb you prior to the catheter insertion? Believe it or not, that is my biggest worry at the moment. I’m feeling quite good today, minus the angry urethra thanks to our catheter friend.
Ed
Hi Ed
Yes, they use a numbing gel prior to installation, at least they did in my case.
I advise you ask prior to the installation. You are at a major cancer center so the nurses will have a lot of experience with the BCG treatments.
All the best,
JackGlad to hear that the TURBT went well. They should numb you prior to the insertion of the catheter for BCG. In Calgary, it is standard protocol for men but women have to ask for it. I kicked up a royal stink and got it. Hopefully being a guy you won’t have that issue. They are boldly going where nothing should go…. You will be sore voiding out the BCG. Be prepared to sing soprano, cuss etc. I’m sure the guys here could teach you some new words! LOL! I was told to do some deep breathing prior to the insertion of the catheter and it did help. I was traumatized by catheterization as a young girl so this was a real victory for me to get past this. A heating pad and hot baths worked wonders for not only the muscle aches but the soreness down below as well. The wait for results is hard but the best part is that the tumours are out. Keep in touch and let us know how you are.
Glad you are back home. Hope your BCG treatments go well. No matter what you might experience, there will probably be someone on the forum who has had the same or similar side effects. Keep us posted.
Bevwelcome home ed
take the time to heal and rest – i hope the bcg journey will be “painless”
hugs
lynnGlad it went well. Not sure about the fast and furious though. Any gunfire? In Texas were kind of poky. We don;t travel at light speed in gourneys. There is plenty of time on the sow train to the OR to discuss all major events of one’s life. Either way it’s the outcome that’s important. Hope the path report is a good one.
Ki
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