Tomorrow's the Day

Hello everyone!

Tomorrow, my husband goes in for his surgery. This is a thank you to each and everyone of you for helping us get to this point in our journey. We never would have known one-tenth of what we needed to know without you. You taught me all about this disease, how to understand the language, numbers and acronyms, what was important to do as we moved forward, how to think straight about prostate cancer, tests to get, second opinions, importance of the right urologist/surgeon/radiologist...and so much more.

When I asked about supplies and advice related to post-op needs, you were there is spades. You took the time to send detailed messages that told me everything my husband would need and what would help him stay as comfortable as possible. Because of you, I was able to make a detailed list of what I needed to buy for Jeff and his comfort. You offered so much practical advice (hernia belt, Q-tips, doggie pads, shower seat, Dulcolax, Neosporin, Lanocane, snap-up pants...and the list goes on). You offered behavior advice - walk, drink water, eat fiber, oatmeal, take naps, drink more water, be careful with stairs...and so much more helpful stuff.

All of your generous suggestions and advice are the reason we feel prepared and things feel manageable today. Tomorrow, we arrive at the hospital at 5:30am and Jeff will be wheeled into surgery at 7:45am. This is the first surgery Jeff has had in his entire life. He's being a trooper. (Of course, he has so many emotions but he has settled on a positive outlook.)

I love each and everyone of you. Thank you a million times over. And if I can ask you for one more thing - please send up a prayer for my dear Jeff.

-Debralyn

Tell Jeff that the best part is when they finally knock him out. Getting up early, driving, and the numerous check-in and pre-surgery stuff wears you out before it even gets started. Then you get woken up when all you want to do is sleep. They check on him all night and send him home about 24 hours after he got there if all goes as planned (ready or not since they have to make room for the next group of over-nighters).

First surgeries are tough, especially when they are voluntary. I now fall asleep waiting for the anesthesiologist to finally do his/her stuff to put me to sleep. Can't get it done quick enough in my mind and life begins again as soon as I wake up.

Sending prayers your way. I just got out of my first ever surgery today too. Mine was for a orthopedic issue. Still trying to shake the fog from my head. I hope all goes well. Keep us updated!

Larry

Sending prayers and well wishes your way. See you all on the other side of surgery.
Michael

Wishing you both a very successful outcome. Tomorrow is the start of a different journey and as you have already found there is a great deal of experience here to help along the way. Prayers for you both. Terry

I had a hip replacement in June. I was still awake for 10 minutes or so in the OR. I was chatting with the young anesthesiologist standing behind me. I had already gotten a spinal, so I asked if she had started the sleepy bear part. When she said yes, I said “Well Good night, John Boy.” Silence. Just about my last thought was she is too young to get the reference.

FYI, I wrote updates under a separate topic thread - "We're Home."