DDay with the Monster + 7 days

I find it hard to believe that today represents one week since I checked into Halifax VG hospital for surgery. It has been one of those weeks in my life that has been "a life time in length" but also gone in "a wink of an eye". It seems that I was able to absorb all this new information and also enjoy the wonder of what was going to happen to me in the future with great clarity of mind.
Last week I wrote my thoughts just before I starting getting ready for the trip to the Castle to see the Wonderful Wizards. I thought I would summarize the highlights of that day which ended up with me seeing "A" waiting in the hospital room for me.

We arrived at the VG hospital at 10:30 AM and checked into the 10th floor reception area. This floor is were the prostatectomy surgeries occur. I was guided to the end of the hall and asked to change into the wonderfully open accessible hospital gowns. While I was changing in the stall, I took this private location to get on my knees and ask the Big Guy for help to accept what was going to happen to me and for it's outcome. I also asked that He possibly provide Guidance to the hands and minds of the nurses and surgeons I was about to see.

The next steps were basic; I had to get me vitals established including blood pressure, pulse and O2 capacity. I also was checked and cross-checked (QC/QA) by 3 nurses to make sure I was who I said I was and that I knew why I was going into surgery. It was good to see the system was taken every possible step to make sure they weren't going to give me a "face lift" instead of what I really needed, a radical prostatectomy.

My last interview with nurses was most interesting in that the lady told me that I appeared very calm. She told me that she would offer me a sedative but she thought I was doing OK. This surprised me. Maybe praying in the change stall really does work? I thanked her and said I would decline the medication for now. I am glad I did because I was able to experience the next 15 minutes with complete sobriety.

My name was called and was taken towards the operating room area by a male nurse, who was most kind. He got me on a gurney and covered my with a blanket. Dr. B. came to see me as I was lying there and tapped me on the shoulder. It seemed like God did that; I had complete confidence in this guy I just met. He was going to give absolute control over to him in just a few minutes and I was at peace with this decision. What a nice experience!

We chatted and although I had confidence in his abilities, I had to make sure. "Dr. B., you are 100% sure I have cancer?". "Yes Harve, you have. You will be OK. I will see you in the operating room."

He turned and walked away. The male nurse came back almost immediately. I think this is protocol to make sure patients don't get rowdy before the big event. I thought to myself ... maybe I should go pee one last time! So I asked and he escorted me to the bathroom and ask I was one this short journey I passed by Dr. B. who became quite surprised. "Where are you going?" He seemed quite concerned and I think he thought I changed my mind for the "face lift" procedure. "Oh, I just thought I would use the bathroom just one more time." The relief on his face was priceless.

We entered the operating room and the nurses and anesthesiologist were waiting for me. These folks were good. I love being with people who know what they are doing! Before I know it, I was asked to take some deep breaths and I was gone. That was about 1:30 pm last Wednesday.

I woke up about 6:30 - 7:00 pm in the recovery room with a nurse standing beside me. The first thing I did was run my tongue over my upper teeth and was relieved to find out that no damage was done to my verniers and bridge work. "A " would not have been happy; she put a lot of effort into fixing my farm teeth!

I was OK'ed to be taken to my private room on the 5th floor of the VG at about 7:30 pm. It was wonderful to see my "A" waiting for me. She looked tired. I think her day was much longer and more stressful than mine, however, I am glad she waited for me. She left in a little while after she told me that Dr. B. met with her and told her the operation went very well. I was glad to hear the "monster was slayed" (at least for now). My day was over.

For my friend from Alberta (GA) ... I did have a dream ... I went skiing at Lake Louise. It was great.