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May 15, 2009
9 am
It's 9 am, the day of my cancer surgery.
Cancer surgery. Typing those words still doesn't seem real, but it's getting there. I've been up for nearly 3 hours. I'm not wracked with worry or anxiety, more like rumbling nervousness, like my empty stomach. The magnesium citrate which I was instructed to drink yesterday is still doing its volcanic work. In my head, I keep replaying the conversation I had with a hospital nurse yesterday.
"Were you instructed to be on a fluids-only diet?"
"Yup. I've been following that. Drank my magnesium citrate, too."
I'd opted for the lemon-flavored generic mag, which tastes like 7-up mixed with PineSol and the ashes of 13 cigarettes. I drank it all, over ice in a cocktail tumbler. I'm a good patient. I want everything to go smoothly, without complications. I follow instructions, even if they are delivered with a certain vengeance.
"OK, you had better follow that liquid diet because if you show up here and your urine and stool aren't clear, we're going to give you an enema."
She said this with something approaching a Nurse Cratchett sadism. Sure looking forward to that hospital check-in!
This morning included another phone chat with the hospital, which insists on having its patients pay for their portion of surgery in advance. The woman whom this unfortunate duty falls upon is pleasant and empathetic, one of the few so far. She says the hospital is all set to "pamper" me. That might be stretching it. No one goes to a hospital to get pampered. That's what spas and strip clubs are for.
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I have no doubt in my mind that you will come through this and laugh about it one day. Thank you for sharing your stories about it. If it helps, we're listening.
Keep your attitude positive, ben! Your body will follow.
You are in my prayers today. You will make it out of this stronger and better- and as Jim said- yes- we are listening.
Hey Ben: Sorry to hear the news. Sending good thoughts your way:)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jackie this morning.
Ed and Christine Kless
Ben, know that the thoughts and good vibes of at least one loyal reader--of the variety that almost never leaves comments on blogs--are with you. And I'd bet there are lots of folks just like me out there.
Ben - I'll be thinking of you.
My mom had this surgery 5 years ago. Her cancer was also only coincidentally found - it was the size of a baseball. She's had her kindey and adrenal gland removed along with part of a rib to keep the thing intact during removal. I happy to tell you that she has been 100% cancer free since. And she was nowhere as fit as you are!
You'll will be fine - just one kidney and a giant tumor lighter.
Good luck!
I will be thinking of you - here's to a full recovery.
You are in my thoughts today. Stay positive - this too shall pass.
Ben -
Sending good thoughts your way. Will keep you in my prayers.
Stay positive; be strong. We're all here for you.
Good luck! God bless...
Good luck! Hope all goes well!!
Ben:
Just went through some hospitalization and back surgery myself. And I'm sure I won't have nearly as cool stories to tell as you will. Hang in there, be tough and most importantly, keep your humor.
We're all thinking of you and wishing you well,
Adam
Ben, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay positive and strong. Please let us know how we can help.
Sending good vibes your way...
Ben, hope you can think about being at a spa or strip club as a distraction from the surgery and rehab. Keep the faith...you are in our prayers. Hope for a speedy recovery....
Good luck sir!
Here's to getting well soon, Ben. Good karma and a great attitude work. You've got both going for you. Be well.
You're on my mind!
Long time reader, will be thinking positive thoughts of your recovery..Godspeed..
Ben,
I've been sending good thoughts your way for days. Words seem so inadequate. I wish you strength in your recovery, and peace to you and your family as you move forward. Godspeed.
Regards,
Kelly
From the entire Brains on Fire clan: kick that cancer's ass!!
Better late than never, I wish you a speedy recovery.
