My Prostate Journey Pt. 2

After my nightmare in Vancouver, I returned home with a catheter and a box of Depends. My prostate was so enlarged the Foley Catheter could never be adequately seated. As a result, unless I was prone, urine would leak from the catheter. This required multiple changes of pajama pants throughout the day.

Because of the healthcare issues precipitated by the pandemic, it took me two weeks to get an appointment with the urology clinic. I was told I had to have an MRI and a prostate biopsy to see if cancer was present. The catheter was pulled to see if I could urinate, and I was sent for an MRI.

I returned to the doctor’s office, where the MRI results and more awaited me. Based on the MRI, the NP told me I probably had prostate cancer. Talk about a crushing silence in the room! An appointment was set with a surgeon for another three weeks, and I was re-catheterized.

Catherers

Having a catheter, besides the obvious discomfort and potential embarrassment when one urinates on oneself, you have an incredible feeling of vulnerability, particularly as a man. The mind plays weird games on you when you lie in bed. You fear having the catheter pulled out of you, etc. And G-d forbid you have an erection with that rubber tube in your penis. OMGx10!!! The anxiety at night got to the point that I needed Xanax to get an angst-free rest.

The Surgeon

Once I met the surgeon, he was pretty straightforward. I was told my prostate was massive and needed to be removed using what is known as a ‘simple’ prostatectomy. A biopsy made no sense based on my family and personal history relating to prostate issues. They would remove the bulk of the organ.

Simple Prostatectomy

There was no natural alternative. Fortunately, it was ‘simple’ and not ‘radical.’ With a radical prostatectomy, they thoroughly remove the prostate and traumatize your urinary tract’s nerves and tissue. The simple prostatectomy hollows out the gland, leaving its ‘capsule’ in place. This helps in preserving proper urinary and sexual function. Thank G-d.

Patients considering this procedure should thoroughly discuss it with their healthcare team. This ensures they understand the potential benefits and risks and can make an informed decision.