I have a consultation with my surgeon Mr Thomas, at Derby hospital. My wife comes with me to the consultation.
I’m not sure how much Mr Thomas knows I know about what’s the next step for me. As he gently tiptoes around the subject of me having my bladder removed, it’s clear from what Mr Thomas is saying, some people are under the assumption the chemo treatment is the cure, and no surgery would be required.
I tell Mr Thomas I already know I’m having my bladder removed and I understand I still need the surgery.
I also tell Mr Thomas I understand my prostate will also be removed, which is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
I explain prostate cancer is rife on my side of the family, so this would be something I wouldn’t have to worry about later on in life.
Mr Thomas said I should be thinking of a date for my operation. I thought he was going to give me a rough idea of when this would be, he got out his diary, asked when I last had my chemo treatment, checked today’s date, then looked in his diary. He said "I think you should have your operation on the 3rd November 2020".
I was surprised. He wrote it in his diary, then said he’s put it in his diary so nobody else can pinch that date.
I realised that it was final, sooner than I expected.
Mr Thomas asked if I would like to have an appointment with a stoma nurse. I said "yes please", as I have a few questions, they may also give me advice on things I’ve not even thought about.
In a strange way, I’m looking forward to my operation, perhaps this could be closure. So far I’m not at all worried about the operation, but I’m expecting to feel nervous nearer the time.
