Saturday, December 3, 2022

My energetic kind daughter spends the morning with me at the urology clinic waiting room and then in the treatment room. We remember treating bladder cancer is a long term project. More cancer is found, and there is a recommendation for further surgery soon. Not exactly a surprise and yet upsetting. I know this difficult surgery. I successfully negotiate with the young surgeon on ways to improve the experience for me.

While sitting in the clinic waiting room, I watch the other waiting patients. Several come in carrying their catheter bags. One dignified man wears a bright blue bathrobe, bare legs and slippers, carrying his catheter bag partially hidden in a basket.  I tell my daughter I need to buy a bathrobe like his and then, I wouldn’t feel so strange coming to the waiting room wearing night clothes with a catheter bag.

The surgeon performs the cystoscopy standing up. He raises the treatment table to its maximum height. I can almost touch the ceiling. I ask him where is his usual work stool.  He says they have difficulty acquiring furniture and other equipment because of continuing supply problems. I ponder this report as I lie on the high treatment table with my legs in stirrups.

And when I come home, I am still feeling healthy and strong.