And the Beat Goes On

So the procedure on April 1st revealed what the doctor probably already knew: Ron's bladder cancer has returned. The doctor removed part of the tumor -- that which was growing from the bladder wall into the bladder cavity. Unfortunately, the tumor has also grown into the bladder wall. Removal of this will require major surgery which has yet to be scheduled.

Ron's cancer is at Stage III. Not a good number, but it is what it is and we're not fretting about it. We won't find out the grade until the April 14 appointment with the urologist.

What we do know is that the urologist will recommend removal of the right kidney and that a segmental cystectomy be done. A segmental cystectomy removes part of the bladder, specifically (and obviously) that part with the cancer. The good news about this is that, if all goes as expected, the bladder will function normally after it has healed.

There is no date yet for the surgery. We'll find out more at the April 14 follow-up appointment with the urologist. In the meantime, Ron has restrictions: no driving, no lifting more than 10 pounds, no working, no activity that involves pushing, pulling or straining. He has enough to do with reading, working on the current jigsaw puzzle and tying flies.

In the meantime, we do what we always do on a daily basis. I take care of Em; do housework; cook; and do all the driving because of Ron's restrictions. We are not worrying, fretting, or overanalyzing about the surgery or the cancer. We have no control over it and, as I've said time and time again, I've learned from Ron to live for today and today Ron is not ill.

That doesn't mean we're putting our heads in the sand. We've had serious conversations about info I've found on pertinent sites, such as Mayoclinic.com, NIH.gov and the American Cancer Society.

The next few months will be rough, but we expect a good outcome so it will be worth it.

Weather - We've had a couple of nice days the past 10 days or so, but we've had more yucky weather. The temps remain average -- 40s to 50s -- but with the wind, rain and/or cloudiness, it is chilly and damp.

Gas prices - They went up a little but and stayed there.

Exercise - Not much done by me!!