Whew.... It's been quite the whirlwind. On Wednesday May 27th I was admitted to Banner Gateway hospital in Mesa for what was supposed to be an outpatient surgery where three procedures were to be performed. During the surgery, it was determined that there was no access to the left kidney because a growth was blocking the ureter opening into that kidney. At that point it was decided that I would need a separate surgery on the next day to inspect my left kidney to see if a stent was needed in that ureter. In order to do THAT, the surgeon had to make the incision in my lower left back, through my upper kidney and if necessary place a tube there to drain it via another bag outside of my body. Worst case scenario, I leave the hospital with two bags, one from a catheter and another from my kidney.
Thanks to God, both surgeries and all three procedures were successful. My left kidney was in good condition and he only needed to open up the ureter a bit, my back incision was bandaged up and that was that. So they kept me there for a third day to recover under supervision. On Friday, my catheter was removed (thank you Jesus), and they finally released me, but only under the condition that I had to pee on my own by 3:20 PM. Who'da thunk that would EVER be a lofty goal for yours truly. Well THAT pissed me off a little :) but I managed to pull it off by noon. At this point, I would like to commend and thank the entire staff and medical team at Banner Gateway Hospital for their attention, kindness and professional manner in which they attended to my situation and care. BRAVO!!
I am now back at my sister's house in Chandler and recovering from this hurdle that was placed in front of me unexpectedly. I feel better everyday, and emptying my bladder on a steady basis, which should slowly return my kidneys to normal function. My appetite is back and my immediate goal is to try to pack some pounds back on, since I am a svelte 145 lbs. I thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and uplifting comments. I am resting for the next 7 days and looking forward to my appointment with the oncologist on June 8th, where I will be presented with my treatment options for what has been upgraded to "advanced Stage 4 prostate cancer", being that it has now metastasized now to my lower bladder and lymphnodes, besides my pelvic bone. I finally get an upgrade and it's not the type one would hope for, but it is what it is and I have chosen to walk in harmony with my invader. Again, shunning the word "Fight" for it's aggressive reference and stress inducing attributes .
On June 15th I will be releasing my next single and video, "Questions For God" which couldn't come out at a more appropriate moment in time. I can't wait for you all to see and hear it. The video is produced by none other than my right hand numero uno person and guitarist Carole Pellatt. This will follow with the long overdue release of my song and video, "New Mexico Midnights" only three weeks later. Putting out these projects is what has given me the motivation to remain strong and focused during this challenging time in my life. Funny how a serious diagnosis can push the important things in life to the forefront. I am well prepared and disciplined for, "What's next?" God bless...