Well, following a major surgery in April, 2020, a long recovery, and a pandemic, I’m doing well. The surgeon’s removed my bladder (cancerous), my prostrate gland (cancerous), and my lymph nodes as well as my spleen. The recovery took a year, and I’m still plagued by constant nausea from the chemo and immunotherapy, but to me, that’s a small price pay to get my life back. I was in the hospital for 11 days. I wanted to leave earlier, but I contracted an infection which required intravenous antibiotics. I was tremendously relieved to leave.
But before they would let me leave, I had to fart! That’s right, during the surgery, the doctors removed part of my small intestine to fashion a new urinary bladder, connected to my kidneys and to my urethra. In the process, they moved my intestines around considerably, then put them back into my abdomen. That caused my gut to shut down for several days following the surgery. Finally, after seven days, I let one go! That was a truly remarkable milestone in my recovery, and one that I’ll never forget. In fact, my wife sent a video to encourage me and my intestines, and to mark this memorable day: Ylvis – Mr. Toot (4) Ylvis – Mr. Toot [Official music video HD] – YouTube
Since returning home, I’ve undergone several CAT scans to look for remnant’s of the cancer and so far, the tests have not found any. Each time I go, I steel myself for the difficult news, and breathe a deep sigh of relief when the news is good. Today is a good day! I say to myself.
This has been a long journey, and I couldn’t have done it without the support and love of my family: my wife, my daughter, my sisters and brother, my mother and my my in-laws, and the support of my friends. I can’t forget to thank all the amazing medical and their support staff who worked with me, treated me, consoled me, encouraged me, and fought for me, all while dealing the COVID-19 pandemic.
So to all who read this, be thankful every day, for the opportunity to spread joy, prioritize your family above all else, and make this day worth living. Remember, life is gift.
Terry Baresh 