I’m Taking a Brief Hiatus

I’ve tried to post here on a fairly regular and, if possible, a daily basis. But things do sometimes get in the way. Starting tomorrow, there will be what could be a gap of perhaps ten days or more.

About a month ago, my doctor gave me the cheery news that I have prostate cancer and on Tuesday the damn thing is coming out. (The sooner the better, if you ask me!)

But here’s the interesting part: The surgery will be done by a robot … operated by a doctor, of course. The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu is a first rate facility and they have one of these machines. It’s really a marvel. For one thing, it allows the doctor to get a close-up view of your innards. In fact, it’s enlarged several times, meaning he can do very precise work.

Another plus is that it’s much less invasive. Without the robot, surgeons make an eight- or nine-inch incision in the abdomen. But with the robot, the procedure is done through five small holes … so small that no stitches are necessary once the procedure is over. The recovery time is a lot less, too.

In a detached way, I find it interesting that I’m finding this whole experience, well … interesting. Not scary … in fact, not even worrisome. (Gee … maybe that’s something to worry about.)

Actually, there is one thing: I came across a photo of the doctor who’s going to be manning the joy stick. He looks 12 years old.

One additional thought: if you’re a guy reading this and you’re over 50, get your PSA checked!