[Magdalen] The New Me

[Christopher Hart]

One week ago I had a laparoscopic robitic radical prostatectomy. For anyone
unclear about the terminology, here is a quick primer. Laparoscopic means
that I have six small incisions in my abdomen rather than one very large
one as would have been the case in years past. Robotic means that the
surgeon operated using a DaVinci surgical robot to do very precise work
with minimally invasive techniques. Radical simply means that he took out
the whole prostate gland. For the past week I have lived with a catheter
which was nothing short of unpleasant to say the least. That was removed
this morning to my great relief. I also received the pathology report on
the removed prostate gland. While not 100% perfect it was very encouraging
with only a small area at one margin where the cancer could be detected. My
doctors will follow up with further PSA testing in three months and I am
hopeful that no further spread will be detected. There was no cancer found
in the lymph nodes. My recovery will need to continue for a few more weeks,
but I am now up and about, can drive again, and want to thank those few who
knew of this in advance for their prayers. I ask your continued prayers for
my recovery, and to paraphrase what Pope Francis said at the Capitol, if
you can't or don't pray your good wishes are welcome too. I am very glad
for each and every one of my friends, even those whom I know only in
cyberspace.

PS - The above detailed explanation and especially the comment at the end
are written that way because I intend to paste the same paragraph into my
Facebook status momentarily, thus sharing it with my wider circle or
friends and acquaintances, a substantial number of whom are not religious.
Only a close few outside of this list group have known in advance of my
situation. See how much I love and trust you all. Blessings to you. You are
a blessing to me.
-- 

Christopher Hart

List Mail Address: cervus51 at gmail.com
Personal Mail: cervus at veritasliberat.net
Twitter: @cervus51