The Cards Have Been Shuffled

As you may know, I have elected to undergo a radical prostatectomy operation for my cancer. It’s wasn’t easy, but I came to terms with the decision and all seemed settled.

However, the Dealer who gave me my hand of cards to play in this life thought all was too easy, so he/she/it has shuffled again and given me a new hand. The Dealer’s default position is a snigger.

Apparently, I will be upside down for three hours during the operation, to allow gravity to make more room around my prostate, and this will massively increase the pressure in my head. There is a danger of losing the little sight I have left in my left eye. I’m already totally blind in my right eye, so there is a risk of being in total darkness.

To me, along with anaesthetic problems with my MS, this is not a risk I’m OK with. So I’m back to the radiotherapy option, and I’ve set those wheels in motion. Treatment begins next week with three months of hormone treatment, followed by daily radiotherapy in Leeds for a month, then some more hormones.

When I meditate, I can feel the anger inside me, my raised heart rate and the tension in my legs and arms. I am angry with the cancer, of course, but also with my own body, my dad for his genetic gift, the doctors and nurses for not being magicians, and all of you who are healthy for being just that.

I am in a constant state of fight or flight, and I’m aware of little rushes of adrenaline. This is how it feels to be angry all the time. It’s just not healthy.

Just as my meditation practice has become important, it has become really difficult to stop myself pacing up and down

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About stevehobsonauthor

I am blind, and I hate it. It stinks. But life is still sweet. I have multiple sclerosis, and that stinks too, but life is still sweet. These are my musings.
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5 Responses to The Cards Have Been Shuffled

  1. dave d says:

    Steve, I wish you well. We met at a retreat at Crosby last year and I found you to be a very positive and cheerful man. You seem to be holding on that positivity even through these trials. Sit well. You will undoubtedly be in my (monkey mind) thoughts as I too sit. _(|)_

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  2. emharman says:

    Your honesty and willingness to share your understandable anger and frustration will keep you connected to all of us. I’ve had cancer; I’m at a point where I don’t think “I am a cancer survivor” every day anymore. I hope you will be there one day. Life is good. Sending positive thoughts your way. Ellen in Oregon

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  3. Rachel says:

    Dear Steve
    I am sorry to hear the new turn of events after
    having come to an already difficult decision.
    I wish you and Elisabeth even more strength and
    Will be thinking of you xx

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Miranda Forward says:

    How VERY angry-making and also how very honest of you – and a particular thank you for saying that last bit about being angry with healthy people! Very helpful for me to hear that expressed.

    Hope to see you in Crosby xx

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