New Developments On Vernon's Health

It's been nearly two years since I was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer. I am still around because a doctor wanted to know if I was taking care of myself. I eventually did the biopsy, and the news of the result was devastating. I realized the doctor who did the biopsy seemed very concerned when she realized there was no one at home to help me go through this difficult period.

I was shocked, depressed, and angry because I felt I should have been doing medical checks to catch the cancer earlier. It was an aggressive cancer. I am still counting my blessings because after doing the MRI, a scan, X-ray, and other medical procedures, it was confirmed that the cancer was localized.

One of my greatest fears in life is pain, and in a few weeks I was more concerned about the pain rather than dying from cancer. I was already feeling intense pain because I acquired a terrible infection after the biopsy. I passed what looked like dirty black water when I went to the bathroom.

I wondered what went wrong because I took the antibiotics after the biopsy. After a week of depression and being on my own, I could not continue to be sorry for myself. I checked out the cost of the operation and was given an approximate figure of JAD4 million. I said to myself, "Mi dead now."

I never dreamed that the tests and treatment would cost so much before the operation. I am sure I have gone over JAD1 million for tests, treatment and medications. There were bumps along the way. For example, the doctors discovered there were other challenges which had to be dealt with before the prostate was removed.

I had to lose that weight to keep the pressure down, and my weight went from 200 lbs last year to 173 lbs this year. I have done everything to ensure that the other challenges do not create further problems. At one point, my blood count dropped dramatically, and the doctor felt I was having internal bleeding. I had to do the colonoscopy and the endoscopy, and that cost JAD 300,000. Good thing I did that because the doctors found out that the polyps in my colon were cancerous. They were removed. 

There is a very important drug that I needed to take to slow the growth of the cancer, and it could not be obtained anywhere. Thanks to one pharmacy where the staff not only ensured that I got the drug, but also they always ensured there is a monthly supply. That one drug cost JAD34,000 monthly ( discounted price).

Many will wonder how I managed. There are good people in Jamaica and overseas. My mother taught me that if you do good, good will follow you. I am truly blessed. I thought I was on my own, but the love of my people kept me going. There have been many prayers for me.

There were other challenges, but to keep this blog short, I will not go into those. Recently, I did a blood test, which is required before the operation. A trace of blood was found in my urine sample.

A trace of blood in the urine can be minor, or it could mean I have cancer of the bladder. I had a terrible medical operation, and the doctor had to insert a cystoscope into my bladder via my penis. The operation is called a cystoscopy. It was not a lovely feeling. The urinary tract now burns when I urinate. The antibiotics should clear things up after a few days. All is OK with my bladder.

The operation and the equipment that will be used to remove my prostate will be a first for Jamaica, and several people are now getting ready for that surgery. It's called a robotic-assisted total laparoscopic surgery.

It has been a rough road, but your support, prayers, and writing these blogs have kept me going. Thanks to you all. I must also give thanks that this operation can be done in Jamaica. There were concerns about doing open surgery because of my diabetes. If all goes well, the operation will be next month.

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Tickets are available at the Little Theatre.

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