Happy Birthday Neo!

March 8th, marked one year since I had my bladder removed, along with my prostate and most of the lymph glands in my pelvis.  In a miracle of modern medicine, my surgeon made me a Neobladder from section of my small intestine.  We named the new bladder Neo.

Last week Jeanne threw Neo his first birthday party!

It began with a return visit to Vanderbilt where I had the obligatory CT scan to examine all my innards.  I was, for the 3rd consecutive time this year, declared Cancer Free!  We also all agreed Neo was working just the way he is supposed to:  I am continent during all my waking hours and other associated functions have returned.  Yay!

Jeanne and I went to lunch and she secretly had the staff bring me a dessert with a candle in it, then we all sang Happy Birthday to Neo.  When we got back home there was another cake awaiting with ‘Happy Birthday Neo’ written on top!  Few bladders have been so well celebrated, I’m sure.  (If you’ve never done it, I recommend thanking yours for all it’s hard work. :)

The greatest news for my one-year mark is that I’m strong, working full time again, and starting to build back some fitness.  I only have one more infusion of Immunotherapy at the end of the month, and then I’ll happily have my ‘port’ removed.  I’m also grateful to say that our finances survived the $100k surgery and 13 of the $17k infusions, thanks in large part to you, dear readers and the support from other friends and family we received help from along the way.

We will keep this account for later updates, but for now all is well. Jeanne and I are relieved and grateful and looking forward to new adventures.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR LOVE, INTEREST & SUPPORT!