II. Orchidectomy

Dear All

I want to thank all of you who have called, emailed and texted. Each and every one has been truly encouraging and I am so grateful for the prayers, words and thoughts you have shared. I have also received some inspirational notes from our clients who have faced similar situations. In addition I wanted to thank those of you who have introduced me to Lance Armstrong. I continue to be humbled by this experience and know I am fortunate to have such strong support.

So, I am now a little lighter on the left hand side and still in a fair amount of pain. My Urologist, visited me before the operation and on my leg drew a large arrow pointing up with marker pen with the word "LEFT" which was fairly reassuring to know they the correct one in mind! I had the procedure described to me, where they planned to remove via the top of the groin (or out of the sun roof) so they can take the full cord too.

What I next recall is waking up in a recovery room singing nursery rhymes and talking about the TV show "Mad Men" ? they seemed a little perplexed by my random conversation.

If you are squeamish you may want to move to the next paragraph. That night walking to the bathroom was one of the most painful experiences, the 5 meters felt like 5 miles. The Urologist visited me the next morning and explained that although the operation had gone well, my testicle had been rather reluctant to leave but after further tugging, pulling and extra anaesthetic they had been successful.

It's still rather painful to walk, bend, cough, talk loudly (of which I am accustomed) and I'm not allowed to pick baby Olivia up for 2 weeks, which is rather painful too.

So, hopefully that is the first chapter dealt with. The primary source is hopefully eliminated and I understand the histology is being analysed, reviewed and I will meet my oncologist Dr Julian Money'kyrle at the Royal Surrey Hospital in the next 10 to 14 days to discuss next steps. To be honest, this area is much more unknown to me and I'm really looking forward to having this consultation and getting on with the therapy.

I'm on a pretty strong regime of pain killers including Tramadol, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen but I know I'm progressing well and hope to be back working on Monday next week.

If I can perfect my John Wayne walk I will try to be in the office.

Thank you again for your amazing support and prayers and if you could continue please as I get to grips with this cancer business.

With all my love.

Stuart McGuire