Success!

music: All You Need Is Love
mood: Wasted But Jubilant

This will probably be a short entry; I only have short bursts of energy right now and I'm not supposed to sit for very long (to avoid blood clots).

I have two important messages to get across, though, that I don't think should wait.

My surgery was a thorough success. My skillful surgeons told me that the operation went smoothly and that the cancer had not yet reached the borders of my prostate. The cancer was completely confined to my prostate. The nearby lymph nodes were also removed and biopsied. They were both cancer free. That means I am now completely cancer free!

I was recovering much quicker than expected. On the evening after my surgery, however, I got a kidney stone. I hit my morphine button quite a few times that night and over the next few days. After it passed I made myself go cold turkey (despite my nurse saying, "Oh, go ahead --- just take a little hit") to get rid of my morphine dependence. My withdrawal was unpleasant but brief.

Despite not yet having had a BM (I know, too much information), a usual prerequisite for release, on Friday I checked out of the hospital and went home. I just couldn't take hospital life anymore (the food at lunch on Friday was the last straw).

So: I'm home, I hurt, I have no energy, but I'm very, very happy.

The other subject I wanted to address was the unbelievable outpouring of love, empathy, sympathy and support I have received from my family, friends and fans. It was completely unexpected. I guess that comes from spending so much time alone at the easel and drawing board!

I am truly, deeply moved by the expressions of support I have received. Thank you everyone. The love I feel from you is sure to make me heal even faster. I'm already getting ideas for projects....

OK...I gotta stand up and walk around. My love to you all!

Bill

Bill on 12/09/06 @ 11:36 AM PST
- 11 comments posted