A message from Lloyd62

Subject: A message from Lloyd62
From: lloyd61
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:26 PM

IT's OVER, Thank God it's over.

I woke up this morning in the Guest House - No Pain; No Up set Stomach, No Fever, Even a little feeling of hunger. I lay in my bed and said, Thanks God, Thanks Opal, Thanks Family, Thanks friends – then I moved, but I did not take any of the thanks back.

Can't write much now, will write more later. I have a lot of stories to tell.

The Doctors called it a complete success; I call it a very scary weekend. They kept me for an extra day, because they liked me. I'm sure the insurance Company will understand.

The Rochester Fire Works are right out side of our window, I feel as they are for me.

Love to all.

From: Opal, Lloyd, and my new friend for the next ten days – The Bag.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: alison
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:33 PM

Lovely to see you back...... take care of yourselves

love

alison

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:36 PM

Good man, Lloyd. Do what they tell you, and heal. Prayers continue for you and yours.

Mick

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: p.j.
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:42 PM

Hang in there Lloyd, "the Great Storm is over, lift up your wings and fly..."

Best wishes, Be well PJ

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Áine
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:47 PM

Wonderful to hear from you, dear Lloyd!! Now, get your rest, kiss your wife, and (when Catspaw gets here), try to not laugh to hard . . . we all try to be as serious as a bunch of loonies can!

Lovely to hear everything came out all right *BG*, Áine

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Alice
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:18 AM

take care. enjoy the fireworks and the new day tomorrow.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:30 AM

Thinking of you Lloyd with thoughts of healing

Bonnie

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:39 AM

Oh, LLoyd that is just so grand to hear!! You treat that bad real nice, now, and you and it will part company really soon!**BG**

Those fireworks must be a nice way to celebrate such good news!! Thanks for making the effort and taking the time to let us know how you are. Thanks, too, to Alison for telling us in HearMe that you were posting and okay!!

Love and prayers still winging their way to you and Opal,

love,

kat

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Night Owl
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:40 AM

Thanks for posting the update LLoyd...HOORAY!!! I'm hoping you'll go slow and keep the music in your ear!!!

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:43 AM

Stupid typos!**BG** I meant to say "treat that bag"....sorry

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:59 AM

Well ALRIGHTY THEN...............

Now tell me the good parts..........like, uh what happens when you sneeze and things like that!!!

Seriously Lloyd and Opal, you have been in our thoughts every day and Karen and I send you again the very best best for a quick recovery and return to form. The 'Cat has great power and we are all with you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 01:05 AM

Lloyd, Art Thieme is heading up there for a "tune-up" as he puts it. he mentioned it in the Art Thieme's Gem thread tonight.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: kendall
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 08:26 AM

I'm not aware of what is going on with Lloyd???

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Giac
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 08:41 AM

Way to go, Lloyd 62! Still thinking about you
and your wife. Glad to hear from you. Didn't know
you previously, but feel like I do now.

Please keep us posted.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: GUEST,Peter T.
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 09:25 AM

Welcome back, Lloyd, to the land of the whatever this is.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 11:05 AM

Halleluia! Welcome back, Lloyd- smile, giggle a little, but don't laugh too hard!

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:39 PM

Kendall, if you look for the other thread with Lloyd's name in it, you will be able to read that he just ahd surgery for cancer of the prostate. I think it is titled "Help, a request for Lloyd62"

kat

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Micca
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 02:39 PM

Good on you Lloyd , and this lot will take the piss unmercifully about your bag.. well they did about mine,,, and mine were chest drains..

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Morticia
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 04:06 PM

Well done Lloyd.....so pleased to hear you will be moving amongst us again soon...and moving into a bag in the meantime :)

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 05:00 PM

Welcome back Lloyd. You and Opal get some rest. SS

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: GUEST,Phil Cooper
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 05:52 PM

Dear Lloyd,

Good to hear you're doing OK. All the best, Phil

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: kendall
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 06:07 PM

Dont know how I missed this, but, have faith and get lots of rest.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: IvanB
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 10:41 PM

Lloyd, glad to hear your good news. Hope to see you back on Hearme soon, but take your time and REST. The best to ya!

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 03:31 AM

Up and at 'em Lloyd. Seamus

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Mbo
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 08:14 AM

Ha ha, I knew you'd come through alright! Welcome back, lloyd!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 08:40 AM

Good... (or as Jon Freeman would say BLOODY GOOD SHOW) Yours, Aye. Dave (a very pleased Ancient mariner)

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 09:38 PM

Hi, Lloyd, just wondering how you are doing? Have you and Art Thieme put any shows on yet?**BG**

Hope this finds you doing well and that we will soon HearYou and Opal, again, WHEN you feel up to it!

luvya and missin' you,

kat

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Hollowfox
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 11:00 AM

Now that the mechanics have worked on your chassis, here comes the time-consuming part - rest. So BOTH of you relax. Take a nap. You've got time for it, and sleep is one of the best aids to recovery.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: L R Mole
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 11:23 AM

Good news.Humming for you here in Rhody. Ain't no drag, papa.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 12:39 AM

LLoyd sent me the following message and I asked his permission to post it. He has give me that with the words to "go ahead if you think anyone will be interested." Well, I've asked a couple of others and we decided there were quite a few of us who would enjoy reading this. I love the way he puts it...salt of the earth people, he and Opal, and I am grateful to have met them.

Here ya go:

"Friday July 7, 2000
Dear family and friends:

I can't believe it has been a week since I was taken apart and put back together again. I'm missing only one part; everything else was tucked back in, so they say. The entire medical process is new to me; I hope to feel good enough next week to "Tell my Story".

One little side story, I wanted to know what the Prostrate was used for so I asked the first nurse entering my room the day after the surgery. She was wearing a pink shirt, and was selling newspapers. "What is a prostrate used for?" – "Gee, I don't know , do you want to buy a news paper"? The next nurse wore a gray uniform and was carrying a mop. "What is a prostrate used for"? – she mumbled something in Spanish and when about her nursing with the mop. Then a woman in blue entered, carrying a clip board – the clip board was a good sign – "What is a prostrate used for"? "The prostrate produces the seaman to carry your sperm". This prompted another question – "How do I run a railroad without a box car". She looked at me and said, "at you age don't worry about carrying a payload, just run the railroad for fun." With that she walked out the door. (Slightly embellished true story.)

At one point I told a nurse that this thing had me scared silly, she said "yes, we have ALL noticed the silly part." Many stories to come, all of which will be only slightly embellished.

I have enjoyed the front porch of this guest house. I am in the hub of activity, which is where I always enjoy being. My day consists of getting up, check the bag – sit down, check the bag – Read a little, check the bag – walk a little, check the bag – eat a little, check the bag, and so on. I have had only two mishaps with the bag. At Wal*mart yesterday, while riding the electric cart, the lower strap became undone and was dragging on the floor. It is not cool to have your bag strap dragging on a Wal*mart floor. After it was pointed out to me by a lady, I made a beeline to the men's room. The second problem was at home, the bag came apart, dumping the contents down my leg all over the floor, Opal was not happy about that! I did learn this week that Opal is NOT a Florence Nightingale. She is more like a DR Mayo.

Poor Opal, she is STILL going through the Mayo process. I will say, it is fun watching her "work the system". She is very good at it. Besides my bag mishap, the only other high stress moment was – a test that requires drinking a gallon of bitter stuff, the night before, had to be redone. She drank the second gallon last night again and is now at the clinic. She takes it all in good stride. Some how we are still finding a few laughs here in Rochester, where the weather is HOT and muggy and the people are warm and friendly.

I need to go and check the bag now, so more later.

Love to all. "

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Crowhugger
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 02:07 AM

Lloyd, I missed this oncoming train; glad to know you've been put back together and are now riding the right way, if icky bag contents tell an unembellished story. So, Lloyd, just how forthcoming *ahem* are you planning to be about your recovery? Just how 'slightly embellished' a story shall we expect when you first hop that freight for a joy ride?

All the best for a speedy and thorough recovery.

Opal, hang in! I can't keep that stuff down; have to use magnesium citrate (only 500ml, I guess that's about 16 fl. oz.) Blech.

CH.

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 02:22 AM

Well Lloyd, I'll be waiting for the update....uh, so to speak. Glad to hear things are behind you! This is some great news!!!

Pass on to dear Opal....I had to do TWO lower GI's on the same day last year. At that time I was really sick and they wouldn't give me anything but a few ice chips and I was a thirsty SOB. I thought the most luxurious thing imaginable was a giant bowl of ice chips! So when they brought the second round of "Blecchh Cocktail" it still sounded good to me. They were pushing on the test and I had to down it in about an hour or so. No problem says I....put it on the rocks.

So I'm drinking the bejesus out of the stuff on ice and really digging it when all of a sudden I started to shake and shiver violently. My teeth were chattering so hard I cracked almost all of my upper rear teeth! Turns out I had induced a little hypothermia!!! So they bring in the heat lamps and heated blankets...the works, to get my temperature back up. It was a tough month. Hope the rest of yours continues to bring you good news.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Art Thieme
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 12:09 AM

Lloyd,

Sorry I didn't know you were there. I'd've visited you. Are you in St.Mary's Hospital? I was there for 2 months in '97. They found out then that I've got prostate cancer too (very early and slow-growing) as well as good ol' MS. It's a hell of an adventure, ain't it? I was just at the Gaslight Inn for a week, but that is of no import now since I'm home now. Isn't the "Mayo system" a wonder? Once you get used to it, it's almost enjoyable. It always felt like a paid vacation to me. (At least it was as close to a paid vacation as I've ever had.) It felt like I'd gone to a sort of sadistic spa--if ya know what I mean.

Hey, here's an idea for you: Take one of those SHARPIE permanent black markers and draw a big "SMILEY FACE" on the "BAG". Then when it fills with yellow liquid you can hang it prominently from your walker or belt and freak out the nurses and doctors. I did it and had a ball. Also: Ask the catheter team if they all live in the same penile institution. And ask your urologist if they ever heard of the urologist who sang the blues on the side. URETHRA FRANKLIN.

If you need more jokes, just ask !

Be well,

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 12:20 AM

Great, Art!Bravo! More, more! What an image of the 60's icon THAT brings to mind! LMAO!!! You are still in rare form!! You are gonna have Lloyd doubled up in stitches!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 12:24 AM

Kinda brings a whole new meaning to R-E-S-P-E-C-T now don't it?

Spaw

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Night Owl
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 01:16 AM

sure is sounding like a song challenge coming on between y'all!!!

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 02:08 PM

Gee Lloyd, sounds like you're having fun. I am waiting for a protrate/prostate joke. And don't believe them. I know more people with post vasectomy babies - mischievous little guys.
Be well,
SS

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:12 PM

Here is the latest from Lloyd, PLUS he promises a song about his 3 weeks at the Mayo, in the next day or two! What an absolute hero of attitude! LuyaLloyd...kat

July 11, 2000

Mayo Update

Dear Family and Friends:

I stand corrected, or rather should I say, I sit on a bag of ice corrected. It is PROSTATE not PROSTRATE. Thank you Irma Orum. Opal has called this to my attention several times, but gave up when I could not get it into my head. Irma understands. Irma is the Co-owner of Midwest Groundcovers, and has been my boss for 15 years. She has received many memos with missed spelt words. In the early days she corrected the memos - but then, like Opal, she gave up.

Irma is undergoing a knee replacement on August 8th. She has said she has not found much humor in her knee problem. Irma, there is a reason for this, pain is not funny. While I have undergone major surgery I did not experience a great deal of pain, just a LOT of discomfort. Another point, Knees are not funny, but prostates lend themselves to a few laughs. I will give you a perfect example – After knee surgery you will experience swelling in your ankle. See that was not funny, but watch this - after prostate surgery one will experience swelling in the testicles - see you're laughing.

The young nurse said "you will experience a little swelling". How much swelling I asked, the size of a Lemon? Yes, maybe. The size of a Peach? Yes, maybe. What about the size of an Orange? Could be. What about a Grapefruit? I don't think so, at least I have never seen swelling like that. You don't think so? What about the size of a Watermelon? She thought for a while then asked, "the round seedless kind or big elongated one?." I did not want to hear the answer, so just put my head down and closed my eyes. She won that round.

I have decided if I reach the size of a Florida Navel # 2040 I'm going to scream my head off.

So Irma in the midst of your pain you have one more thing to be thankful for. They will pack your knee with ice, but they will not ask you sit on the ice bag.

That's it for now, from Rochester, where I get up in the morning, strap on my bag, sit on a bag of frozen peas, eat a salt free, fat free, and sugar free breakfast; and say "it's a great day to be alive".

Love to all. Lloyd

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: bbc
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 09:20 AM

Dear Lloyd,

I'm just getting in on the good wishes. I do love a happy ending. Hope you are continuing to mend well. Glad to see you've maintained your sense of humor--the song is great!

best,

bbc

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 09:29 PM

Lloyd is going home!! Welcome home, Lloyd!! Here is his last entry from the Mayo:

Final Mayo Update

July 14, 2000

I have just been released from the clinic. It is a wonderful feeling. The only follow up required is a SPA blood test in three months. Mayo has a tolerance of .015. If my PSA is over that, I will have to come back for further tests. If you will recall I came here with a 11.7 rate.

Today was an active day as I went through the check out process. Now that I have learned to live with a bag, I have to learn to live without one. Every day there is a new challenge in Rochester.

In a few days I will be in my home. It has been a long and scary ordeal, Your support, Prayers, and well wishes have carried me through the maze. We had our good and bad times but through it all I have felt the presence of my guide (Jesus), family and my friends.

Thanks again to all.

Farewell from Rochester, where the check out process has been completed, and our thoughts turn toward home.

Love to all

Lloyd

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 11:56 PM

Really excellent news and we'll be expecting to hear from Lloyd and Opal at home soon.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: dwditty
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 12:16 AM

Great news Lloyd. Welcome home. Hearme awaits. God Bless you both.

dw

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 06:23 PM

Almost ten days later and here is the latest from Lloyd. They are home safe and sound. Wonderful to hear from you, Lloyd! Welcome home...luvyakat

North Carolina Update
July 23, 2000

We're home!

Five days, 1,050 miles, 58 gallons of gas and two dozen wet diapers.

Before leaving Rochester Opal decided that Thor and I needed a little attention so I got a hair cut at the local Super Wal*mart and when Thor was picked up in Illinois he was taken to his groomer. Opal also decided that a flea bath was in order, so Thor was bathed, luckily the Super Wal*mart did not have a Flea Bath tub so I was spared that ordeal. Now it was time to deal with our teeth, Thor had his teeth professionally cleaned, and Opal purchased me a new Tooth Brush. After a trip to the Vet we were now ready for the trip home.

It was good to visit with so many friends and family along the way.

Thor crawled up into the back window and Opal curled up in the front seat and both went to sleep. Me? I drove most of the way and enjoyed the entire trip. Even the two hour delay on the Illinois Toll road or the four hour delay on the Indiana Interstate, due to a bad accident did not upset me, I just enjoyed being out on the road; besides I had a diaper. Opal on the other hand had a few problems with the delays.

As the days passed I noticed that I was gaining strength and control of my bladder. Two very important things for a "guy". I have a few woodworking projects when I get home, several which will have to wait another month; and control? A guy wants to stand in front of a urinal and read the newspapers pinned to the wall, and a guy wants to go out on a cold winter night when there has been a fresh falling snow and write his name in the snow. ( I will need to check the Condo by-laws about this one.)

Well, that's all the news from Western North Carolina, where the mountains are beautiful, home never felt so good, and Thor and I are Flea free, groomed, and have bright shiny smiles.

Love to all..... Lloyd

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 06:35 PM

Awwwwwwww!

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Áine
Date: 24 Jul 00 - 10:49 AM

Dear Lloyd (and the rest of the family),

So glad to hear that you are all home at last -- sans fleas, sans ants, and in your fluffy underpants... ;-)

Hey Lloyd -- "A guy wants to stand in front of a urinal and read the newspapers pinned to the wall, and a guy wants to go out on a cold winter night when there has been a fresh falling snow and write his name in the snow. ( I will need to check the Condo by-laws about this one.) -- Why, oh why, do I feel a Song Challenge! comin' on???

Keep on truckin' and soon you'll be peeing anytime and anywhere ya wants to!!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jul 00 - 11:15 AM

So what do you call it when those docs have to cough up the bucks to go learn how to do that surgery? Prostatuition?

Seriously LLoyd, urine my thoughts!

Subject: RE: A message from Lloyd62
From: Biskit
Date: 24 Jul 00 - 04:52 PM

God Bless you Lloyd! An' mayya continue your healing,my last exam was still ok The Doc had kinda cold hands though! -Biskit-