As I’ve mentioned before, G had prostate cancer. I was 28 when he was diagnosed, he was 47. I don’t think there are a lot of people my age that know about some of the issues that arise when you have prostate cancer. Luckily, I am here to inform you. Just to give you a glimpse of some cool things I learned while taking care of G after his surgery, I now know how to clean a catheter tube…neat, huh?!!
In 2008, I had the privilege of sitting through an hour-long discussion with G and a urologist and a diagram of a penis. Awkward. Prostate cancer is kind of an old-man disease and it’s pretty common in men over the age of 60. George’s dad had prostate cancer 2 times so G began getting tested at an early age.
When the doctor explained to us all the different ways G could be treated he also talked about fertility stuff. We were pretty sure G would have his prostate removed completely, but we didn’t know that there would no longer be a way for his “swimmers” to get out…if you know what I mean. Basically that highway would be destroyed.
The doctor asked me how many kids I wanted and I, of course, said “none”. He said, “You’re too young to make that decision…George should freeze his sperm”. So we followed the doctor’s orders and G spent a romantic afternoon with himself at this place:
Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. I did not attend the appointment with him and instead laughed about it the entire day while I was at work.
About this time every year, we get a bill from OHSU requiring us to pay a storage fee for 4 small vials containing George’s potential offspring…this usually pisses me off. I hate storage fees. Anyway, we always wave at OHSU when we drive by just to say hi to little Georgia, Georgette and Georgina.
If you’re ever in the Portland-area, please do the same.
I think I’ve only posted once before but my decade-older husband also has a weird med condition that means surgeries and routine follow-up care where I am the youngest person in there by more than 30 yrs, and him by more than 20. It’s kind of strange….
You guys crack me up and I love that you’re not afraid to share! And on a serious note, sorry G had prostate cancer but I’m glad you guys made it through and are helping spread awareness and it doesn’t hurt having the baby G’s there and ready just in case you do change your mind some day!
Your friends are saying, “Free Georgia!!!”
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Just read this (linked from today’s blog post), but I am 30 and the husband is 54 so this post made me warm and fuzzy. He has 3 spawn already (who are not much younger than me) and I don’t know if we’re ever going to go there (as he’s had a vasectomy) but this makes me feel like there are “others” like me. I am disappointing my mom daily by not making her grand babies. I’ll wave to the Georgettes if I’m ever in the vicinity!
Oh thank you for waving to “the girls”!! Maybe our moms can start a support group.
Also wanted to add that I’m a first time commenter and love the blog! It gives me the lols. I might even replicate your holiday candy wreath 😉
Make the wreath, it’s totally easy and totally worth it!! Thanks for commenting too!