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what it takes to live long and prosper

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Many of us have or will have bladder cancer at some point. We might not describe the surgery, numerous catheterizations during treatment, and periodic screening with cystoscopy for the rest of our lives as fun. The only plus is time spent with the doctors and nurses who are really wonderful people. We're very lucky to have this kind of care available. The things we have to do to forestall our demise!

The med staff may hear my voice squeak
Where they insert tubes we won’t speak
Since this causes pain
I wish they’d refrain
Or try going straight not oblique

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Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 7/10/2025 3:25:00 PM

Hello Duke, Your poem gave me a good chuckle for there’s something so refreshingly honest and wry about it! I love how you’ve taken a moment that’s usually uncomfortable and a bit scary, and turned it into a playful little rhyme. The way you capture that squeaky voice and the frustration of those tricky tubes is both relatable and funny. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort
Date: 7/11/2025 12:42:00 PM

Thanks so much Daniel...you've gathered exactly what I was striving for. We can always try to make lemonade our of lemons. Hopefully, our brethren here will see that it's not all that terrible to experience these things. The people providing treatment are all quite sweet and want to help. Smiles!!

Robert Gorelick

Date: 7/8/2025 10:05:00 AM

You describe a real cringe moment concerning catheterization. I've read some articles regarding medical advancements in this area. Good luck to you, Duke! Robert

Duke Beaufort
Date: 7/11/2025 12:38:00 PM

Robert, it's all very interesting. We have to take what comes and make the best of it. Not waiting too long for treatment seems to be a good policy although I do understand why people are afraid. Hope all is well for a long time! Smiles!!

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/7/2025 8:23:00 AM

I'm sorry for you, DB painful to hear about, on the other hand a good reminder for poets to keep up with Dr appointments very important. I admire how you've made me smile with the last line! You look great ~ stay strong

Duke Beaufort
Date: 7/11/2025 12:37:00 PM

Anaya, I am feeling really good these days. I really feel very lucky that we have great medical personnel who can take care of us with competence and kindness. It's all fun really. The PS site and the doctor's office have something in common. We get to experience a different perspective. I really actually enjoy all the people there and here. Smiles and no worries!!!

Arthur Vaso

Date: 7/5/2025 12:11:00 AM

On a serious not just hope you are ok!

Duke Beaufort
Date: 7/7/2025 8:01:00 AM

So far so good Arthur. Thanks for asking. We have no guarantee and can only do what we can while we’re able.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 6/29/2025 11:06:00 PM

This gives a whole new meaning to "You tube" LOL

Duke Beaufort
Date: 7/4/2025 7:38:00 AM

Arthur, I'm glad you have a sense of humor. Hope you never have to deal with this. It's not quite as bad as it sounds if approached with a positive attitude. Take care and smiles!!

Tom Woody

Date: 6/29/2025 12:19:00 PM

Ugh! Tubes being inserted where they should not. I won't sleep tonight now

Duke Beaufort
Date: 6/29/2025 12:39:00 PM

Tom, it seems horrible at first. The measure of it is how much time spent thinking about it before the procedure. After a while, it seems routine. If you want to write a horror story about it, it's an appropriate subject. I forgot to mention that the nurse has a syringe with a plastic end that they use to inject lidocaine before certain procedures. That helps a bit later, but it also hurts when they do it. All embarrassment goes out the window after the first time. LOL and SMILES!! I forgot to mention we're not exactly normal afterwards for a day or two. Just a friendly reminder of what was done. Hope that eases any sleep disturbance you might suffer. I hope that's the closest you ever come to this!

Jan Allison

Date: 6/29/2025 11:47:00 AM

Excellent ink Duke, a serious subject dealt with a good dollop of humour. The good thing is bladder cancer can be treated successfully if caught early... our friend was peeing blood, did nothing.. then he was peeing blood clots... and did nothing.. He eventually saw a doctor and had to have his cancerous bladder removed and now has a bag which causes no end of issues. write on Duke! hugs Jan xx

Duke Beaufort
Date: 6/29/2025 5:06:00 PM

Jan, I really admire how the two of you manage to keep a positive attitude. Wait till you hear what they do for prostate cancer. OMG! At least we all have a good attitude and won't stop living to the fullest. Life is short and good giving people like us (Not AI bots) need to last as long as possible. Smiles!!

Jan Allison
Date: 6/29/2025 12:16:00 PM

Early intervention is the key as we have found on my husband's continuing cancer journey. I'm fine apart from a cold, hubby goes for his pre-sabr radiation assessment on tuesday and we hope his radiation treatment will follow in a few weeks!

Duke Beaufort
Date: 6/29/2025 12:07:00 PM

Jan, yes there's surgery and then periodic infusion of BCG, a bacterium that helps ensure the tumor does not come back. I am one of the lucky ones where this was discovered early, so I still have my bladder. Delay of treatment is not a good thing, but I understand how fear can stop someone from seeking medical attention. Hope you are well and sending smiles!!

Lin Lane

Date: 6/29/2025 11:38:00 AM

Ouch, Duke. Makes a good case for female parts being a titch more acceptable to those sorts of 'things.'

Duke Beaufort
Date: 6/29/2025 12:03:00 PM

Lin, that is very true indeed. We just try to laugh and make the best of what comes. I always try to smile through the procedure since it seems to reduce the pain. Even smiling now!!! BTW, they have a camera and those of us with courage get to watch. The inside of the bladder is a pleasant pink. I guess it's a happy place. Cheers!!

what it takes to live long and prosper

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