Submitted by:
Deborah E. George
Computer Systems Analyst
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
v: (404) 639-2372
f: (404) 639-3828
e: deg3@pspm1.em.cdc.gov
Categories:
Health care/health services
Keywords:
Innovative or improved ways of doing things; More equitable access to technology or electronic information
Supporting Documentation (contact author for more information):
Other
The Story:
My father, Virgle E. George, III, born October 4,1938, was a 30 year United States Air Force (USAF) career man, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest non-commissioned officers ranking attainable. His job in the USAF entailed Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), of which part of this was disarming bombs and detonating duds. He also served a tour of duty in Vietnam. In his 30 years, the worst thing that ever happened to him was in 1976, at Hill APE, Utah, he crushed his left knee socket, incurred a 8 hour reconstructive surgery, to include an existing bolt in his leg, was in the hospital for 6 weeks, and physical therapy for many months to follow. He eventually retired in 1986 with a 10% disability.
During the holidays of 1992, my father noticed some blood in his urine. In January, 1993, he made an appointment with Dr. Roth, his PRUCARE primary care physician, who in turn referred him to Dr. Mark A. Haber, a urologist with Georgia Urology Group. On January 15,1993, Dr. Haber performed a diagnostic bladder analysis at West Paces Ferry Hospital, Atlanta, GA, wherein he took biopsies of different areas of the bladder. The pathologists report indicated a T1 tumor, which invades subepithelial connective tissue, and carcinoma in situ (CIS). My father was released from the hospital on January 18,1993, with a two weeks recuperation period.
Wanting to know more about bladder cancer, I requested information through INTERNET via Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) local e-mail system to CANCERNET. I requested this information on February 3,1993, and received several e-mail messages from CANCERNET on February 4,1993. The major prognostic factors in carcinoma of the bladder are depth of invasion into or through the bladder wall and the degree of differentiation of the tumor. Most superficial tumors are well differentiated. Patients in whom tumors are less differentiated, large, multiple, or associated with carcinoma in situ in other areas of the bladder mucosa are at greatest risk for recurrence and the development of invasive cancer. Such patients may be considered to have the entire urothelial surface at risk for the occurrence of cancer. Options for reconstructive techniques that fashion low pressure storage reservoirs from reconfigured small and large bowel eliminate the need for external drainage devices and allow voiding per urethra.
By reviewing this information from CANCERNET and information from American Cancer Society, we (my father, mother, and I) consulted with Dr. Haber, to conclude that on February 11,1993, at West Paces Ferry Hospital, my father had a radical cystectomy, to include removal of the bladder, perivesical tissues, prostate, and seminal vesicles. My father was wheeled from his overnight hospital room at 7:10AM to the operating room, and was not returned until 8:20PM, when my mother and I got to see him in the CCU #3. During the course of the 3 major surgeries being performed by Dr. Haber and Dr. Libby, we were informed via the telephone in the waiting room every 2 hours by Linda Connelly, Operating Room Nurse, as to the progress of the operation. He was released from the hospital on February 20,1993, with a six weeks recuperation period. On February 26,1993, my father had an appointment with Dr. Haber for the removal of the drainage tube from the new bladder, constructed from part of his intestines. On March 5,1993, my father had an appointment with Dr. Haber for the removal of the penial catheter, to allow voiding per urethra. On March 23, 1993, my father had a followup appointment with Dr. Haber who clearly states that my fathers’ recovery has been REMARKABLE! On March 28,1993, my father returned to work with the United States Postal Service (USPS), Atlanta, GA.