A selection from
by William Martin
|
this is page 177
to previous or next page
unavoidable bad results. I did not find it comforting
to be reminded of what I might be surrendering
on the morrow/ but I signed. After she left, I
read through the materials one last time and
noticed that I had authorized Dr. Scardino to perform
any procedure he deemed necessary after he
got inside. I wondered if that included an orchiectomy.
I hoped not. I did not want my orchids
clipped without further discussion with the gardener.
One form that had somehow escaped my attention
offered me the opportunity to donate any
organs I no longer planned to use. I believe in
organ donation, but I didn't think there would be
much demand for a used prostate, and I was
reluctant to make anything else available at just
this time. Perhaps I would sign that one when I
didn't feel quite so vulnerable.
Interestingly, I had gained so much confidence
in Peter Scardino and the nerve-sparing surgical
technique that I had come to feel reasonably
secure about my chances of regaining urinary control
and potency. Now, with less than 24 hours to
go, I began to worry once again about survival.
To be sure, a one-in-twenty chance of lymph-node
involvement justified optimism, but it was not a
sure thing. My last visitor of the evening helped
put my mind at ease. A urology resident came in
for a final check, to see if I had any questions. He
end of page 177
to previous or next page
|
|
