Cancer Survivors Network

Hi Kichell, 2 months out of a radical prostatectomy and do have several comments on ways to really help patients undergoing this surgery. Not to slight any cancer as all are devastating, and this is just MY feeling about this particular type of the desease. First off a cancer of the genetal type changes even the way one views his own existance. This is a little hard to discuss, even over cyber, but nothing works as you have known it to work over so many years. Incontinence is devastating, erectile problems are overwhelming and the loss of ejaculation ability is something no man can deal with by himself. While these things may only be temporary they are an emotional roller coaster ride for the patient going through these changes that he may or may not have been expecting. I found that I was NOT prepared for these things to happen---yes, I was nieve and somewhat ill propared for all the side effects that would take thier tolls on me emotionally. One is so focused on getting rid of the cancer that the side effects are a secondary concern and at best poorly addressed by the medical community. I was devastated to say the least, yes, maybe a bit impatient for a quick cure that I did not prepare myself or do enough research on my own, and, I found out after that my surgeon was not as comfortable discussing these issues with me as I would have hoped. Not to say that I don't have confidence in him, just that I needed to talk and felt he was not there for me. I strongly believe that someone needs to be at the side of all patients during the recovery feew days and available to answer the multitude of questions that will come up over the next several months of recovery when you have time to actually focus on the side effects that you come to realize. The knife takes care of the physical problem, the ear and tongue may be best suited to help with the emotional issues. They would porbably work much better than the hospital release forms one gets with the note that says "see you in 3 months for a recheck"