My Robotic Prostatectomy Experience

13

Comments

  • whubbs
    whubbs Member Posts: 77
    whubbs said:

    6 Months
    In response, from what I understand of hormone therapy, if caught early enough, can stop the tumor (not get rid of it) and will result in complete inpotence and physical changes like swollen breasts and other issues. If you decide to go that way, please understand the effects and be sure to be OK with it.

    I just had a 6 month PSA check after my robotic. PSA is still Non-detectable!

    Feeling good and doc had some suggestions for dealing with mild issues remaining.

    Life is good.

    Surprising Improvements
    I heeded some advice from Dr. Tewari's assistant Carol recently that I want to share.

    She had recommended weening myself of 'the pad'.
    I thought it was silly, but it makes sense.

    She recommended trying to lengthen the time between bathroom breaks during the day and to keep the pad for work.
    When I get home, to loose the pad totally and sleep without.

    It has really changed things. I remove it when I get home and don't replace it until the morning. Aside from a couple little leaks, things have improved tremendously from this.

    I think what happens is that your body becomes complacent with the pad, and I have to admit, I find myself being more careful sneezing, coughing, picking things up, etc. without it, as opposed to the 'carefree' feeling you tend to get used to with it in.

    Anyway, I recommend trying this if you are still having incontinence issues and are relying on a pad. Certainly worth a few wet undies to see if it works.

    Good luck!
  • lion1
    lion1 Member Posts: 241
    gkoper said:

    Central florida robotic surgery
    Is there anyone with PC who had robotic in Ocala,Fl. area? I have surgery scheduled for later this month in Ocala.
    Cheers,
    George

    Surgery in Florida
    I had an LRP wtih Dr Krongrad in Miami,FL.
  • swsiebert
    swsiebert Member Posts: 2
    gkoper said:

    Central florida robotic surgery
    Is there anyone with PC who had robotic in Ocala,Fl. area? I have surgery scheduled for later this month in Ocala.
    Cheers,
    George

    robotic in Florida
    Gkoper,
    check out Dr Vipul Patel in Celebration, he has performed more than any other doctor on earth, over 3,000 and wrote the text most others study from. celebration is only about an hour from ocala, i am going there this week from boca to get mine done...

    I am 48 yrs old with a PSA of 19.1, a gleason of 4+4 (8) and i have no other choice, my urologist here in boca helped me find the best and he's just an hour from you
  • gkoper
    gkoper Member Posts: 173
    Swsiebert
    Thanks for suggestion. But I had my Davinchi done by Edward King in Ocala. I am about 6 weeks post-op and doing very well. Sounds like you have a top-notch surgeon...all the best.
    George
  • user1
    user1 Member Posts: 4
    gkoper said:

    Swsiebert
    Thanks for suggestion. But I had my Davinchi done by Edward King in Ocala. I am about 6 weeks post-op and doing very well. Sounds like you have a top-notch surgeon...all the best.
    George

    HIFU
    Another alternative to surgery is HIFU....High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. The data I saw online suggested the trials in the US are providing equal if not better results than surgery/radiation. I think the website is www.internationalhifu.com
  • Bushmills
    Bushmills Member Posts: 6
    whubbs said:

    So many similar situations - 6 weeks now.
    g8rb8- Your gleason and stage are the same as mine were. Glad to hear that the biopsy suggests organ confined, these are good indicators.

    I didn't expect so many similar stories as mine, especially the age group of men in my situation, guys in their youthful forties, completely blind-sided by this.
    I'm particularly thankful for a doctor I had a few years ago, Dr. Arnold Winokur, he was my GP at the time, he was a great doctor and very pleasant and nice man. We've since lost him to his own cancer battle, however thanks to his recommendation to set my baseline PSA at the age of 38-39, I wouldn't have caught the prostate cancer when I did, at a stage when it is most treatable. He's just as responsible for saving my life as the surgeon who removed it.

    As far as recovery, after 6 weeks I'm feeling mostly back to myself again.
    I've been back to work, desk job designing aircraft, not strenuous at all, for a few weeks. Incisions are healed and no longer are irritated by the belt line.
    Though I do have a remaining hernia situation caused by the surgery that needs attention as well as a couple sutures that are actually sticking out that need to be trimmed off.

    The continency and erectile issues are tough, and if you approach it with a sense of humor, it helps ease the anxiety of such dignity-striping issues. My wife is very understanding and supportive, this alone is one of the most important aspects of recovery- a loving, supportive partner/family to get you through the tough times.


    This board is so important too. I learned a lot from it before seeing the doctors, I had the right questions to ask BEFORE I went, you're just a number to them unfortunately.
    Feel free to email me at the email address I posted earlier, I've heard from some men who have been very anxious about the surgery and I feel obligated to help by discussing it openly and honestly. Not something appropriate for the board, but I'll let you know what I experienced right down to the catheter/drain issues - continency/erectile issues.
    I know I would have felt so much better, if not so much more PREPARED, had I heard the candid experiences that someone else had.

    Good luck everyone and Happy New Year!
    May 2009 bring us all health and happiness!

    frank and open reports
    Whubbs, thank you so much for your detailed and direct stories of how your surgery and the aftermath went. It helps me during this period when I have to decide what treatment to try. I'm 70 years old, with the stats being 7.8 PSA, 3+4=7 Gleason, T2a, with perineural invasion. Looks like I'm heading toward some sort of radiation, tho prostatectomy may still be an option. But what I need is just what you're telling: what's the catheter like? importance of walking after surgery. Problems of gas. The reality of dealing with prostate cancer.

    But one thing you said stopped me: you asked people to email you, so you could tell about "catheter/drain issues -- continency/erectile issues" -- "not something appropriate for the board." My god, if this isn't absolutely 100% "appropriate for the board," I don't know what is. Please tell all, in all the gory -- and helpful and illuminating -- detail. We NEED it.

    Again, thank you so much.

    Don
  • brookjax
    brookjax Member Posts: 18

    What are your numbers and age?



    Two week ago I saw a surgeon to discuss robotic surgery, who recommended Active Waiting as a treatment for me( instead of robotic surgery). Part of the monitoring is annual MRI/MRS and biopsy as well as quarterly psa's. Now I'm going for the MRI/MRS tomorrow which may change my treatment to surgery. I tend to think that surgery is the gold standard.

    At a support group that I attended, I bumped into a man who when he was diagnosed decided to do hormone therapy only, I think that he's been doing this for 5-6 yars now. I don't know much about this, but he did mention that he has adverse physical situations, but overall he is happy with his decision. As I understand , people generally do hormone therapy in conjuction with , or treatment for more advanced cases, but it may be worth exploring, if you don't mind having hot flashes, and impotence. I guess you need to speak with a medical oncologist.

    Ira

    Go

    Watchful waiting and robotic surgery
    I have gone to a couple of Man to Man meetings and heard several cases where the actual Gleason scores after analysis after surgery were much higher than the pre-op biopsy indicated. In fact, mine were said to be Gleason 6 per the biopsy and it turned out to be what they call a '6/7,' indicating higher levels. One had a biopsy of a 7 and the post-op analysis was a 9, so I am glad I had the surgery. Even with a score of 6, the biopsy showed that there was cancer in several places over one side of the prostrate.

    If you do the exercises daily, preferably 20 of them six times a day, the incontenance should go away in about three months.

    I used Dr. Manaharran at the Univ. of Miami Medical Center on the recommendation of a co-worker, and I don't remember the operation at all. He is certified by the robotic surgery company Divinci, which is not true of all doctors who do the procedure. They have a list of certified doctors on the website of the company.

    What I am wondering about is whether there are any other medications for ED other than cialis or viagra?
  • whubbs
    whubbs Member Posts: 77
    whubbs said:

    6 Months
    In response, from what I understand of hormone therapy, if caught early enough, can stop the tumor (not get rid of it) and will result in complete inpotence and physical changes like swollen breasts and other issues. If you decide to go that way, please understand the effects and be sure to be OK with it.

    I just had a 6 month PSA check after my robotic. PSA is still Non-detectable!

    Feeling good and doc had some suggestions for dealing with mild issues remaining.

    Life is good.

    9 Months
    I'm now 9 months outside of my robotic surgery.
    PSA tests came back yesterday.. PSA remains still <.1 :)
    100 % Continent (a little drip shutting off the valve, but is improving to 100% soon - Do your KEGELS!)
    Other issue- Not a problem, maybe not 100% but by next appointment (1 year) I'm feeling that it will be.
    Good luck to everyone dealing with this.
    Feel free to email me @ cobrabite427@yahoo.com if you want to know any details on the robotic surgery, Ash Tewari (the best robotic surgeon in the Notheast!), side effects, pre and post surgery issues and suggestions/advice, etc.
  • whubbs
    whubbs Member Posts: 77
    user1 said:

    HIFU
    Another alternative to surgery is HIFU....High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. The data I saw online suggested the trials in the US are providing equal if not better results than surgery/radiation. I think the website is www.internationalhifu.com

    9 Months
    I'm now 9 months outside of my robotic surgery.
    PSA tests came back yesterday.. PSA remains still <.1 :)
    100 % Continent (a little drip shutting off the valve, but is improving to 100% soon - Do your KEGELS!)
    Other issue- Not a problem, maybe not 100% but by next appointment (1 year) I'm feeling that it will be.
    Good luck to everyone dealing with this.
    Feel free to email me @ cobrabite427@yahoo.com if you want to know any details on the robotic surgery, Ash Tewari (the best robotic surgeon in the Notheast!), side effects, pre and post surgery issues and suggestions/advice, etc.
  • shubbysr
    shubbysr Member Posts: 87
    whubbs said:

    9 Months
    I'm now 9 months outside of my robotic surgery.
    PSA tests came back yesterday.. PSA remains still <.1 :)
    100 % Continent (a little drip shutting off the valve, but is improving to 100% soon - Do your KEGELS!)
    Other issue- Not a problem, maybe not 100% but by next appointment (1 year) I'm feeling that it will be.
    Good luck to everyone dealing with this.
    Feel free to email me @ cobrabite427@yahoo.com if you want to know any details on the robotic surgery, Ash Tewari (the best robotic surgeon in the Notheast!), side effects, pre and post surgery issues and suggestions/advice, etc.</p>

    9 MONTH MILESTONE!!!!!!!!
    I am at 3 monhs. You have increased my hope to become fully continent again! I never thought I could become pad dependent". I need to increase my Kegels or at least not forget to do them religiously. My PSAalso remains <0.1
  • spinner
    spinner Member Posts: 1
    socky said:

    4 weeks and feeling great
    I had the most amazing surgeon do my Robotic Da Vinci, his name is Dr. Premal Desai here in Los Angeles at Cedars Sinai. I had the surgery on December 1st and went back to work last week. The worst part was the gas and the catheter. Once the catheter was taken out I have had no problem with incontinence. I also have had normal erections and orgasams. Strange when nothing comes out!!. I try and do the kegel exercises everyday. The past four weeks seem to be a haze. I can't beleive I had cancer and now it is gone. I am so thankful to have a wonderful partner to help me thru this and incredible friends.

    Hi - we are all new to this so bear with me..... my husband (age 59) was diagnozed with PC and has been treated by Dr Kia Michel - who is BTW - a most wonderful - compassionate - and thorough -and experienced doctor who spent much time with both of us and gave is the low-down.....My husband opted for the DaVinci surgery with him in the next couple of weeks. Yesterday we learnt that Dr Michel will not be performing surgeries for a while due to some personal medical issues of his. He referred us to Dr Desai who is his partner in the practice. I was happy to read of one's good impression of Dr Desai and wanted to know more about anyone's experience with him - pre and post surgery. Also if anybody knows more of Dr Desai's track record in robotic surgery. Any feedbacks would be greatly appreciated.
  • TucNav
    TucNav Member Posts: 8
    brookjax said:

    Watchful waiting and robotic surgery
    I have gone to a couple of Man to Man meetings and heard several cases where the actual Gleason scores after analysis after surgery were much higher than the pre-op biopsy indicated. In fact, mine were said to be Gleason 6 per the biopsy and it turned out to be what they call a '6/7,' indicating higher levels. One had a biopsy of a 7 and the post-op analysis was a 9, so I am glad I had the surgery. Even with a score of 6, the biopsy showed that there was cancer in several places over one side of the prostrate.

    If you do the exercises daily, preferably 20 of them six times a day, the incontenance should go away in about three months.

    I used Dr. Manaharran at the Univ. of Miami Medical Center on the recommendation of a co-worker, and I don't remember the operation at all. He is certified by the robotic surgery company Divinci, which is not true of all doctors who do the procedure. They have a list of certified doctors on the website of the company.

    What I am wondering about is whether there are any other medications for ED other than cialis or viagra?

    Other ED Meds
    Brookjax,

    I have had ED for many years and have tried Cialis, Viagra and Levitra. The Levitra seems to work the best and the Cialis was the least effective. Have your Doc prescribe the largest tabs and then cut in half...more "bang" for the buck as your insurance will probably limit the number of tabs.

    I am waiting on my treatmet options as I was just diagnosed but thinking DaVinci so I am hoping that my ED won't get worse...maybe better after surgery!
  • TucNav
    TucNav Member Posts: 8
    whubbs said:

    9 Months
    I'm now 9 months outside of my robotic surgery.
    PSA tests came back yesterday.. PSA remains still <.1 :)
    100 % Continent (a little drip shutting off the valve, but is improving to 100% soon - Do your KEGELS!)
    Other issue- Not a problem, maybe not 100% but by next appointment (1 year) I'm feeling that it will be.
    Good luck to everyone dealing with this.
    Feel free to email me @ cobrabite427@yahoo.com if you want to know any details on the robotic surgery, Ash Tewari (the best robotic surgeon in the Notheast!), side effects, pre and post surgery issues and suggestions/advice, etc.</p>

    What is a "leak"?
    After surgery, what do you mean by leaking? Is it a dribble or a stream? Trying to prepare and just wanted to know. I looking at the Robo method as I just think it will be more precise. Thanks for the update posts...lots of good info.
  • whubbs
    whubbs Member Posts: 77
    TucNav said:

    What is a "leak"?
    After surgery, what do you mean by leaking? Is it a dribble or a stream? Trying to prepare and just wanted to know. I looking at the Robo method as I just think it will be more precise. Thanks for the update posts...lots of good info.

    Leak
    Leaking for some can be a significant dribble which will wet a pad quickly.
    The leaks most of us are experiencing months / years later are drips.
  • whubbs
    whubbs Member Posts: 77
    TucNav said:

    What is a "leak"?
    After surgery, what do you mean by leaking? Is it a dribble or a stream? Trying to prepare and just wanted to know. I looking at the Robo method as I just think it will be more precise. Thanks for the update posts...lots of good info.

    Leak
    Leaking for some can be a significant dribble which will wet a pad quickly.
    The leaks most of us are experiencing months / years later are drips.
  • brookjax
    brookjax Member Posts: 18
    Cialis
    The two doctors I know both recommended Cialis. Do you think this was just a matter of 'playing it safe,' or is it experimentation as far as trying the three alternatives? Maybe the insurance covers Cialis but not the others?
  • kkauppi
    kkauppi Member Posts: 3
    brookjax said:

    Cialis
    The two doctors I know both recommended Cialis. Do you think this was just a matter of 'playing it safe,' or is it experimentation as far as trying the three alternatives? Maybe the insurance covers Cialis but not the others?

    incontinence and prayer
    Thanks Whoops for your continuing updates. I have had incontinence issues which are more troublesome to me than the cancer issue. I have not started any cancer treatment yet but I have cancelled my appointments for 1) proton radiation at Loma Linda in California and 2) brachytherapy locally. I'm not sure what to do or not do.
    However, I have to thank you for your observations. I do not believe in prayer. Sorry. And I do not believe in god. Sorry again. I do trust the observations of people such as yourself who, I hope, have helped hundreds, maybe even thousands of people like myself.
    You are a great unknown fried.
  • Charles_S
    Charles_S Member Posts: 2

    Robotic Da Vincvi
    Congrats to all of you. I just found this site tonight. I was diagnosed in October. After consulting with my local Urologist, and after reading the book "Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer, 2nd Ed, I received a referral to UCSF. I am scheduled to have the Da Vinci surgery in Feb. I will continue to read these threads. Nice to hear from people who have been, or are currently going through it. thanks for your information, suggestions, thoughts, etc.

    What's your health plan - for Sonomablue
    What's your health plan - how did you get the UCSF referral? I have Kaiser and would like to have the surgery at UCSF
  • whubbs
    whubbs Member Posts: 77
    kkauppi said:

    incontinence and prayer
    Thanks Whoops for your continuing updates. I have had incontinence issues which are more troublesome to me than the cancer issue. I have not started any cancer treatment yet but I have cancelled my appointments for 1) proton radiation at Loma Linda in California and 2) brachytherapy locally. I'm not sure what to do or not do.
    However, I have to thank you for your observations. I do not believe in prayer. Sorry. And I do not believe in god. Sorry again. I do trust the observations of people such as yourself who, I hope, have helped hundreds, maybe even thousands of people like myself.
    You are a great unknown fried.

    1 Year
    Hello everyone :)
    I'm sorry for not posting up for a while, you'll realize after treatment, you tend to move on.
    However, for those who would like to contact me regarding my experience, have any questions, especially of the sensitive nature, feel free to email me at cobrabite427@yahoo.com (just make the subject prostatectomy, as I do get a lot of spam)

    At 1 year, here's where I am;

    Oncological- At 9 months PSA is still ND (non-detectable) - Next week is my 1 yr PSA check. Fingers crossed. (This is an anxiety I may never be able to escape from)

    Continency- A drip here and there when I cough, sneeze, laugh or strain. Doc says a 'reaming' of the surgical site may help. I chose to wait and see. Not exactly something I consider a problem right now. Otherwise, I consider myself 'continent' - just have a slight leakage issue that is easily remedied by a tissue. Life goes on.

    Erectile function- It's all back, in varying degrees of 'fulfillment'. For the first time in my life, my brain needs to be engaged, once it is there is no problem.
    Of course, the little blue pill works wonders, but not needed.
    A word to the naysayers- Take the ED pills before, during and after surgery- the improved blood flow helps healing. Thank me later.

    Good luck to everyone. I'll report my PSA next week.
    Hope to hear from anyone who needs to talk.
    I've heard from hundreds of men during this year, and it's been very rewarding to me to help.
    Sometimes, just knowng what will transpire during surgery helps the anxiety.

    Special thanks to Dr. Ash Tewari - Easily the best at robotic prostatectomy, and continues to research less invasion methods, including a catheterless procedure. (One I was not eligible for unfortunately)
    I see the great Doctor Tewari next week for perhaps the last time.
    If you can, make him a part of your treatment options. His practice is remarkable.

    Peace and health to all!
  • NM
    NM Member Posts: 214
    whubbs said:

    1 Year
    Hello everyone :)
    I'm sorry for not posting up for a while, you'll realize after treatment, you tend to move on.
    However, for those who would like to contact me regarding my experience, have any questions, especially of the sensitive nature, feel free to email me at cobrabite427@yahoo.com (just make the subject prostatectomy, as I do get a lot of spam)

    At 1 year, here's where I am;

    Oncological- At 9 months PSA is still ND (non-detectable) - Next week is my 1 yr PSA check. Fingers crossed. (This is an anxiety I may never be able to escape from)

    Continency- A drip here and there when I cough, sneeze, laugh or strain. Doc says a 'reaming' of the surgical site may help. I chose to wait and see. Not exactly something I consider a problem right now. Otherwise, I consider myself 'continent' - just have a slight leakage issue that is easily remedied by a tissue. Life goes on.

    Erectile function- It's all back, in varying degrees of 'fulfillment'. For the first time in my life, my brain needs to be engaged, once it is there is no problem.
    Of course, the little blue pill works wonders, but not needed.
    A word to the naysayers- Take the ED pills before, during and after surgery- the improved blood flow helps healing. Thank me later.

    Good luck to everyone. I'll report my PSA next week.
    Hope to hear from anyone who needs to talk.
    I've heard from hundreds of men during this year, and it's been very rewarding to me to help.
    Sometimes, just knowng what will transpire during surgery helps the anxiety.

    Special thanks to Dr. Ash Tewari - Easily the best at robotic prostatectomy, and continues to research less invasion methods, including a catheterless procedure. (One I was not eligible for unfortunately)
    I see the great Doctor Tewari next week for perhaps the last time.
    If you can, make him a part of your treatment options. His practice is remarkable.

    Peace and health to all!

    Sept 3rd
    Thats the date of my davinci of this year. Please continue posting as I still need to see what the future might hold and not get too discouraged. I know we are all different but your posts keep me and others optimistic about our future after Davinci.


    Thanks again

    Nick