The best cure for prostate cancer!!!!!

rs4photo
rs4photo Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
This is just my opinion as one who has had the procedures. But if one is diagnosed with prostate cancer the best decision is to get it out before it goes to the bone and lymphs nodes. I know this is a big, BIG step. I know that this is a BIG thing for a "man", BUT one has to make a decision of what is the most important...ones family or ones sexual life. I have had the surgery and with the vacuum pump I can still have satisfying sex and still get an ejaculation sensation at the end even though I cannot not get a total erection on my own (only through stimulation can I get a "somewhat" erection before I use the pump. I have sex with my wife once a week and we are satisfied with it. DON'T LOOSE HEART. If one is lucky sex is still possible..especially if a skilled surgeon
does not damage the nerve. But to be on the safe side he should make sure he gets all the cancer and often times this necessitates removing a good portion of the surrounding area. The surgery did not leave me incontinent (I am so thankful for that) but this is another aspect that one has to consider when making a decision for total eradication. I had the radical surgery as well as the radiation treatment. This is the way I would recommend. But note that I can say this because the procedure helped me. THIS IS A DECISION ONE HAS TO MAKE ON THEIR OWN AND IT IS NOT AN EASY ONE. My PSA is now 0.7...earlier it was 0.2. It has been over 5 years. I am going on 66 years of age. I realize I do not have too many more years left. Would I do it differently...No...I would do it the same way. I hope I have helped someone.

Comments

  • kenmc
    kenmc Member Posts: 3
    #2
    I am 53 yrs old and had RP (NS) in Sept 2001. I find you and I have the same experiences sexually post RP. I use the VED, sometimes but can also have satisfactory sex without the VED. I go again for a PSA tomorrow, but last time it was 0.02 I did not have any chemo only the surgery. The only thing I would disagree with you on is that I think at 66 yrs, you DO have many more years left.
  • kennedydk
    kennedydk Member Posts: 6
    #3
    Perineal Radical
    I am 57 , healthy, athletic,and tests have revealed that the cancer is apparently confined to the prostate. I am on Lupron until the fall, when I am going to have the perineal RP accomplished. I have studied the alternatives and have come down on the side of the PRP. The potency part is not a problem for me. I am concerned about the catheter for two weeks, and the peeing on myself after that. I have read about the Kegel exercise which is supposed to help me develop the muscles around my urethra? Lots to learn about.

    I would also be interested in hearing what others do in terms of activity for the weeks while the catheter is in and post op after that. Info???????????????
  • stargazer2741
    stargazer2741 Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Thanks rs4photo! I am a 41-yr-old man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer in both lobes. It would have gone undetected had my health-nut uncle not pushed me to have a PSA during a physical. The physician didn't even feel it during the digital, but my PSA was 7.5, anyway, the biopsy told the tale and now I am scheduled for RP. I have no fear that I am doing the right thing for me, but I wanted to say that your words are encouraging. Thanks again
  • stargazer2741
    stargazer2741 Member Posts: 2
    #5
    Thanks rs4photo! I am a 41-yr-old man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer in both lobes. It would have gone undetected had my health-nut uncle not pushed me to have a PSA during a physical. The physician didn't even feel it during the digital, but my PSA was 7.5, anyway, the biopsy told the tale and now I am scheduled for RP. I have no fear that I am doing the right thing for me, but I wanted to say that your words are encouraging. Thanks again
  • Sailor1988
    Sailor1988 Member Posts: 23
    #6
    kennedydk said:

    Perineal Radical
    I am 57 , healthy, athletic,and tests have revealed that the cancer is apparently confined to the prostate. I am on Lupron until the fall, when I am going to have the perineal RP accomplished. I have studied the alternatives and have come down on the side of the PRP. The potency part is not a problem for me. I am concerned about the catheter for two weeks, and the peeing on myself after that. I have read about the Kegel exercise which is supposed to help me develop the muscles around my urethra? Lots to learn about.

    I would also be interested in hearing what others do in terms of activity for the weeks while the catheter is in and post op after that. Info???????????????

    Hello Kennedydk;

    In answer to your post here are a few personal observations from someone who just had retropubic RP on Nov 20 of this year. I chose the retropubic surgery because with this entry the surgeon has a much better chance of saving the nerve bundles that control erections. I read and heard that with the perineal entry it's hard for the surgeon to see and save the bundles.

    My catheter was in for 12 days and although it was uncomfortable it wasn't unbearable (and I'm pretty sensitive in that area). I was able to shower, walk about (I never had the leg bag so I'd just put the catch bag in a plastic bag when we were out in public) and remained fairly mobile. Not much hassle when you tell yourself that it'll be out soon!!!

    As far as incontinence, I had the catheter removed 8 days ago. Since then I am slowly regaining control of and retraining my muscles. I am fairly dry over night while lying down, but still leak when I stand or do any strenuous activities so I wear Depends or a generic pull-on pad during the day. This is improving slowly and my goal is to be totally dry in another month or so. We expected this and try not to get too discouraged. I do the Kegle exercises throughout the day (every time I stand or walk about I am doing them to retain urine). The pads are a bit of a pain but again, I can live with it. BTW, the really good news for my wife and I... the cancer was organ-contained. So knowing that the cancer is gone is the sugar that helps us swallow the less-than-sweet effects of incontinnce and impotence. As far as impotence, I have urges and stirrings, but my doctor doesn't want us to encourage stimulation for at least another 3 weeks.
    All-in-all, we are happy we chose the RP. It's a heck of a decision to make but once you make it, be positive and go for it with all your heart.
    We wish you all the best and if we can be of any further help you'll find more info in my web page.

    Bob

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