Just found out last night

kreinholt

mkd51 said:

I'm 51 and I was diagnosed
I'm 51 and I was diagnosed on 1/23/09 after my biopsy 3 days earlier came back positive on 4 of the 12 samples. My doctor discussed the options with us and we felt that the best choice was the robotic procedure. My procedure was performed on 3/03/09 and I was released from the hospital the next day. Whatever pain or discomfort experienced from the surgery while at the hospital or for a few days after was handled with prescription pain medication. Any discomfort since, then it's Tylenol. Post op visit on 3/10 where the staples and catheter were removed. Only issue since has been with incontinence. Hopefully this is a temporary annoyance.

48, same issues
My De Vinci procedure went good and I am quickly recovering from the actual surgery. The drawback for me is that I had my catheter removed 5 days ago and am trying to do my kegals to improve and hopefully completely control my incontinence. It is definitely an annoyance and I am concerned with going back to work and not having it under control. I'm fine while I'm sitting down, but as soon as I stand up the pressure and leaking begins. I guess the fact that I can somewhat hold it until I reach the bathroom is a positive, however it is definitely limiting what I feel up to doing.

RRMCJIM

ismetals said:

here's mine:
here's mine: ismetals@verizon.net Anyone with a sensitive question can contact me there

Thank you
Thanks for the e-mail addys. I saved them for future use. I'm sure I am going to have more questions.Can't wait to see my phone bill with all the calls for info I have been making. But still no Divine intervention. This is one decision We have to make for our selves.

tonybear

i am 54 as well
my wife has been my main support. talk to your wife about it all, she will be your main help and caregiver. i thought i had a good wife, i now realize i have a God given blessing of a great wife. i had brachy therapy followed by some tomo raditaion. no side effects have shown up in 6 months. the plumbing is working great. but by all means follow a good doctors advice and listen to your wife. she knows you better than you think.

gkoper

whubbs said:

Life after robotic
RRCMJIM,

I'm 4 months outside of my robotic prostatectomy and doing well!
A couple small issues (pardon the pun) but they are workable.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself moving forward, is understanding results, complications, benefits, etc. on each treatment, right from people who've been through it. This coupled with your doctors recommendations is a wealth of information and will insure you've made the right decision for yourself.

I'd be happy to share my experiences with you, take a peek at my thread: http://csn.cancer.org/node/163769
or feel free to email me at cobrabite427@yahoo.com, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, including those 'hard to ask on a public forum' ones too.
I've been contacted by many men in the same boat, and I'm more than happy to help out in any way.

Good Luck! -Wayne

da vinci surgery
Hi Wayne...My birthday suprise (last month) for my 65th was PC.
Its stage 1, contained with 4 of 12 samples affected. I'm seeing a doctor that a friend used for his Da vinci...his (the friends) results are good in all areas. I feel for the younger guys who have planned & saved for a retirement & chasing their dreams. I retired at 51 and have realized many of my dreams as a musician, sailor, athlete & grandfather. That said, there are still many explorations ahead. Of course my diagnosis blindsided me as my health has always been near perfect. My attitude since the bad news is a heightened urgency to live each day to the fullest...and be thankful&count my blessings. Enough of me.
Are you completely satisfied with your da vici surgery?
How has your quality of life changed since the procedure?
Is your sex life better, worse, same?
Incontinence problems?
How many weeks before you could resume normal day to day activities?
Where did you have your da vinci done & why did you choose the doctor and dA VINCI.

Thanks for your time & any suggestions,
George

whubbs

gkoper said:

da vinci surgery
Hi Wayne...My birthday suprise (last month) for my 65th was PC.
Its stage 1, contained with 4 of 12 samples affected. I'm seeing a doctor that a friend used for his Da vinci...his (the friends) results are good in all areas. I feel for the younger guys who have planned & saved for a retirement & chasing their dreams. I retired at 51 and have realized many of my dreams as a musician, sailor, athlete & grandfather. That said, there are still many explorations ahead. Of course my diagnosis blindsided me as my health has always been near perfect. My attitude since the bad news is a heightened urgency to live each day to the fullest...and be thankful&count my blessings. Enough of me.
Are you completely satisfied with your da vici surgery?
How has your quality of life changed since the procedure?
Is your sex life better, worse, same?
Incontinence problems?
How many weeks before you could resume normal day to day activities?
Where did you have your da vinci done & why did you choose the doctor and dA VINCI.

Thanks for your time & any suggestions,
George

Da Vinci is da one
George,
Sorry to hear of your news, however you've come to the right place for opinions, experiences, etc. to help in your decision.
See my thread http://csn.cancer.org/node/163769 and my email address, I'd be happy to go over my recovery, problems, etc.
Regarding your questions though:

Are you completely satisfied with your da vici surgery? Yes. So far, PSA is indetectable at 4 months and other issues are fading very slowly, so I'd so thats a resounding yes.

How has your quality of life changed since the procedure? Not at all

Is your sex life better, worse, same? Better - Same or better. Need details- Email me.:)

Incontinence problems? Still some slight stres incontinence. Not a problem.

How many weeks before you could resume normal day to day activities? I tried going back to a desk job at 3 weks, physically I was OK, but my head wasnt there so I took another week.

Where did you have your da vinci done ...& why did you choose the doctor and dA VINCI.
Dr. Ash Tewari in NYC Presbyterian Hospital.
Because after exhaustive research, I found him and Dr. Patrick Walsh's practices to be the leaders in nerve sparing technigues of robotic prostatectomy in the United States.
After shaking his hand I knew he was the one to perform this surgery.
I ended up loosing my Urologist who diagnosed me, had to travel from CT to NYC for the surgery ( no big deal really) and potentially had to pay a cost of roughly 5 times that of my local surgeon at Yale. I didn't want any regrets.
If you are within a reasonable distance from NYC I strongly urge you to meet Dr. Tewari. He is amazing.
My only complaint of their practice, is that at 3 per day, 4 days per week, they seem to have too much on their plate for the size of their practice. I usually wait 1 1/2 hrs in a room before I actually see a doctor. It's been worth it though.
I'll be back there again next week for PSA check #2

Why Davinci? For me it was the only option. I needed to do what I could to preserve erectile function, oncological results and incontinence concerns.
Most if not all other treatments result in erectile dysfunction.
Radiation, whether pointed or seeds, kills nerves around the prostate = erectile dysfunction.
Freezing, cyberknife and others are experimental, I didnt want to be a guinee pig.
Robotic DaVinci is simply awesome in the right hands.
The machine negates hand tremors, and is magnified something like 5X, so a 5 inch hand move is 1 inch at the tool.
This is truly neurosurgery and should be qualified as such.
A highly skilled surgeon can remove the prostate with minimal nerve damage. The skillset is the big part.
Tewari has gone as far as pioneering a catherless option if deemed possible during the early parts of the surgery.

Anyway.
Good luck and be sure to email me or I'd be happy to talk if you make the call
-Wayne

2ndBase

RRMCJIM said:

Thank you
Thanks for the e-mail addys. I saved them for future use. I'm sure I am going to have more questions.Can't wait to see my phone bill with all the calls for info I have been making. But still no Divine intervention. This is one decision We have to make for our selves.

Keep Stress Out
I have survived 5+ years from a terminal dx with psa 24 and Gleason 9. I had one shot of Lupron and 40 rad treatments. I still have cancer as it was to late to kill it all and I may die form this sooner or later. You have a lot of years before your cancer has any chance to become a problem but it is hard not to do anything. However if you can get all the stress out of your life and only do things you enjoy, which is what I did, you may never have to have any treatment, seriously if I had your stats I would do nothing but keep an eye on it every 6 months to one year. The treatment choices all have a negative impact on your life and waiting will not hurt a thing. Think about it.

sl1438

Prostate Information
Like so many of you, we were devastated to get a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer (no symptoms prior). We quickly found out that you have to become knowledgeable overnight - and it seems everyone is telling you something different. My fiance just 'wanted it out'! So, we saw a surgeon first, who he was more than willing to schedule surgery with...but I wanted to explore ALL the options first. Okay, this is what we found out: the surgeon at Emory wanted to do a radical prostatectomy although he mentioned 'robot assisted' there was still a large incision and long recovery. We went to the "Prostate Center" who was always sending out brochures which 'sounded good'...they ALWAYS do the seeds then you are followed every day for weeks on end, with radiation. We saw the radiologist at Emory who wanted to start (that day) with Hormones, then a course of radiation. We then went to Duke University who has a Team of doctors who meet with you - each from different areas of expertise (surgery, radiation, and medication)- they each go over your case, then confer with each other in a conference room, and present their recommendation. All in one day. The way it should be done. Although they have two DaVinci Robotic machines at Duke, we were able to find Dr. Scott Miller in Atlanta who pioneered this procedure in Georgia. I cannot overstress how grateful we are to him - my fiance had his procedure on Tuesday, came home Wednesday, did have to wear a catheter for a few days, had that removed, and had leakage for a few days after that...and THAT WAS IT. He had no real pain afterward, he was his old self within 2 weeks of surgery with absolutely NO SIGN that he ever had prostate surgery (none whatsoever). This was almost 2 years ago and his PSA's are always 0 now. It is not a 'death sentence', it isn't the end of the world, it is a 2 week inconvenience at worst. Do your homework, find a good doctor (I cannot over recommend our Dr. Scott Miller - Atlanta Urology) and things will be fine - actually better, because you will NEVER have to worry about Prostate Cancer again.

I also wanted to note that the doctors at Duke did say NEVER to do the Hormone route...it never helps.

I hope this offers some help and I wish the very best to you all...

Olee

sl1438 said:

Prostate Information
Like so many of you, we were devastated to get a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer (no symptoms prior). We quickly found out that you have to become knowledgeable overnight - and it seems everyone is telling you something different. My fiance just 'wanted it out'! So, we saw a surgeon first, who he was more than willing to schedule surgery with...but I wanted to explore ALL the options first. Okay, this is what we found out: the surgeon at Emory wanted to do a radical prostatectomy although he mentioned 'robot assisted' there was still a large incision and long recovery. We went to the "Prostate Center" who was always sending out brochures which 'sounded good'...they ALWAYS do the seeds then you are followed every day for weeks on end, with radiation. We saw the radiologist at Emory who wanted to start (that day) with Hormones, then a course of radiation. We then went to Duke University who has a Team of doctors who meet with you - each from different areas of expertise (surgery, radiation, and medication)- they each go over your case, then confer with each other in a conference room, and present their recommendation. All in one day. The way it should be done. Although they have two DaVinci Robotic machines at Duke, we were able to find Dr. Scott Miller in Atlanta who pioneered this procedure in Georgia. I cannot overstress how grateful we are to him - my fiance had his procedure on Tuesday, came home Wednesday, did have to wear a catheter for a few days, had that removed, and had leakage for a few days after that...and THAT WAS IT. He had no real pain afterward, he was his old self within 2 weeks of surgery with absolutely NO SIGN that he ever had prostate surgery (none whatsoever). This was almost 2 years ago and his PSA's are always 0 now. It is not a 'death sentence', it isn't the end of the world, it is a 2 week inconvenience at worst. Do your homework, find a good doctor (I cannot over recommend our Dr. Scott Miller - Atlanta Urology) and things will be fine - actually better, because you will NEVER have to worry about Prostate Cancer again.

I also wanted to note that the doctors at Duke did say NEVER to do the Hormone route...it never helps.

I hope this offers some help and I wish the very best to you all...

Dr. Miller
I have to agree with you on Dr. Miller,great doctor. After a horrible experience at Emory, where they have the Da Vinci robot but still seem to push open surgery. (maybe because if you look on their site, they state they've been doing Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer since June 2008.) Luckily after research I was led to Dr. Scott Miller and from his expertise to his bed side manner I couldn't be happier. The way he treated my wife and I upon our consultation, we sat in his personal office for 1 1/2 hours and discussed as well as asked questions about the surgery, all of this no less at the end of the day. He has always treated me as if I were the first patient of the day, which is more than I ever expect. My care has been managed and each step of the way explained to my wife and I in detail. Even the nurses at Northside Hospital assured me that I made a good choice, and that he treats his patients with the greatest care and the staff loves him. One nurse even told me he was one of the few doctors she ever knew of that actually left his home number to be called in case there was a question about his patient. His expertise was a deciding factor also, he was the first doctor in the state to perform laproscopic cancer sugery on a kidney, first doctor in the state to perform a laproscopic prostatectomy and the first in the state to perform a prostatectomy using the Da Vinci Robot. He performs Da Vinci surgery only and has been doing the surgery since 2003, so his experience and numbers are where they need to be when choosing a surgeon. I do however think that results can vary no matter the expertise. Case in point, I am still experiencing incontinence and I had my surgery on February 19th. I've improved some, but there are some men who have none, and some who had surgery years ago who still have problems. During my post op visit Dr. Miller said he is confident that I will continue to improve. My erectile function is returning just fine and for that I am very grateful. Even Dr. Miller told me before and after the surgery he could not guarantee post-op results as far as side affects, but he could give me an advantage, the goal of the surgery, removing the cancer. He also explained the advantages he could give me through the surgery and how the side affects could be minimized. He has also been very proactive in managing the after surgery problems, giving me advice, asking, answering questions. An appointment was set up for me at his office to meet with a representative that spoke with me about a pump,instead of me having to research a source myself. I could go on, but I'm sure there other men out there that have great doctors as well. I don't think a great doctor is a cure all for prostate cancer, but it's one of the most dangerous weapons you can carry into battle against this enemy.


This is a link to the Da Vinci Site, the video is of a Chicago news reporter who came to Atlanta to see Dr. Miller.
http://davincisurgery.com/procedures/urologic/prostate/davinci_prostatectomy.aspx

gkoper

whubbs said:

Da Vinci is da one
George,
Sorry to hear of your news, however you've come to the right place for opinions, experiences, etc. to help in your decision.
See my thread http://csn.cancer.org/node/163769 and my email address, I'd be happy to go over my recovery, problems, etc.
Regarding your questions though:

Are you completely satisfied with your da vici surgery? Yes. So far, PSA is indetectable at 4 months and other issues are fading very slowly, so I'd so thats a resounding yes.

How has your quality of life changed since the procedure? Not at all

Is your sex life better, worse, same? Better - Same or better. Need details- Email me.:)

Incontinence problems? Still some slight stres incontinence. Not a problem.

How many weeks before you could resume normal day to day activities? I tried going back to a desk job at 3 weks, physically I was OK, but my head wasnt there so I took another week.

Where did you have your da vinci done ...& why did you choose the doctor and dA VINCI.
Dr. Ash Tewari in NYC Presbyterian Hospital.
Because after exhaustive research, I found him and Dr. Patrick Walsh's practices to be the leaders in nerve sparing technigues of robotic prostatectomy in the United States.
After shaking his hand I knew he was the one to perform this surgery.
I ended up loosing my Urologist who diagnosed me, had to travel from CT to NYC for the surgery ( no big deal really) and potentially had to pay a cost of roughly 5 times that of my local surgeon at Yale. I didn't want any regrets.
If you are within a reasonable distance from NYC I strongly urge you to meet Dr. Tewari. He is amazing.
My only complaint of their practice, is that at 3 per day, 4 days per week, they seem to have too much on their plate for the size of their practice. I usually wait 1 1/2 hrs in a room before I actually see a doctor. It's been worth it though.
I'll be back there again next week for PSA check #2

Why Davinci? For me it was the only option. I needed to do what I could to preserve erectile function, oncological results and incontinence concerns.
Most if not all other treatments result in erectile dysfunction.
Radiation, whether pointed or seeds, kills nerves around the prostate = erectile dysfunction.
Freezing, cyberknife and others are experimental, I didnt want to be a guinee pig.
Robotic DaVinci is simply awesome in the right hands.
The machine negates hand tremors, and is magnified something like 5X, so a 5 inch hand move is 1 inch at the tool.
This is truly neurosurgery and should be qualified as such.
A highly skilled surgeon can remove the prostate with minimal nerve damage. The skillset is the big part.
Tewari has gone as far as pioneering a catherless option if deemed possible during the early parts of the surgery.

Anyway.
Good luck and be sure to email me or I'd be happy to talk if you make the call
-Wayne

da vinci surgery
Thanks for the comeback Wayne...I have decided on the Da Vinci mostly based on a friends success with the surgeon I chose. He has done over 125 precedures so he has a experienced hand. Watched a webcast of the procedure and was the knot tying done with the robot. 6 weeks till my surgery and I'm trying to do all I can physically since I will be shut down for 2-3 weeks. Hope all is going well with you.
Regards,
George

Bill91101

good luck to you!
I got the
good luck to you!

I got the news last Tuesday. Still a little in shock. Thank god my family is so strong!

Beautiful day out!

RRMCJIM

Bill91101 said:

good luck to you!
I got the
good luck to you!

I got the news last Tuesday. Still a little in shock. Thank god my family is so strong!

Beautiful day out!

Good Luck Bill91101
you found the right place Bill. When I got the news I didn't know where to turn,what to do next, etc. Then I found this site and all the guys here, all who are willing to talk to you, share their stories and tribulations. Many of whom are willing to give out addys for one on one conversations (or even phone num) to help in anyway possible. I felt alone and pissed off that this has happened to me. All very normal feelings, If you read anyones threads you will know. I have a surgery date for the 31st of July. I know from the guys here that there is life after cancer. I will survive cancer ( hope I can survive my health care workers)..JK...

Paraplu

58 - Just got back from Kaiser surgery
Hello, just wanted to let you know I recently went through the same thing. Gleason 3+3 and 4.6PSA and a tough decision to make. My initial thought was take it out and after reading a lot about it I stuck to that decision.
Last Friday I received robotic surgery in Walnut Creek (CA) at Kaiser hospital, Dr. Martinez was my surgeon, very careful as he calls himself, the surgery took 5+ hours and I left the hospital the following morning.

So here I am, at home, sitting with a catheter and a plastic bag by my side and after hearing the biopsy report I can safely say it was the best decision I could make. The biopsy from the entire prostate showed cancer but contained. Due to nerve sparing techniques I had an erection 5 days after surgery (yes with the catheter in, amazing) and all seems to be going real well.

One more week and the catheter comes out and I can't wait. So, all is well, the right decision, feeling better every day, strong, working again, amazing. It's only been a week.

Paraplu

RRMCJIM

Paraplu said:

58 - Just got back from Kaiser surgery
Hello, just wanted to let you know I recently went through the same thing. Gleason 3+3 and 4.6PSA and a tough decision to make. My initial thought was take it out and after reading a lot about it I stuck to that decision.
Last Friday I received robotic surgery in Walnut Creek (CA) at Kaiser hospital, Dr. Martinez was my surgeon, very careful as he calls himself, the surgery took 5+ hours and I left the hospital the following morning.

So here I am, at home, sitting with a catheter and a plastic bag by my side and after hearing the biopsy report I can safely say it was the best decision I could make. The biopsy from the entire prostate showed cancer but contained. Due to nerve sparing techniques I had an erection 5 days after surgery (yes with the catheter in, amazing) and all seems to be going real well.

One more week and the catheter comes out and I can't wait. So, all is well, the right decision, feeling better every day, strong, working again, amazing. It's only been a week.

Paraplu

Date change
Well my Dr called me (himself) today. Said he had a opening for an earlier date. Said he can move my date up to May 22nd. I took it of course , I told him the waiting was the worst. So in one month I will be going in for my procedure.

Paraplu

RRMCJIM said:

Date change
Well my Dr called me (himself) today. Said he had a opening for an earlier date. Said he can move my date up to May 22nd. I took it of course , I told him the waiting was the worst. So in one month I will be going in for my procedure.

Alright!
GREAT. The same thing happened to me. My surgery was planned for May and something opened up in April, so I took it.

Good job Jim, hang in there, it's going to be alright! You are young, healthy, and have great support at home. Stay in touch.

How was Hawaii?

paquitin

Hi There;
I am 56 and
Hi There;
I am 56 and recently diagnosed as well.Like you, I'm healthy, athletic. My PSA was 3.0 and I had 2 out of 12 biopsies positive..Gleason score 6. I just had a radical suprapubic prostatectomy. I opted for this procedure after extensive research.I believe, because of my age radiation was not an option for me.The possible side effects,and the fact that it may recurr 10 or so years after was not an accepatable option for me.
I have done well and feel great 12 days after my surgery. I'm walking and doing very well.
You are young in good health and it seems that you have early localized cancer.
You will do well and you will be fine. You got to believe that.
The most important thing is to find a very good surgeon. I live In Arizona but had surgery in New York at Memorial Sloan Cancer Center.
Do your research and then decide what is best for you.
You can always let me know if I can be of help.I am not a surgeon, but I am a physician.

RRMCJIM

paquitin said:

Hi There;
I am 56 and
Hi There;
I am 56 and recently diagnosed as well.Like you, I'm healthy, athletic. My PSA was 3.0 and I had 2 out of 12 biopsies positive..Gleason score 6. I just had a radical suprapubic prostatectomy. I opted for this procedure after extensive research.I believe, because of my age radiation was not an option for me.The possible side effects,and the fact that it may recurr 10 or so years after was not an accepatable option for me.
I have done well and feel great 12 days after my surgery. I'm walking and doing very well.
You are young in good health and it seems that you have early localized cancer.
You will do well and you will be fine. You got to believe that.
The most important thing is to find a very good surgeon. I live In Arizona but had surgery in New York at Memorial Sloan Cancer Center.
Do your research and then decide what is best for you.
You can always let me know if I can be of help.I am not a surgeon, but I am a physician.

Thanks for all your first
Thanks for all your first hand info. I also decided that radiation was not an option for me because of my age. I was told that there would be limited options later if the cancer came back after radiation. Plus, I have had two Drs tell me that I was detected at such an early stage, that this should be the cure I am hoping for. I understand that nothing in life is an absolute, so I go with my eyes open. My biggest hurdle to date is just getting my head around this. I am hoping my Dr will put me on some anti depression meds. Been so active all my life that I worry that so much will change after the surgery. Oh and HAWAII was just what the Dr ordered. Spent the whole 2 weeks doing all the water sports I could fit into the days. And since I will have 6-8 weeks off, because of my work requirements, I am planning on doing some of my recuperative time back in Hawaii. I am sure the sunshine will do me best there. lol... I wonder if I can keep the cath in during the flight, no need to leave my seat then... lol ...

gkoper

May 21 robotic surgery for me
Sounds like you got yours set up for the 22 of May. Are you getting the Da vinci? Friends who have opted for it tell me its the way to go for contained PC. Keep the faith my friend & do those kegel exercises.
Cheers,
George

RRMCJIM

gkoper said:

May 21 robotic surgery for me
Sounds like you got yours set up for the 22 of May. Are you getting the Da vinci? Friends who have opted for it tell me its the way to go for contained PC. Keep the faith my friend & do those kegel exercises.
Cheers,
George

Thanks George
Hi George, good luck with your surgery on the 21st. Yes I am getting mine on the 22nd with mr Da Vinci at Kaiser in W. L A ... Beverly Hills it looks like. It does seem the way to go.

RRMCJIM

RRMCJIM said:

Thanks George
Hi George, good luck with your surgery on the 21st. Yes I am getting mine on the 22nd with mr Da Vinci at Kaiser in W. L A ... Beverly Hills it looks like. It does seem the way to go.

good luck gkoper
well George, It is down to our last week. I had my pre-op today. Got everything ready for next friday. Looking forward to the time off from work, I think, never had 8 weeks not working. Hopefully this work-a-holic can relax that long...lol... I pray I have as good of results as most on this site have had.
Thanks to all
Jim

hopeful and optimistic

RRMCJIM said:

good luck gkoper
well George, It is down to our last week. I had my pre-op today. Got everything ready for next friday. Looking forward to the time off from work, I think, never had 8 weeks not working. Hopefully this work-a-holic can relax that long...lol... I pray I have as good of results as most on this site have had.
Thanks to all
Jim

...good thoughts and prayers are with you
As my handle says, I am hopeful and optimistic for you

Ira