Didn't think i would be here but here I am

lewvino

lwagner said:

Didn't think i would be here but here I am
Oh so many choices, I know where you are. I went through the same thing about 2 years ago and chose the robotic surgery. I was able to return to work after 2 weeks. The incontenence was not really a problem but too much coffee or caffene can really make life exciting. I learned to watch my coffee intake especially when traveling or any time I need to go several hours. On mine the tests during surgery showed spreading to the nerves so to clean up the cancer one set of nerves could not be spared. I tried several pills and ect but have found that the shots work. My PSA is still basicly zero so I am satisfied with the results and would do the same treatment today.

Yes, There are so many choices. Glad to hear you are doing great. They have told me they might need to take the one nerve...so time will tell. Just wish my Appt on June 8th was HERE!
Then I guess it will be waiting for Surgery. I'm more and more feeling that is the way for me to go.

Larry

rogermoore

lewvino said:

I have been practing the 'kegel' exercises also. Need to do more but at least I've started them. Glad things are working out good for you post treatment.
Yes I knoticed the similarities with us and thought it was amazing you had replied since you were treated back in 2001 I believe it said.

I live in the Chattanooga Tn area. So as you know No skiing around this. I've been to the few areas in NC. but after skiing out west it likes Ha, why waste the money in NC.

Have fun with your travels.

Larry

Ironies
I forgot one other ironie. I was also 50 when I began my skiing.

Also, I can relate to the frustration and fear associated with the waiting. I had to wait from diagnosis in January until March for surgery. However the wait was well worth it. And, that gave me more time to practice the kegel exercises.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Roger

rogermoore

rogermoore said:

Didn't think I would be here
Dear Lew,

I'm sorry to learn you have become a member of the club no one wants to belong to. However, you will find this site to be invaluable in receiving input of actual experiences of men going through the same thing you are.

I cannot say enough about the professionalism of Dr. Smith and his staff at Vanderbilt. When diagnosed, I asked my local surgeon who he would recommend I go to for a second opinion. He recommended Dr. Smith, who impressed me so much I elected to have him perform the surgery. That was in 2001 and I was 58 yrs old.

At the time Robotics had not been fully developed and I had the option of "open" which Dr. Smith performed or "arthroscopic". I opted to allow Dr Smith to use the open method and have never regretted my decision. I was "extremely" concerned about nerve-sparing and expressed that to Dr. Smith. He did not disappoint me. My wife and I feel one of the luckiest things that has happened in our lives was that we were led to and, chose to have Dr. Smith do my surgery. His abilities far exceed his credentials

If you would like to talk to me personally feel free to e-mail me at this site.

Roger

P.S. From what I have heard and read the Robotic surgery is now considered the "Gold Std"

.

Good Luck
Larry,

You have been on my mind frequently, since your visit with Dr. Smith is scheduled for this up-coming Monday June 8. Please keep us posted on your impressions and decisions. Know our prayers are with you and your wife.

Roger

lewvino

rogermoore said:

Good Luck
Larry,

You have been on my mind frequently, since your visit with Dr. Smith is scheduled for this up-coming Monday June 8. Please keep us posted on your impressions and decisions. Know our prayers are with you and your wife.

Roger

Thanks so much Roger! My
Thanks so much Roger! My Appt is at 10:15 Central Time Zone Monday Morning. I got a phone call from another guy that Had Dr. Smith for his robotic surgery 3 years ago. He is a member of the local Prostate cancer support group in the town that I live in and I will also meet him Monday evening for their monthly support meeting. It was nice of him to reach out and call me. That will be my first 'support group meeting.' I also called another local Dr. that does Robotic in Chattanooga and talked to his head nurse. He could get me in sooner but has only done 200 or so of the robotic surgeries. I think I want to stick with the specialist skill level with all them nerves and such. THough I was told I might have to wait several months for surgery appt with the specialist. if I choose that on Monday. I'm just tired of the waiting and want to get on with it and the recovery from the two big 'I's. Inconteninece and impotance!

Larry (lewvino)

rogermoore

lewvino said:

Thanks so much Roger! My
Thanks so much Roger! My Appt is at 10:15 Central Time Zone Monday Morning. I got a phone call from another guy that Had Dr. Smith for his robotic surgery 3 years ago. He is a member of the local Prostate cancer support group in the town that I live in and I will also meet him Monday evening for their monthly support meeting. It was nice of him to reach out and call me. That will be my first 'support group meeting.' I also called another local Dr. that does Robotic in Chattanooga and talked to his head nurse. He could get me in sooner but has only done 200 or so of the robotic surgeries. I think I want to stick with the specialist skill level with all them nerves and such. THough I was told I might have to wait several months for surgery appt with the specialist. if I choose that on Monday. I'm just tired of the waiting and want to get on with it and the recovery from the two big 'I's. Inconteninece and impotance!

Larry (lewvino)

Doctor's appt
Larry,

I wouldn't be too concerned if you cannot get the surgeon you want right away. I had to wait three months to get in myself. He will tell you (if he doesn't you should ask) if the waiting creates any additonal risk.

It is extemely important that you get the Dr. you want, even if you have to wait a little longer. You don't want to be second-guessing yourself down the line.

Again, Good Luck.

Roger

ismetals

lewvino said:

Yes, There are so many choices. Glad to hear you are doing great. They have told me they might need to take the one nerve...so time will tell. Just wish my Appt on June 8th was HERE!
Then I guess it will be waiting for Surgery. I'm more and more feeling that is the way for me to go.

Larry

just one nerve
Just one nerve here Larry. It's been about eight months and things are just starting to work better. As the say one is better than none. What I am doing is keeping my head in the game and enjoying any signs of improvement. I have to tip my hat to jim (RRMCJIM) one week out and the morning woody is back. Those were the days.

RRMCJIM

ismetals said:

just one nerve
Just one nerve here Larry. It's been about eight months and things are just starting to work better. As the say one is better than none. What I am doing is keeping my head in the game and enjoying any signs of improvement. I have to tip my hat to jim (RRMCJIM) one week out and the morning woody is back. Those were the days.

Morning woody
Thanks ismetal, it is a good feeling, I am now 7 days post cath, 17 days post surgery, and we had success with penetration. WooHoo...I feel very fortunate so far. Just waiting till the 23rd for my next appt and blood test. Still having drips, but that is about it. Walking is the worst of course. But it is doable, just an irritant. Glad to hear things are starting to work for you, I feel the robot has given all of us a greater chance of fighting this monster ..
Continued good results...
Jim

lewvino

RRMCJIM said:

Morning woody
Thanks ismetal, it is a good feeling, I am now 7 days post cath, 17 days post surgery, and we had success with penetration. WooHoo...I feel very fortunate so far. Just waiting till the 23rd for my next appt and blood test. Still having drips, but that is about it. Walking is the worst of course. But it is doable, just an irritant. Glad to hear things are starting to work for you, I feel the robot has given all of us a greater chance of fighting this monster ..
Continued good results...
Jim

Glad to hear you are
Glad to hear you are recovery so quickly Jim. Not the same as when you were younger but wow sex 17 days post op. Go ROBOT!

larry

rogermoore

lewvino said:

Glad to hear you are
Glad to hear you are recovery so quickly Jim. Not the same as when you were younger but wow sex 17 days post op. Go ROBOT!

larry

Followup on Dr. Appt.
Larry,

I just couldn't wait to learn the outcome of your visit with Dr. Smith.
If you are up to it let us know what your feelings are after meeting with him.

Roger

lewvino

rogermoore said:

Followup on Dr. Appt.
Larry,

I just couldn't wait to learn the outcome of your visit with Dr. Smith.
If you are up to it let us know what your feelings are after meeting with him.

Roger

Roger,
My wife and I were
Roger,
My wife and I were both very happy with him. Had to wait a while which we expected since I'm a new patient and knew that he would probably spend more time with me then just a 'follow up patient.' When he came in the room he immediately starting chatting and I could tell he had studied my chart. We talked a little about my dads Prostate Cancer and his treatment and about my mother having Breast Cancer. He told me they are doing a study at Vanderbilt that shows another risk factor if your mother has Breast Cancer. I said well here I am another statistic for your study. Just in his little pre talk he answered the majority of my questions before I even asked them. He asked if I was still going to explore some more options and I said No, I'm ready to schedule. So I'm on the books for hospital pre-op on Aug. 11 and the actual surgery on Aug 12. Was hoping for something a little sooner but just glad it is booked.

A little dissapointed with the work situation since I have to use up all my vacation time before they will give the medical leave, so that means no vacation at the ski slopes this year. Unless I do a day trip to NC or VA on the weekend. Had really wanted to hit the slopes out west this year.

After the appointment I went to a local Prostate cancer support group here at the local hospital. 4 men there and every one had been treated by Dr. Smith! Also they told me that another man they knew was having the surgery today with Dr. Smith, so he has been in my thoughts all morning.

I'm relieved that I have a plan in place now and just have to wait till August 11th/12th.

THe lady that scheduled surgery for me actually gave me a hug when I left. I told my wife that is the first time I have ever received a HUG at a doctors office.

Larry (lewvino)

lewvino

rogermoore said:

Followup on Dr. Appt.
Larry,

I just couldn't wait to learn the outcome of your visit with Dr. Smith.
If you are up to it let us know what your feelings are after meeting with him.

Roger

Roger,
My wife and I were
Roger,
My wife and I were both very happy with him. Had to wait a while which we expected since I'm a new patient and knew that he would probably spend more time with me then just a 'follow up patient.' When he came in the room he immediately starting chatting and I could tell he had studied my chart. We talked a little about my dads Prostate Cancer and his treatment and about my mother having Breast Cancer. He told me they are doing a study at Vanderbilt that shows another risk factor if your mother has Breast Cancer. I said well here I am another statistic for your study. Just in his little pre talk he answered the majority of my questions before I even asked them. He asked if I was still going to explore some more options and I said No, I'm ready to schedule. So I'm on the books for hospital pre-op on Aug. 11 and the actual surgery on Aug 12. Was hoping for something a little sooner but just glad it is booked.

A little dissapointed with the work situation since I have to use up all my vacation time before they will give the medical leave, so that means no vacation at the ski slopes this year. Unless I do a day trip to NC or VA on the weekend. Had really wanted to hit the slopes out west this year.

After the appointment I went to a local Prostate cancer support group here at the local hospital. 4 men there and every one had been treated by Dr. Smith! Also they told me that another man they knew was having the surgery today with Dr. Smith, so he has been in my thoughts all morning.

I'm relieved that I have a plan in place now and just have to wait till August 11th/12th.

THe lady that scheduled surgery for me actually gave me a hug when I left. I told my wife that is the first time I have ever received a HUG at a doctors office.

Larry (lewvino)

lewvino

rogermoore said:

Followup on Dr. Appt.
Larry,

I just couldn't wait to learn the outcome of your visit with Dr. Smith.
If you are up to it let us know what your feelings are after meeting with him.

Roger

This tried to post twice

This tried to post twice

shipjim

rogermoore said:

Doctor's appt
Larry,

I wouldn't be too concerned if you cannot get the surgeon you want right away. I had to wait three months to get in myself. He will tell you (if he doesn't you should ask) if the waiting creates any additonal risk.

It is extemely important that you get the Dr. you want, even if you have to wait a little longer. You don't want to be second-guessing yourself down the line.

Again, Good Luck.

Roger

Dr Appt
Ok Larry,

Out with it! How was the visit to Vandy.
We all get to wear the pads and I haven't found them any detriment to what I want to do. My passion is fly fishing in Pagosa Springs and Durango. If I leak only fish know.. Buy cheap pads and put them in your car, backpack, backpocket etc. Spares can be invaluable. Don't wear jeans or kakhais until you quit leaking or wear lots of pads!

lewvino

shipjim said:

Dr Appt
Ok Larry,

Out with it! How was the visit to Vandy.
We all get to wear the pads and I haven't found them any detriment to what I want to do. My passion is fly fishing in Pagosa Springs and Durango. If I leak only fish know.. Buy cheap pads and put them in your car, backpack, backpocket etc. Spares can be invaluable. Don't wear jeans or kakhais until you quit leaking or wear lots of pads!

Had a good visit with Dr.
Had a good visit with Dr. Smith at Vandy. I went ahead and scheduled for the robotic procedure on August 12th. That was the soonest I could get in since the Dr. will be gone to medical meetings most of July. The date actually works into our schedule pretty good. I feel better now that I have a plan of action in place. But still dreading it all.
Larry

rogermoore

lewvino said:

Roger,
My wife and I were
Roger,
My wife and I were both very happy with him. Had to wait a while which we expected since I'm a new patient and knew that he would probably spend more time with me then just a 'follow up patient.' When he came in the room he immediately starting chatting and I could tell he had studied my chart. We talked a little about my dads Prostate Cancer and his treatment and about my mother having Breast Cancer. He told me they are doing a study at Vanderbilt that shows another risk factor if your mother has Breast Cancer. I said well here I am another statistic for your study. Just in his little pre talk he answered the majority of my questions before I even asked them. He asked if I was still going to explore some more options and I said No, I'm ready to schedule. So I'm on the books for hospital pre-op on Aug. 11 and the actual surgery on Aug 12. Was hoping for something a little sooner but just glad it is booked.

A little dissapointed with the work situation since I have to use up all my vacation time before they will give the medical leave, so that means no vacation at the ski slopes this year. Unless I do a day trip to NC or VA on the weekend. Had really wanted to hit the slopes out west this year.

After the appointment I went to a local Prostate cancer support group here at the local hospital. 4 men there and every one had been treated by Dr. Smith! Also they told me that another man they knew was having the surgery today with Dr. Smith, so he has been in my thoughts all morning.

I'm relieved that I have a plan in place now and just have to wait till August 11th/12th.

THe lady that scheduled surgery for me actually gave me a hug when I left. I told my wife that is the first time I have ever received a HUG at a doctors office.

Larry (lewvino)

Scheduled surgery
Larry,

I am so glad that you selected Dr. Smith. It sounds like you had the same impression Susie (my wife) and I had when we first met him.

It may seem like an eternity until the scheduled surgery, but it just gives you more time to practice the kegels. Don't worry about the posbility of missing the ski season out west, you can use this year as a "warm up" for next year. Who knows, we may meet up on a mountain out west in the future.

Best of luck my friend and stay in touch. We will keep you in our prayers on August 12.

Roger