At a cross road what to do…. RP (Gold Standard) or Da Vinci Robotic?

gjeck6874

RP was my choice ... robotic was too new
Diagnosed with a PSA in Nov. '03 of 4.0 and 5.8 in Jan. '04 w/biopsy indicating cancer in my prostate; I had my radical postatectomy in March 2004. The post-operation pathological report indicated that my Gleason Score was 7 (3+4) and although the surgical margins were clear; the tumor had broken thru the capsule. I was informed that the cancer had not left the localized area of my prostate.

The recomendation was to have a series of 37 external beam radiation treatments aimed at the prostate bed region which I began in May '04 and finished in July '04.(5x/week w/none on weekends).

In regards to my radiation side effects, I tolerated the treatments quite well. I was lucky that the irritations to my "back-side" were minimal and I had no loss of continence. I looked at this treatment as assurance that the cancer NOT re-occuring would go from 40% to 85% .

My PSA has been 0.1 the entire time after the operation & radiation. However, in December 2009 PSA rose to 0.2 and after a second test this week it has stayed at 0.2 ... But that's another story ...

A side affect that is not that common but has remained with me since only days after the surgery was numbness, tingling & occasional burning sensation in both upper legs caused by damage to the respective nerves during the RP. The prescription drug Gabapentin is used to control the pain.

Hope this helps out in your decision making.

Geoff K.