One Year Update

nb
nb Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
It has been one year (Aug 09) since I had my surgery and wanted to give an update for those interested on this site. Just to briefly reflect backwards . I am 54 yrs old; Dr Patel at Florida hospital performed my surgery and it was a very good experience; excellent staff, hospital, recovery. My Gleason was 3+4=7, very small eruption outside of capsule, the margins and lymph nodes were clean. To address the eruption, he had to remove the nerves on one side, others left in tact.

I was back to work in two weeks, went out of the country in October for 10 days and finished my first marathon (26.2 miles) in January 2010. I had full bladder control by mid October and have had little to no issues in that area since. My follow-up lab test have come back <.10 psa. Yes, I am very thankful that I had the surgery when I did.

As far as sexual function, all I can say is that it has been a challenge; more than I anticipated. The main struggle is the mental issues that goes along with the loss of function. You know how much it defines us as a man, right? Well, thank the Lord for my wife and her loving support. I do not know how I could have made it through this without her. I am also thankful for this site, the information on it and the guys out there willing to share it!

I have tried all of the drugs and found the blue pill to be best for me. Following the doctors recommendations, ½ of a 100mg pill 3x a week and a full pill before intercourse. I also use the pump both for therapy (3-4 times a week) and improved sexual function and found that it does make a difference. It is a shame that BCBS does not pay for the medication but based on what I have read on this site, I am trying India and will give you an update on the quality and performance of the products. Thus far it has been a positive experience.

So, a year later, no sign of cancer, bladder function excellent, training for another marathon, and about 70% hardness on a good day with some spontaneous response. I am hopeful that there will be continued improvement in sexual function. I am not going to give up!

Thank you again to all of you willing to share and care for others in the same situation.

Blessing to you all, nb

Comments

  • Trew
    Trew Member Posts: 932 Member
    #2
    Updates needed
    Updattes on progress serve a very useful purpopse on this site. thanks.
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #3
    Good to hear from you and
    Good to hear from you and that hear that you are doing well.
    I'm almost at 1 year myself.

    Larry
  • griff 1
    griff 1 Member Posts: 114
    #4
    lewvino said:

    Good to hear from you and
    Good to hear from you and that hear that you are doing well.
    I'm almost at 1 year myself.

    Larry

    larry
    what are your stats now, i had the robot on june 23rd and was just wondering? thanks griff
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #5
    griff 1 said:

    larry
    what are your stats now, i had the robot on june 23rd and was just wondering? thanks griff

    stats....1 year older at age
    stats....1 year older at age 55....LOL....
    serious now....

    Pathology showed positive margin.
    Doc estimated he spared 100% nerves on one side and spared 60% on the 'bad side'

    Post Surgery Gleason Changed from 4+3 (7) to 3+4 (7)

    All PSA's have been 0 since surgery. Next PSA Draw is at the end of October 2010.

    Pad usage since surgery - total of 1 pad used the dad the cath came out! A few minor drips from time to time but nothing to need a pad for.

    Sexual - Having good erections using Levitra...

    Overall very pleased...but keeping fingers crossed on the positive margin area.

    Larry

Discussion Boards