I joined your club!

rogermoore said:

Vic,

Congratulations on your recovery. Sounds like you are progressing quite well. I know you will be glad to have the cath out, it really becomes a nuisance.

It is obvious you have already made some good friends on our site. A five-year survivor myself, I will be glad to answer any questions you might want to throw my way.

Congrats again,

Roger

Hey Roger.
Thanks for the well wishes and congrats on your longevity. I've corresponded with two people so for. When I do have a question, I sure will send it your way.

I've been to the chat rooms with survivors/caretakers of all makes and models. They ask if I'll have chemo. Not that I want it but I didn't know that was an option. They sounded like I was lucky not to have to have it. Is that normal? Taking chemo after RLRP?

Thanks for responding.
Vic

rogermoore said:

Vic,

As for me I did not have any treatment once released from the hospital. However, there are a lot of things that have to be considered, did all tests come back as expected, your Dr's suggestions, etc. If the Dr has not indicated further treatment I would think it a safe assumption that he feels confident all the cancer was removed.

Best of luck,

Roger

Thanks, Roger.
After the surgery, the Dr. was very optimistic. Path indicated lymph node and other samples in area were all negative. The final path report which I got about 6 days later showed that there was more involvement than previously thought but It was definetly all contained within the prostate and the margins were clear! I'm only looking forward to recovery now and adapting to all the challenges ahead. According to what I've read in this forum, they vary widely from each individual so we'll just wait and see.
Thanks again for responding and Best Of Luck to you, too.
Vic

jeffingbmich said:

Vic and others,
I joined the club in Dec. 2002 and had nerve sparing RP surgery on 2-10-03 at age 56. Surgery went well and recovery okay regarding incontinence but ED was slower to heal. I had sensation (dry orgasm) soon after surgery but slow to regain potency. Long story short, after trying Viagra, Levitra, and Muse without much success, my GP prescribed a vacuum pump (covered by insurance - $600) by Augusta Medical (Somatherapy). It takes a few "sessions" to get used to the idea, but it works! And after some time using it, I'm able to get about 80% erection without the pump, 100% with it. I guess some guys eventually get to 100% without the pump, which I expect to get to within a few more months.
My point to all this is that the healing can be a long process. It will test your patience and your faith. I recommend trying the Viagra or Levitra as soon as your doctor will prescribe it, but if that doesn't work or you want a more natural therapy, get the pump!

Good luck,

Jeff

Hey Jeff,
Thanks for replying and I'm sorry about taking so long to get back to you. Had a busy weekend and I didn't get on line yesterday because I was supposed to take the cath out yesterday and be in court later. I have to go back today to remove cath if leak test OK.
I had RLRP on 1/11/ 06 and had a few problems with JP Drain then excess blood in urine but all seems OK now. Feel pretty good most of the time but having trouble sleeping. I can't seem to find a way to get comfortable.
I guess it's premature to discuss different methods of acheiving and erection now since I still have the cath. My Dr. wants me to take 1/2 dose of Cialis every other day starting as soon as the cath is out and then full dose whenever I want to participate in sexual activity. I'm optimistic because on occassion I've kinda felt the beginnings of an erection without taking anything. Time will tell.
I've heard about these Vacuum pumps but don't know much about how they work. What keeps the penis engorged after being "Pumped" up and how long can you maintain an erection?
Well, congrats on your recovery and finding something that works for you. I wish you continued success, health and happiness. Thanks again for responding.
Kindest Regards,
Vic

william1 said:

03serk,

Congrats on your continued recovery. I was diagnosed with p/c in October and followed up with a second opinion in December which verified I had the monster. My surgery is scheduled for Feburary 8th. To say I,m nervious at this point is a gross under statement. Like you, I've reserched and read about this subject till my eyes are crossed.

Please keep posting your progress, I (others too) find encouragement through your progress.

I have a question. Did you suffer from anxiety and/or depression before surgery? If yes, how did you deal with it. Waiting two months for surgery is taking it's toll on my sanity.

Wishing you a speedy recovery,
william1

William1,

Thanks for responding. I'm sorry about your diagnosis but keep your chin up. You should come out of this OK. You didn't mention Gleason score or stage of your cancer. What type of treatment did you finally decide was right for you? To say you are nervous is normal. I've talked to guys that are 5 yrs post-op who say their lives are basically back to normal then they remember that in 1 month, they need to check PSA and the anxiety comes back. I'm a new kid in this game so I, like you, have a lot to learn and have a lot of unknowns laying ahead.
I don't think I was depressed before the surgery but I was damn sure mad. At 53, I wasn't expecting to be bit by the Beast. But it happens. I'll deal with it.

I was very anxious, though. Still am. I never had a will in place, which is foolish for someone who rides a motorcycle or anyone for that matter. My wife and I have a little 'Mom and Pop' operation that's hard to find someone to take over during my recovery. A lot of small details that you think have to be taken care of before the surgery. Don't know if I dealt with the anxiety or not but I'm still here and it is too but in a different way. Now I'm only anxious about recovering and trying to get back to as close to normal as I can.

I went to the Dr. yesterday 1/24 to have catheter removed but x-ray with dye showed I had a little leak so it's another week with 'My Friend, Foley'. Man I'm not looking forward to that! The first week wasn't a problem with the cath other than not sleeping well being 'all hooked up' to it and the JP Drain and having to stay aware every time I wanted to change positions. But by now, there's quiet a bit of soreness and tenderness so Dr. gave me samples of Urimar-T which is helping so far. About the only other problem I'm having is 'Cabin Fever'. Man, I need to get out of this place and do some socializing. I think I'll go to the local pub today and scare up a game of Shuffleboard or something..............

E-mail me with the icon at bottom of my letter if you want to talk more. Best of luck to you and yours in your upcoming surgery AND RECOVERY! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vic