Diagnosed at 40

Olee said:

Great Appointment
Well my appointment went great! The staff at Dr. Scott Miller's office greeted us kindly and welcomed us in as if we were guest. Dr. Miller invited us into his office and we sat for a good hour and discussed things. He gave us a new perspective on robotic surgery with a few creative analogies as well as his extensive background using the technique. He was the first urologic laparoscopist in the state of Georgia. He performed the first laparoscopic kidney removal for cancer in the state of Georgia and later the first to do the procedure for prostate cancer. He also performed Georgia's first robotic prostate removal in 2003 and performs about 300 of these surgeries annually. We enjoyed his discussion because he gave no promises and sales pitches, just his experience and knowledge. We felt very comfortable speaking to him, he was not condescending or "God-Like" in his approach and listened very well. My wife and I knew it was getting late, but he encouraged us to ask more questions. It was interesting to hear the difference of opinion between two surgeons, which will actually change my treatment. After shaking his hand and thanking him for his time, we met with his surgical coordinator who was very friendly. My wife and I knew minutes into the meeting that this was the surgeon so when we were asked if we wanted to set a date we responded with a quick YES. I have robotic surgery set for February 19th with Dr. Miller. I can't tell you guys how scared I am, but how relieved I am to have a resolution to this surgery ordeal. Not to mention to finally have found a doctor that listens and informs, and communicates! After the two surgical consults I completed, I have to say they were like night and day. The one at Emory lasted about 10 minutes tops and the doctor did about 95% of the talking. It took place in a patient exam room and seemed like just another appointment to the doctor. I had two questions to ask him over the phone mind you,almost a month ago, and I have yet to receive that return call. The consult with Dr. Miller at North Side Hospital lasted a total of 1 1/2 hours and was conducted in the relaxed setting of his office. There was a mutual discussion between two parties and we felt as though we took part. My wife and I just wish we could have found the better of the two in the beginning. Thank you all for the concern and I will continue to update everyone. I also read your entries as I want to know how you guys are doing as well.

Olee said:

Surgery Up-Date
Well everything went great last Thursday, it was a "text-book" surgery according to my surgeon. He said I bled very little and the tissues around the prostate looked good. It was a reality check when they rolled me into the ER and I saw the Da Vinci robot, it was like seeing your favorite movie star,athlete or comic book hero in person! I recognized it right away and it just raised my BP even more. Of course 5 mins later when I said my prayers and the nurse told me to breathe in deep and breath out slowly,I was out like a light. I awoke in recovery to the worst pain which was explained to me were bladder spasms. The nurse taking care of me quickly dispensed meds which eased it down. By the time I made it to my room I was awake but not coherent enough to even operate a remote control. I did recognize my wife right away as she walked into the room minutes after I was settled, although I couldn't say much I was smiling and jumping for joy deep inside. I was expecting to have the gas pains in the shoulders but that never materialized. I just experienced the uncomfortable sensation of the catheter and the continued bladder spasms. They gave the drug that I have heard many on here speak of that calms the bladder, the name escapes me at this moment, but for some reason it had a minimal effect on me. My stomach looks like I played dirty poker in the wrong saloon and someone went to work on me with a 6 shooter, mainly sore. I was amazed with the new procedure of "gluing"
the incisions closed. By Thursday night the nurse came around to take me for a walk down the hallway. I went all the way to the end and back, felt like I had run around the parking lot a few times, but I was proud. My doctor came in to see me Thursday and Friday morning, at which time he held an in depth conversation with instructions, answered all questions and told me I could go home. I've been home since and feel stronger everyday. The pain has graduated to mere tylenol and now I'm just dealing with the catheter and soreness from the incisions. My eyes are bigger than my feet if that makes sense, I feel as though I could walk around the block no problem but a short excursion tires me out easy right now. I feel much better than I ever thought I would after a surgery like this. Now comes the post-op visit on Friday, geez I can't wait to get the catheter out, and the follow up psa test. This has been a rough road with PC, one I will be on forever, but hopefully the roughest spots in the road are behind me.

Olee said:

Surgery Up-Date
Well everything went great last Thursday, it was a "text-book" surgery according to my surgeon. He said I bled very little and the tissues around the prostate looked good. It was a reality check when they rolled me into the ER and I saw the Da Vinci robot, it was like seeing your favorite movie star,athlete or comic book hero in person! I recognized it right away and it just raised my BP even more. Of course 5 mins later when I said my prayers and the nurse told me to breathe in deep and breath out slowly,I was out like a light. I awoke in recovery to the worst pain which was explained to me were bladder spasms. The nurse taking care of me quickly dispensed meds which eased it down. By the time I made it to my room I was awake but not coherent enough to even operate a remote control. I did recognize my wife right away as she walked into the room minutes after I was settled, although I couldn't say much I was smiling and jumping for joy deep inside. I was expecting to have the gas pains in the shoulders but that never materialized. I just experienced the uncomfortable sensation of the catheter and the continued bladder spasms. They gave the drug that I have heard many on here speak of that calms the bladder, the name escapes me at this moment, but for some reason it had a minimal effect on me. My stomach looks like I played dirty poker in the wrong saloon and someone went to work on me with a 6 shooter, mainly sore. I was amazed with the new procedure of "gluing"
the incisions closed. By Thursday night the nurse came around to take me for a walk down the hallway. I went all the way to the end and back, felt like I had run around the parking lot a few times, but I was proud. My doctor came in to see me Thursday and Friday morning, at which time he held an in depth conversation with instructions, answered all questions and told me I could go home. I've been home since and feel stronger everyday. The pain has graduated to mere tylenol and now I'm just dealing with the catheter and soreness from the incisions. My eyes are bigger than my feet if that makes sense, I feel as though I could walk around the block no problem but a short excursion tires me out easy right now. I feel much better than I ever thought I would after a surgery like this. Now comes the post-op visit on Friday, geez I can't wait to get the catheter out, and the follow up psa test. This has been a rough road with PC, one I will be on forever, but hopefully the roughest spots in the road are behind me.

Olee said:

Post-Op Visit
Thank you guys so much for your support, it goes a long way believe me! My post-op visit went great. Dr. Miller said the pathology report did not disclose anything new and that we'll wait for the results of the psa test on April 4th to judge our results. I was so relieved to have the catheter out. The nurse said most men call it liberation day. Now I just have to come to terms with the incontinence and have faith that it will work out. My wife stopped me in the middle of my complaining of the side affects and looked me in the eyes and said, "But you are alive, celebrate it." My doctor started me on ED meds which have already worked to a degree the first time they were used, this was a victory and a bright spot. My plan now is start walking more and more, further and further, hopefully back on my mountain bike by April. Also to work on this incontinence issue or hope it works itself out. My sights are set on April 4th as my next big day, psa test, and then of course the sit and wait for the results.

Olee said:

PSA=0
I got the best news I've received during this entire journey, the phone call from the doctor's office this morning to tell me my post-op PSA test came back 0. Now I go forth and reap the lessons learned,appreciate life and this world around me. I'll never forget to keep my foot down on cancer, holding it steadfast and firm to the ground, using all my strength to keep it from rising ever again. I'll make sure to tell my family who supported me through this long journey, that I love them deeply and appreciate them with all my heart, tell them I will, everyday. My wife,her caring heart, just as beautiful as her face, who held my hand everyday, supporting me and loving me as my best friend and bride. My kids, who inspired me with their energy and the thoughts of possible time to spend with them. My parents,brother and sister, who showed me there is always strength in the family. My fellow survivors who illuminated my way down the path of prostate cancer. I wish the best for future survivors and pledge to lend support in this ongoing battle. Now it's time to see the world with my eyes wide open, breathe it in, taste it, smell it, appreciate.