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My husband is scheduled for DaVinci Surgery

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Posted 12/24/2007 12:33 PM (GMT -8)
Hi,

I've been a silent observer for quite sometime now. My name is Marie, and my husband is Randy, we're Utah Desert Rats. I thought since he's scheduled for the DaVinci surgery on Dec. 31st I would say hello.  I have learned a lot just reading and searching the PC site. I'm happy to have found you, and appreciate all of the openess and the first hand knowledge.  The old saying "In the same boat" sure does apply. Someone once said on here that people come here because of the problems they have. I suppose if they got through it with no side effects they would not have a reason seek help and advice. I hope that more of the success stories will continue to surface.

 

I do have a couple of questions that I haven't seen addressed on here.  Once he's home with the cath, will he be able to take a sit down bath?  Or is there too much risk of infection?  Also how long did most of you stay home from work?  He works in an office business setting, so there would be no heavy lifting other than his brief case! I told him he needs to clean it out, it weighs 22 pounds!  nono

Thank you,

Marie

Husband 55 years old

No symptoms

PSA taken on routine health exam

06/18/07  PSA 9.2

07/14/07  Put on antibiotics for a month

09/18/07  PSA 8.77

09/18/07  PSA % Free  9.61

10/17/07  Biopsy =  Gleason 3 + 4  (7)

10/17/07  Biopsy 40% Right Side less than 5% Left Side

 

Posted 12/24/2007 1:11 PM (GMT -8)

Hi, Marie and welcome.

I was able to shower the second day after surgery.  My Surgeon told me not to have a sit-down bath for 2 weeks, to allow the incision and more importantly, a 1/4 inch opening left from the abdomen drain to seal and fill properly.  If he is allowed to take a sit down bath while the catheter is still in, then a liberal coating of neosporin around the tube in the head of the penis will waterproof it, I'd suppose.  As to time off, that's a variable depending on each man, I think.  Chances are he will not feel much like sitting for long periods in a business office chair for a couple weeks or more.  It will take probably 10 days to get the catheter out, then maybe another couple weeks until he is ready to tackle everyday life.  His recovery may be quicker or not, it all depends on the individual.  Hurrying back to work without allowing for proper healing may work against him, as far as regaining continence and strengthening everything back to pre-surgery state. Hope he has a fast and successful recovery period.

Posted 12/24/2007 2:07 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Marie,
And welcome. Randy should be able to shower. I was told to not rest in standing water like a tub, as the wounds are still healing. The one incision where the drain tube comeout of will be the one that heals the slowest but its easily covered for a shower. I was also told to pat dry with the towels and not wipe around the incisions. I did not have a difficult time bathing and I used Lydacaine around the penis before and after the shower. The catheter was not an issue while bathing. Also, stock up on those loose fitting pants and I prefered briefs over boxers because there was less movement down there where it matters. :-). Also, I have a recommendation. Randy will be walking in the hallways on the day of the surgery, and he should walk a bit during the week even with the catheter. It sure sped things up for me and its a healthy thing to do anyway.

Tony
Posted 12/24/2007 3:00 PM (GMT -8)
Welcome, Marie. You've already received some great advice from James and Tony, and I can only echo what they've said. As far as work, I took three weeks off and was back the fourth week part time. I have a desk job so it wasn't too bad. I was very lucky in that I had no discomfort whatsoever in sitting in a chair. I took a donut pad with me to work but never needed it. Although I walked everyday, I was very, very cautious and patient with my recovery. There was no way I wanted to regress by over doing things. The main thing is DON"T let Randy lift anything heavy. Good luck, and you've found the right place for advice and support. God's speed to both of you. Diagnosed : March 25, 2007 Biopsy : Gleason 6. Five of twelve core samples positive with <5% each. No perineural invasion seen. Surgery : May 21, 2007 Post-op Pathology : Upgraded to Gleason 7 (3+4), negative margins, negative capsular penetration, negative seminal vesicles, lymph nodes left intact, multifocal perinural invasion, 15% of prosate involving cancer in both lobes. Continence: Out of pads at five weeks. Seven months post-op I'm fully continent. Erections : Yes! With the assistance of Cialis. Post Surgery PSA : Two tests, both <0.1 Family history : My Father had his prostate removed at age 67 in 1997 and has had a <0.1 PSA for the past 10 years. I was diagnosed at a much earlier age and had a more agressive cancer than my father. Go figure. Post edited to correct formatting only on signature.  Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 12/30/2007 11:04:31 AM (GMT-7)
Posted 12/24/2007 4:01 PM (GMT -8)
HI Marie

The other people posting here have some good advise. My Dr. told me to stay out of work for 6 weeks. I made it 5 and a half. Lifting is a no-no so be careful. Fatigue is a big factor so have him take a nap in the afternoon. Be sure to walk in the hospital, and at home, that will help with the gas and the other healing. Don't overdo it, his body will tell him when he has had enough. Learning to recognize this is difficult though. I felt very good after all of this and had a hard time taking it easy. I guess men have something to prove. Take care and have a merry Christmas.

Mika
Posted 12/24/2007 6:48 PM (GMT -8)
Marie,

It is important that he not sit for long periods of time with his feet on the floor to avoid clots. I also was told not to cross my feet at the ankles when elevating in the recliner or lying in bed. As others have noted showers are okay after the second day post op but sit dwon baths are not allowed for a couple of weeks. I am retired so I did not have to get back to a job but I know that fatique does get you in the afternoons. If it was me I would start back on half days and then work up from there. My surgeon did not release me from all restrictions until six weeks after surgery.

Tamu
Posted 12/24/2007 9:21 PM (GMT -8)
Hi ~  Marie & Randy…   W elcome     to…    ~ HealingWell ~   and   A    “ Special ”    Warm Welcome   to   You !   Knowledge gives us POWER….   POWER takes away the fear.   ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~   Click on the link just below for important information that will help you ~ help us!!   Welcome New Members ~ to HealingWell   The information (link) listed above is to help you get started on your journey. It is a journey best traveled with friends. Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com   v       bluebird ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/mamabluebirdWelcome.jpg   v       IdahoSurvivor ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg
Posted 12/24/2007 9:33 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Marie and Randy,

Welcome to our forum. I had open surgery and showered the day after the procedure. I walked a lot and didn't sit around very much. Getting used to the catheter takes a little doing but it will be gone shortly. I went back to work teaching school 3 weeks after the surgery.

Good luck, merry Christmas and please stay with us. We can all get well together...

Jim
Posted 12/24/2007 9:34 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Marie and Randy  ~   We’re sorry for the reason you needed to join us, but we're so glad to have you in the forum.   Please feel comfortable to share as if you’ve always been here!   You have already received some excellent responses from the good forum members here.    Take courage and continue to share.  We'll do the best we can to be your friend, listen to your thoughts and ideas, and at the same time offer a little free information.     Like others, I also advise Randy to take it easy following the surgery.   My surgery went very well.  Even so, I was out of the office for three weeks and needed every day of it.   Finally, a very warm welcome to you!   Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.   All the best,   Barry
Posted 12/24/2007 11:52 PM (GMT -8)

Hello Marie & Randy,

I don't have much to add, but will stress the benefits of walking. I believe it really speeds up the healing process. You were also correct when you mentioned not letting Randy lift anything that weighs more than 15 pounds, and to be safe that would apply for 5 months post surgery.

I hope You and Randy are having a happy holiday, and I wish you both good luck on the 31st. 

Glen

Posted 12/25/2007 6:31 AM (GMT -8)

Marie,

Looks like you've already gotten lots of great advice, so I'll just add another data point on going back to work. I had the DaVinci on 11/8/07, went back to work half time on 12/3 and increased to full time the following week. I have a desk job, no lifting required. That worked out well for me, although the first full time week I missed my after-lunch naps :-)

John

Posted 12/25/2007 7:40 AM (GMT -8)

Hello Everyone,

Wow.. thanks for such a warm welcome!  I'm touched by your kindness and really appreciate all the helpful hints ahead of time.  I am retired, so I'll be here to take good care of him and make sure he does all the right things to get him feeling better as quickly as possible.  I wasn't aware of the drain tube, so that's good to know ahead of time.  I watched the live DaVinci surgery online and was impressed with the entire procedure.  At least now I'll know what he's going through while I'm sitting in the waiting room.  He on the other hand does not care to look at the video.  I guess I can't blame him on that one!  I will be the one to post and also will print off the responses for him to read. 

It will be difficult to keep him from going back to work too soon.  But I sometimes get my way around here! yeah   He's very dedicated, and also concerned about being out too long. Job Security! And now more than ever we really do need the job and especially the insurance.  But I want him to not have any worries and just get better. His health is much more important than a job!  

We've got some serious camping to do in the Spring!

Thanks again for all of your support!  

Taking one day at a time!

Merry Christmas!

Marie 

Husband 55 years old

No symptoms

PSA taken on routine health exam

06/18/07  PSA 9.2

07/14/07  Put on antibiotics for a month

09/18/07  PSA 8.77

09/18/07  PSA % Free  9.61

10/17/07  Biopsy =  Gleason 3 + 4  (7)

10/17/07  Biopsy 40% Right Side less than 5% Left Side

Posted 12/25/2007 8:16 AM (GMT -8)

Desertgal

Just a couple of ideas from my experience:  I had a chair in the bathroom to sit on while changing bags - it really helped.  I'm glad I have a large bathroom counter, as I needed it to put the bleach, etc., for rinsing bags after changing.  As far as pants, I bought an inexpensive pair of basketball style sweats that have a zipper on the leg.  It made it easy to put on and off - didn't really worry about underwear.

I echo the walking.....even with the leg bag I took walks outside, stretching it out more each time.  Good luck, and Merry Christmas!

Posted 12/25/2007 11:02 AM (GMT -8)
Hello Marie and Randy:

Welcome to this forum - I think that you will find excellent advise here and the members are awesome and very supportive.

All previous posts are very accurate.

Probably the most important thing for Randy to do following surgery is to get up and sit in a chair within 10 hours of surgery. During this procedure, a tremendous amount of gas is pumped into the abdomen and it has to be realeased (farting encouraged! hah!). The only way for this to happen is by having him "sit up" in a chari. And believe me, it is the last thing he is going to want to do - drugs working, catheter sticking out, and IV attached to the arm - it makes for a completely awkward and uncomfortable situation. But you have ( and I stress have) to get him in a chair and have him sit there for at least an hour. Nothing will happen that he will notice, but after the gas settles in the lower part of his abdomen and he lies down, he will commence to "fart" like there is no tomorrow - and that is a very good thing, because these gasses are released and he will avoid tremendous pain and discomfort.
When I was awoken by my nurse at 4 am the morning following surgery and asked to sit, I very much didn't want to do it, but followed her orders and help and was grateful, because I was experiencing pains in my gut that I thought were caused by surgery but were actually attributed to this gas build up. I lay down after an hour and almost immediately started to release the gas and my sharp pains disappeared. The gent in the bed next to me that had the same procedure, 6 hours prior to mine, elected not to get up and he really "paid for it"! He was in extreme pain throughout the day.
I was up and walking (start slow, go 10 or 20 paces and return to sitting. Increase distance each time) throughout the day and felt great.
Also - about the catheter: make sure his bag is securely attached to his upper thigh. This will insure a better fit and cause for more comfort when walking.
I hope this helped out - he will be okay, let me know!
Posted 12/25/2007 11:40 AM (GMT -8)
Great that you found this site.  Best place on the net for info on PCa. 

I can appreciate your husband's work concerns.  I had just started a new position at work 2 weeks before my surgery.  Despite my wife's protests, I was bound and determined to not miss a beat.  Just the way I'm wired, and honestly, my wife is as supportive as they come :)

First off, I told them 6 weeks at work, because that's what everyone told me.  Six weeks seemed like an eternity to me.  I'll tell you that I took my first business trip running through O'Hare with my roller on suitcase and brief case as carry-on baggage at 5 1/2 weeks.  And that was with open surgery.  So it all depends on how he is feeling.  I felt great and had little incontinence to contend with.

But I did not wait 6 weeks to work.  I started the week following surgery, but from my guest bedroom (more specifically bed!).  Mentally I felt great and didn't really have fatigue from surgery.  But I could not sit upright for very long.  On the bed with my feet up, I could recline against the pillow and had my laptop and papers on the bed with me.  For me, it sure beat reading novels or watching day time TV...ugh.  It energized me and made me feel like I was being productive and took my mind off the concerns I had about getting the cath out, whether my first PSA would be zero, etc. 

So my recommendation to your husband is that he really make sure he doesn't push his body beyond any reasonable limits and that he be fair to himself depending on how he's doing post surgery.  I hope they can give him the means to work remotely from home, because it's going to be challenging to get back into the office that soon unless they have a gurney he can recline in.  My work was VERY supportive, and they all told me not to do anything I wasn't up to.  I hope he will have the same support.  Also, if he's truly concerned and can't go back to work for a more extended period of time, most companies offer a Family Medical Leave option if he's been there long enough. 

I had only been at my company for less than a year, so this wasn't an option and I turned out not to require it, but it's just another option to consider in case things take longer for him.

In any case, I wish you the best will be watching to see how things go for you.  Merry Christmas to you and your family.  I hope my saga offers some encouragement that it may be feasible for him to do what he wants if he's feeling up to it. 

Oh yeah, one more thing...I was told no driving until the cath was out.  Had I been told it was ok, I probably would have been driving after I was off the pain meds about a week post surgery.  

Doug 

Posted 12/26/2007 3:58 AM (GMT -8)

Hello Montana, Doug, and everyone that's taken the time to post,

I really appreciate the suggestions you and all of the others have given us.  I can't address each individual post, but have learned a lot from each and every one of you and appreciate you sharing your experiences with us.  Thank you! 

You had me laughing about the farting like there's no tomorrow! Apparently the gas must be absorbed into the colon?  For sure that would hurt and must escape!  I will be certain to get him sitting up as soon as possible, and walking.  He's a strong and determined person, and it will be hard to keep him down once he starts feeling better. 

I'm sure his work will allow him to do some of it from home, via phone, computer and fax machine.  He does have some concerns because of recent upper management lay offs and the new people aren't quite trained yet.  So I'm sure his phone will be ringing a lot, which is nothing new.  But like you say, it'll give him something to do and to feel like he's more productive. His boss told him to do what he needed to do and also that when he does return to work he can wear sweats and be comfortable. I think the suggestion of working part time for the first week back is a good one!  Even with a half day plus the commute he'd still be putting in 7 hours.  Long Enough!

We're happy that D Day is almost here. (DaVinci Day)  Seems like a long wait, tests, results, more tests and more waiting.  We both feel confident with the decision of robotic surgery and have one of the best Doctors in the State.  Only 4 here that do the DaVinci, and he'll also be in the best of hands in the Jon Huntsman Cancer Institute.  He doesn't seem worried.. but I am.  That's my job and I'm very good at it!

Thanks again,

Marie

Husband 55 years old

No symptoms

PSA taken on routine health exam

06/18/07  PSA 9.2

07/14/07  Put on antibiotics for a month

09/18/07  PSA 8.77

09/18/07  PSA % Free  9.61

10/17/07  Biopsy =  Gleason 3 + 4  (7)

10/17/07  Biopsy 40% Right Side less than 5% Left Side

Posted 12/26/2007 5:48 AM (GMT -8)
Hey Marie
Again, Good Luck and I think both of you will be amazed at
the DV technique. It is very non-invasive and he
will loose about a thimble of blood, and be left with 3 small incisions.
Yep, the "farting part" is kind of funny, but it will make
all the difference to his stay. And believe me, he will really
not want to get out of bed, but it is the very, very best
thing to do. I made a lot of "aching" noises as they helped me
get out of bed, but, again it is mostly from positioning the
IV and catheter. Speaking of the catheter, he will definitely
have some reservations with that (as all men do!). I was
able to deal with it by using some serious positive visualization. Tell
him not to think of what he thinks is "going on down there", but
visualize a soft roll of tissue wrapped around "it". I did that and
was able to cope with the discomfort. And that is all I felt with
Mr "C". Also, it is a breeze when they take it out, which is also
part of the anxiety of having it in. Let him know that it actually
feels good when they take it out!
All the best and don't worry, he will come out of this
just fine.
Peace,
Bret
Posted 12/26/2007 9:17 AM (GMT -8)
Marie,

A desk job should be no problem for your DH. Paul was back on light duty (desk duty) in less th an 2 weeks and back to full duty as a firefighter/paramedic in 6, without restrictions. My advise.....see how he feels and barring any issues, go with what he wants to do. The best advise a Doc gave Paul was "just don't do anything stupid." Good luck and well wishes.

Swim
Posted 12/26/2007 11:26 AM (GMT -8)

Hi Swim,

That's what I was thinking too, that instead of giving them a specific time he'll be out. He can return as soon as he's feeling up to it, or released by the doctor. The doc said count on at least 2 weeks. Sounds like everyone is a little different on the progress and side effects, and of course it depends on the type of work they do.

Thanks Montana for the suggestions about "Mr. C."  He's had a cath in before for a surgery, but only for a few days, so 10 days will seem like forever I'm sure. 

I'm keeping positive thoughts and I'll try to not worry! 

Thanks again,

Marie

Posted 12/28/2007 5:22 PM (GMT -8)
  Hey ~ Marie, Randy, & Loved Ones,   Thinking of you and sending special thoughts your way as you move toward surgery day…   We hope   “Our Journey” helps to guide you over at least one stepping-stone on your path.   Keeping you close… in thoughts and prayers.     “Our hands will be on your shoulders” special words borrowed from hamala   In Friendship,   ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~~ )*&^%   Group Hug %^&*( ~~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~   From the 3 of us... Lee, Buddy, & Murphy     Special thread for new members…. from Lee & Buddy     Click on link…>>> New Members ~ a note from Lee & Buddy  
Posted 12/28/2007 6:43 PM (GMT -8)
Welcome, Marie. What a way to end the year and bring in the new year 2008! I had open surgery, so my recovery may differ from your husband's. I was encouraged to move around right away--stand, sit, walk.

When I got home from the hospital I walked around the block (1/2 mile) twice daily. I was off work by my urologist's instructions for 4 weeks. It was good to have the time to fully regain my strength. No strenuous activity or heavy lifting was allowed for 6 weeks post surgery.

Please let us know if you have any further questions before/after your husband's prostatectomy. Remember, it's completely normal to be anxious and on an emotional roller coaster. Let us know how things are going....

Take care and hang in there...Tim
Posted 12/29/2007 7:22 AM (GMT -8)
Hello,

Thank you Bluebird for paving the way for us and others with the detailed journey you and your husband have traveled.  I know you and the others here on the forum will be a huge help and comfort as we encounter some of the same circumstances you've already been through. I truly appreciate all of the posts on our behalf, it good to know ahead of time what to expect.

And yes Tim, I am feeling a little anxiety today, difficult time sleeping lately.  Randy says he's not, which is good news. We have some chores and honey-do's to take care of today.  Then we're going to take it easy tomorrow and watch it snow and relax for a change.  One part of my anxiety is the weather!  The hospital is an hour away, and luckily there's no snow in Mon, or Tues's forecast, plus being a holiday, the traffic should be light.  Unfortunately they have him scheduled for late afternoon at 3pm.  That'll be a long day for both of us, especially him not being able to eat or drink anything since midnight the night before.  The good part is he'll be in la la land for most of the afternoon. 

I agree it's a great way to bring in the New Year!  Cut that cancer out and lets concentrate on getting healthy in 2008!

I'll keep you posted!

Cheers!

Marie

Posted 12/29/2007 8:48 AM (GMT -8)
Marie,

Another voice here wishing you Desert Rats a smooth surgery & a good recovery. As you can see by all the input the recovery is very much dependent on how Randy listens to his body (even the gas noises)!
Not the traditional way to spend a New Years Eve but you know how everyone is always making the resolution to have better health in the New Year? Well, that's exactly what you're doing and putting it into action!

One more thing, Marie - Take care of yourself, too. No matter how much preparation is done, it's an emotional time and that's normal.
We'll be looking for your report

All the best in 2008,
Susan
Posted 12/29/2007 9:39 AM (GMT -8)
Hey Marie,

I echo Susan's advice to take care of yourself. Its hard to think of yourself when Randy is going through a hard time but your well-being will help him recover more than anything else. Comfort yourself with the thought that all of here on the forum are praying for his success and a great recovery.

Please stay with us. We can all get well together...

Jim
Posted 12/30/2007 8:18 AM (GMT -8)

Hello,

Well, it's Sunday, snowing like crazy and it's Randy's prep day.  Good day to stay indoors and relax and prepare for tomorrow.  I sure hope Mother Nature is in a better mood tomorrow! 

Thanks again for all the well wishes and support.  It really means a lot to both of us.  When I first discovered this site after being told the shocking news he had cancer I would read the postings and cry. We thought he was too young for this, now I know more and am shocked to see it in much younger men. Thank goodness for the Internet and all it has to offer at our finger tips. Not just a world of knowledge, but to put us in touch with wonderful people like you!  I am basically a very positive person and will continue to look at the bright side and also remind myself not to compare to others.  Hard to do at times!  This sure is an emotional rollercoaster.  We'll both be relieved to have tomorrow over with and start getting healthy again.

I will take the advice of others and also take care of myself.  The suggestion to nap when he does is a good one.  We're both in this together and we'll take advantage of the time he has home and make the best of the situation.

I will start a new thread once he's home and will report how he's doing.

Thank you,

Marie

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