The Little Things you need

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 1:27 PM (GMT -6)   
I have been reading so much I lost something that I thought was so well done.  Somewhere on this or another site there is a list of creature comforts to get and have on hand after surgery.  Does anyone no where that can be found??
 
Thanks so much.. Last weekend surgery Thursday.
 
Frank
Frank S.
Age 53
Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
 
Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008).  These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer.  I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

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DanmanBob
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 467
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 3:51 PM (GMT -6)   

Frank, not sure exactly what you are looking for, but here are two threads that might be in the ballpark.

http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=586391

http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1070160

Will be thinking of you Thursday and Bill Wednesday!!

DanMan Bob

Danman Bob
Age 57
Nerve-sparing, open prostate surgery November 13, 2007
Gleason score 9, PSA 14
Biopsy result - 9 of 12 sticks showed cancer
Despite high Gleason score, cancer was confined to the prostate
Possible post-surgery radiation therapy...decision likely in late April 2008, depending upon PSA at that time
Unrelated surgery January 2008 delayed incontinence recovery, which is now showing good signs of improvement (fraction of a pad a day as of March 2008)
Began using Viagra 3 times a week December 2007 to stimulate blood flow
Began using Osbon Erec-Aid Esteem manual pump for therapy mid-February 2008
Will probably begin using bimix injections in addition to Viagra and pump in May 2008

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James C.
Veteran Member


Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 4462
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 4:02 PM (GMT -6)   

Maybe one of these threads?

http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=586391

 
 
James C. 
 
Help support the forums so they can support you:  http://www.healingwell.com/donate 
 
Age 60 
4/19/07   PSA 7.6, referred to Urologist, recheck 6.7
7/11/07   Biopsy- 16 core samples, size of gland around 76 cc. Staging pT2c
7/17/07   Path report:  3 of 16 PCa, 5% involved, left lobe , GS 3/3:6. 
9/24/07   (Open) Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy performed 
9/26/07   Post-op Path Report: GS 3+3=6 Staging pT2c, 110gms, margins clear
10/15/07  ED- begin 50mg Viagra and Vacurect pump nightly, Fully continent
11/15/07  1st Post-surgery PSA-0.01
01/14/08  Caverject started/stopped, aching.   .5ml Bimix started-success
 3/24/08   ED- 6 mts.-Viagra, pump, Bimix continues- no response

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Gordy
Veteran Member


Date Joined Jun 2005
Total Posts : 528
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 6:05 PM (GMT -6)   
Frank-

I believe it appears periodically here:

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.support.cancer.prostate/topics?lnk=gschg

-Les
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Paul1959
Veteran Member


Date Joined Nov 2007
Total Posts : 598
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 6:30 PM (GMT -6)   
Those lists were a lifesaver for me. The recliner chair is a must.
 
Also, this may seem like a small thing..but I wish I had known to shave my thighs before I went in. They tape the catheter to your leg. I did it for the whole ten days of the cath being in. It is a huge saver in case the tube gets yanked on - the tape on your leg stops it from yanking all the way up.  You alternate legs every day. Hair free is much less irritating and painful tape removal.
 
Paul
47 at Diagnosis.
Father died of Pca 4/07 at 86.
1/06 PSA 3.15
1/07 PSA 4.6      (Biopsy 3/07 just suspicious)
10/07 PSA 5.06   (Biopsy 11/07  1 of 12 with 8% involvment) (1mm)
Da Vinci surgery Jan 5, '08 at Mt. Sinai Hosp. NYC  www.roboticoncology.com
Saved both nerve bundles.
Path Report:  Stage T2cNxMx
-Gleason (3+3)6
-totally contained to prostate,
-10% involvement in L & R Mid lobes
 
 

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Gordy
Veteran Member


Date Joined Jun 2005
Total Posts : 528
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 6:44 PM (GMT -6)   
Here it is -

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.support.cancer.prostate/
browse_thread/thread/951cc7e7983514a3/31d4abb076fdeea5#31d4abb076fdeea5

Sorry I don't know how to make it a link.

-Les
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hky1
New Member


Date Joined Mar 2008
Total Posts : 2
 		   Posted 3/21/2008 7:22 PM (GMT -6)   

Frank,

 

I had perineal surgery on Feb 20 and here are a few items that I found useful:

For the catheter mounting, I used the 3" wide bandage wrap that sticks to itself. I could easily wrap this around my leg and it secured the hose very well. It gave enough to allow for easy movement, and I only had to replace once a day. Just be sure to get a name brand or it may not stick well enough.

You may not have the issues I did, but a trip to your local medical supply store should get you the following goodies - mainly used for ostomy patients, and works good for babies as well. Aloe Vesta cleansing foam by ConvaTec, and zinc oxide based Calmoseptine Ointment (www.calmoseptineointment.com).

This is about all I can add. Good luck with your recovery.

Dave

 

Fast rising psa detected - topped at 3.3

45 at biopsy November 2007

gleason 3+4=7-

T1c

Perineal surgery Feb 20, 2008 at KUMED (due to previous bladder surgery)

Pathology 10%, all contained, spared one nerve bundle

 

 
 
 
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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 3/22/2008 11:00 AM (GMT -6)   
Thank you all so much. I new I asked at the right place. I am going shopping my last weekend hear and did not want to forget anything.
Thanks a million.

Happy Easter

Frank
Frank S.
Age 53
Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
 
Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008).  These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer.  I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

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IdahoSurvivor
Veteran Member


Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 1015
 		   Posted 3/23/2008 10:23 PM (GMT -6)   

Hi Frank,

I also took my own night robe to the hospital.  The nurses and helpers there get you out of bed pretty soon after surgery and usually want you to make a couple of laps around the hallways.  I found that my own robe was much more modest and much easier to put on myself than the hospital "gowns."  tongue

All the best thoughts and prayers to you for a successful surgery, Frank!

Sincerely,

Barry

"Idaho" ~ Barry

 

Da Vinci Surgery July 31, 2007… 54 on surgery day
PSA 4.3  Gleason 3+3=6  T2a  Confined to Prostate

1st PSA  9/11/2007   <0.04 (undetectable)

2nd PSA 12/10/2007  <0.04

My web site: http://pca-info.blogspot.com

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 3/24/2008 7:08 AM (GMT -6)   

Hi Barry,

I was making my list and that will be added.  Oh man thanks..  I see you had your surgery on your 54 B'day.  Well my B'day is tuesday and surgery thursday,  my 54th like you. 

 

Thanks again....

 

Frank


 

 

Frank S.
Age 53
Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
 
Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008).  These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer.  I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

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IdahoSurvivor
Veteran Member


Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 1015
 		   Posted 3/24/2008 10:56 AM (GMT -6)   

Hi Frank,

Yes... I was 54 way back then tongue

Now I'm 55 and still alive! (a little poetry, very little...)

We're looking forward to your personal post-surgery report!

Kind regards,

Barry

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njiceman
Regular Member


Date Joined Sep 2007
Total Posts : 28
 		   Posted 3/25/2008 5:55 PM (GMT -6)   
Frank,

Amen to the idea of shaving your thigh. I thought I was pretty smart, I shaved my wrists where they put in the IV and tape it down and my stomach. Didn't know about the big sticky pad they use to strap on the cath. That was a ***** to get off. For many years, I gave blood 3-4 times a year and always fought with them about taping the needle down to my hairy arm.

Godd Luck on Thursday.

Wayne
Age- 59
Diagnosed July 2007
PSA-4.0 (Free psa 11%)
Biopsy August 2007 - 2 of 4 on Right Side with 20%, Stage T1c
Gleason (3+4)
Cat Scan & Bone Scan both Clean
Planned DaVinci Surgery Nov. 26th RWJUH Cancer Center, New brunswick, NJ
11/27/07  Home & on the road to recovery
12/4/2007 Catheter Out!
Pathology Report:  Gleason 3+3=6
                          Stage   T2c
                          Organ contained Negative Margins

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 3/26/2008 7:42 AM (GMT -6)   
Thanks Wayne,
 
I will be shaving today.  Not too hairy am I but I will take what little I have.  Fasting all day today.  Tried to get all my work done before my surgery but could not so I am working from home today.  I am staying very busy probably the denial thing I guess.  I just dont want the depression that I have heard others have had.
 
Thanks again,
 
Wayne
Frank S.
Age 53
Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
 
Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008).  These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer.  I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.
 
03-25-08 pain is back in my lower back off to the right side. Very unusual.  I will be very interested after the prostate is out the 27th to see how if effects this roving/changing pain I have been having on and off.

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James C.
Veteran Member


Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 4462
 		   Posted 3/26/2008 8:39 AM (GMT -6)   

You might consider asking beforehand and then reminding your care team to get you onto bladder spasm meds as soon as you get to the recovery room. 

Getting them in my system early worked for me, I could feel the spasms starting during the recovery room period.  This, along with stool softners really made the surgery recovery much easier.

James C.

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 3/26/2008 12:26 PM (GMT -6)   

Thanks James

That is the first I heard of that.  I am making notes for my wife on that one.

 

Thanks again.

 

Frank

Frank S.
Age 53
Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
 
Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008).  These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer.  I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.
 
03-25-08 pain is back in my lower back off to the right side. Very unusual.  I will be very interested after the prostate is out the 27th to see how if effects this roving/changing pain I have been having on and off.

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jtp
New Member


Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 4
 		   Posted 4/1/2008 7:08 PM (GMT -6)   
Hello, I am brand new to the forum. I had my biopsy done and found that 2 out of 10 showed cancer.3.3 After a 9.6 PSA. I was snet home with a lot of literature , in order to make a decision on treatment, My Doctor leaned twoard Da Vinci Prostatectomy, and I agreed with him . He doesn't know that yet I see him again on the 8th of April. I have no idea what to expect from this point on. Need so infomration. Thanks
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Valentine08
Regular Member


Date Joined Mar 2008
Total Posts : 30
 		   Posted 4/1/2008 7:26 PM (GMT -6)   
 For jtp and others in the same boat:
 
The period of deciding what to do is very stressful.  Once you decide and have a date for treatment you will feel more relaxed.  This site and the links have a vast amount of information and advice.  As you can see the solutions vary by person.  If you are opting for surgery and have the option of selecting your surgeon by all means go with an experienced one at a hospital that does a lot of RPs.  Be sure to ask about how many DaVinci's and/or number of open surgeries performed. But keep reading as much as you can so you can be familiar with the details.  It was all new to all of us at some point.
Age 59
PSA ; PSA 9/07=3.4; '06=3.2 DRE Negative; '05=2.4; '04=1.7
Biopsy 11/07 =  Stage T1c, 12 cores, 2 positive
Gleason score= 3+3=6
DaVinci Robotic RP surgery: 2/14/08
Path report: Gleason= 3+4=7; Stage T2c

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biker90
Veteran Member


Date Joined Nov 2006
Total Posts : 1464
 		   Posted 4/1/2008 9:11 PM (GMT -6)   
He jtp,

Sorry you have to be here but gald you came. Take your time, read a lot and stay with us for info and comfort...

Jim
Age 73. Diagnosed 11/03/06. PSA 7.05. Stage T2C Gleason 3+3.
RRP 12/7/06. Nerves and nodes okay.
Catheter out on 12/13/06.  Dry on 12/14/06.
Pathological stage: T2C N0 MX. Gleason 3+4.
PSAs from  1/3/07 - 1/17/08 0.00. 
Next PSA test on 7/17/08
"Patience is essential, attitude is everything."
 
 

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 4/1/2008 9:14 PM (GMT -6)   
jtp,

Valentine08 could not have said it better. I would suggest filling out a profile of what you know to date about your situation so others can see how similar they are to you. Age is a big factor I found out in consideration as well as other technical information as shown in your profile. I just got out of surgery thursday and have information about my experience in my profile. There are so so many men and care givers that have information to help you with. Stay with us. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions.

Welcome
Frank

Post Edited By Moderator (TC-LasVegas) : 4/1/2008 11:11:35 PM (GMT-6)

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PianoMan
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 365
 		   Posted 4/1/2008 9:31 PM (GMT -6)   
Frank:  Why are you taking Ibuprofen/Advil?  It's a blood thinner, like aspirin, which you don't need during the healing process, unless it has something to do with your heart issues.  I say stick with the Tylenol BUT call your doctor to verify this.
Sorry to hear about your post-surgical experience(s). Sounds like you're on your way to recovery though.  And yes, for many of us, sitting for any period of time was literally a pain in the *** for a few weeks after surgery.  Lie down a few times a day; walk  as best you can tolerate it, and get a nice soft pillow to put under your backside before you sit on a hard chair  It'll get better with time.
Tom

D.O.B - 8/9/52

PSA: First ever was 9.8 in late Oct. ‘06, two weeks later, 10.1

DRE: Negative

Biopsy results 11/22/06.  Both lobes involved.  Six out of eight cores positive - from 100 percent to 90, to 60, to 50, two 20s and two zeros.

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Da Vinci Robotic RP surgery, City of Hope, Jan 12, 2007

Post surgery pathology – Organ confined, Gleason still 6, margins clear.  Volume of tumor much less than biopsy suggested.  12 percent overall.

First post-surgery PSA -- Undetectable, 2/20/07

Second post-surgery PSA -- Undetectable, 9/11/07

Third post-surgery PSA -- Undetactable, 2/15/08

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 4/2/2008 8:18 AM (GMT -6)   

Pianoman,

I thought the same thing about the Ibroprophen.  I double and triple checked.  It is for the swelling.  It is clearly in their written instructions standard.  Take 650mg of tylenol every 6 hours and take 400 mg of Motrin every 6 hours.  Stagger so as to take one or the other every 3 hours for 5 days.  I decided in my infinite wisdom to take as needed and it seemed I swelled in certaini areas and urine got kool aid red.  Started back up on both with lots of water and rest and the urine changed to as clear as a Colorado spring.

 

Frank

 

Frank S.
diagnosed 01-08-08 53 years old 
Abnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci performed March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
surgery at noon out to recovery at 500 pm
in recovery 3.5 hours
Cardiac rythum issues
Surgery thursday pm home friday pm
 

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PianoMan
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 365
 		   Posted 4/2/2008 6:29 PM (GMT -6)   
You're only a few days out and it sounds like you're doing well.  So keep on keepin' on -- and time will fly.  You'll be back to your old self before you know it.
Tom

D.O.B - 8/9/52

PSA: First ever was 9.8 in late Oct. ‘06, two weeks later, 10.1

DRE: Negative

Biopsy results 11/22/06.  Both lobes involved.  Six out of eight cores positive - from 100 percent to 90, to 60, to 50, two 20s and two zeros.

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Da Vinci Robotic RP surgery, City of Hope, Jan 12, 2007

Post surgery pathology – Organ confined, Gleason still 6, margins clear.  Volume of tumor much less than biopsy suggested.  12 percent overall.

First post-surgery PSA -- Undetectable, 2/20/07

Second post-surgery PSA -- Undetectable, 9/11/07

Third post-surgery PSA -- Undetactable, 2/15/08

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Frank1205
Regular Member


Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 308
 		   Posted 4/2/2008 7:06 PM (GMT -6)   
Thanks Pianoman I appreciate it very much..
Frank S.
diagnosed 01-08-08 53 years old 
Abnormal PSA for 5 years>
2004 Biospy negative
2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)
10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core
Highest PSA 10
Lowest PSA   4
Current PSA   6
Bone and Ct scans negative
Staged at T1C
Gleason 3+3 = 6
Robotic Da Vinci performed March 27th, 2008
University of Chicago
Dr. Arieh Shalhav
surgery at noon out to recovery at 500 pm
in recovery 3.5 hours
Cardiac rythum issues
Surgery thursday pm home friday pm
 

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