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Posted 4/20/2008 7:27 AM (GMT -6)
Hello again my friends.
Well the day is finally approching. Tomorrow I'll be having DaVinci Surgery in Austin by Dr Randy Fagin (7:00 AM Monday). I'm planning to leave Austin on Tuesday (if all is well) and drive back to Dallas (about 3 hours trip). Been on two days of liquid diet now and nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
I will report back as soon as I can. Any last minute advice is welcome.
 
Thanks for all  your support
KrisP.
Biopsy done 3/2008
Pathology report: Gleason 6 (3+3), involving left lobe
DRE=15gm with indurated left base and mid prostate
Cores positive: left base medial, left base lateral, left mid medial and left mid lateral (4 of 12)
Clinical stage t2b.
Prostate Carcinorna 185
Urologist recommended no bone scan but I did anyway and result is negative.
Surgery schedule on 4/21/2008 in Austin by Dr Randy Fagin.

Posted 4/20/2008 7:52 AM (GMT -6)
Good luck! Our prayers go with you.  The hard part of decisions, second guessing and such is about over, and we'll all see you on the other side. 
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
1/14/08  Caverject started/stopped, aching.  2/24/08 .5ml Bimix started-success
3/24/08   ED- 6 mts.-Viagra, pump, no response- Bimix continues
Post-surgery PSA's:  3 mt:0, 6 mt:0,

Posted 4/20/2008 7:56 AM (GMT -6)

Hi Kris!

Our thoughts and prayers go with you tomorrow.  Before you know it you'll be on the right side of this disease . .the road to recovery.

Just a word of advice . . . be very sure "all is well" before you head out onto the road.  A 3 hour car trip the day following surgery may be pushing things a bit.  You are not the driver, right??

The old head isn't real clear (for driving decisions) for awhile after surgery.  Be sure and get out of your vehicle at least midway to stretch and avoid blood clots.

Best wishes . . .

;o) Linda & Bob

Bob (62) - Laproscopic Prostate Removal Sept 27, 2006 at age 60.
2 of 12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6.
 
Pathology - cancer completely contained, even a second more aggressive, previously undetected cancer)
PSA UNDETECTABLE Nov 2006, Feb, May, Oct2007.  ONE YEAR!!!! WHOOO HOOOO! 

Bob also has two secondary conditions -- Polycythemia (elevated red & white cells & platelets) and . . Myelofibrosis) -- If anyone has experience with or information on these, please email us.

Posted 4/20/2008 8:04 AM (GMT -6)
Good luck! Be sure to let those pain meds settle in before you head home. Before you know it, you'll be back for the cath removal, too.
Husband: Age 67
PSA had doubled in 14 mos to 4.3/Gleason 6
da Vinci 8/06 in Austin with Dr. Randy Fagin
Post surgical path shows encapsular penetration; possible bladder neck involvement.
PSAs remain undetectable; no further treatment at this time.
Next PSA: April 08

Posted 4/20/2008 8:07 AM (GMT -6)
All the best Kris. As James.C said, the hard part is over. Relax now.Our prayers are with you. Report back on your recovery progress.
Dx Age 48 Nov 07

PRE OP
Psa 4.5, Biopsy 2/8 cores positive Gleason 3+3
Wished had done enough research but was in muddy state of mind
Robotic surgery Jan 08

Found Healing Well Forum Feb 08

POST OP
Geason 3+3 ,10% both lobes, There is perineurial invasion
No extraprostatic spread seen , Seminal vesicles normal,Nerves spared
Cancer close to apex but margins clear T2c NXMX
Incontinence bad but in April 08- suddenly down to 1 pad
ED - started cialis once every 2 or 3 days from April but no improvement

Posted 4/20/2008 8:10 AM (GMT -6)
glad to hear the surgery date is arriving. Being on the road to recovery is a much better feeling. We will all be patiently awaiting your return to us. The three hour drive should be interesting, do take it easy. As always keep the hopes and dreams alive and well.

peace to you
Dale
My PSA at diagnosis was 16.3
age 46 (current)
My gleason score from prostate was 4+5=9 and from the lymph nodes was 4+4=8
I had 44 IMRT's
Casodex
Currently on Lupron
I go to The Cancer Treatment Center of America
Married with two kids
 

Posted 4/20/2008 8:19 AM (GMT -6)
I missed the last minute advice request.  Two things- walk as often as you can, as soon as you can after surgery.  Second, you will have a catheter and bag to collect urine, so you won't have to be running to  pee like before.  Take advantage of that and drink as much water as possible. This will rehydrate the body, help in flushing out blood clots and the surgery drugs and pain killers you have afterwards.  It takes probably a week or longer for most people to get the surgery drugs out of thier body, so flushing well with water will speed you recovery.  Soon enough you will have to be carrying yourself to the bathroom to pee, just like before...lol  Enjoy this aspect of it while you can..
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
1/14/08  Caverject started/stopped, aching.  2/24/08 .5ml Bimix started-success
3/24/08   ED- 6 mts.-Viagra, pump, no response- Bimix continues
Post-surgery PSA's:  3 mt:0, 6 mt:0,

Posted 4/20/2008 8:44 AM (GMT -6)
HI Kris,
As James C said, lots and lots of water. We found out how important that has been in recovery.

Our best

kent and Cindy
Age 51 Kent
January 08 PSA 5.2 round of antibiotics went to 4.3
February 08 anpther round of antibiotics went to 4.2
March 17,08 had biopsy, 2 days later told cancer was on
one entire side of prostate.
Gleason 3+3
Doctor thinks its best to get the whole prostate with Perineal  Prostatectomy.
Surgery scheduled for this Thursday April 10th.
Cindy (the wife!!)
Surgery preformed and doing great. Only took 1 1/2 hours. Will know in two weeks about pathology report. Surgeon feels he he got all cancer and confined to prostate. Both nerves were spared.
Home 4-11
 

Posted 4/20/2008 9:19 AM (GMT -6)
Hi KrisP.

The time is at hand and the rest of your journey is just ahead of you. Everything will be just fine. Have you family and or friends around you and you will all be good. I would think about another day maybe in a hotel. I also had a long ride back home so take it easy and let us know how you are doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mika
age at dx 54 now 55
psa at dx 4.3
got the bad news 1/29/07
open surgery Duke Medical Center 5-29-07
never more than 2 pads
wear one for insurance now
ED still a problem
last PSA undetectable
 

Posted 4/20/2008 9:33 AM (GMT -6)
Good luck to you, Kris.
 
The waiting and anxiety over course of treatment was the worst part for me.
 
Shout at me when you get back if I can help you with anything.
 
DanMan
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

Posted 4/20/2008 9:59 AM (GMT -6)
Hey Kris,

You are ready. The only thing left to do is to become a cheerleader for you surgical team. Remember that the only things they let you take in the OR are you naked body and a great attitude...

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.
50 mg Viagra + 1000 mg L-Arginine + .03 cc Trimix = Excellent Results
PSAs from  1/3/07 - 1/17/08 0.00. 
Next PSA test on 7/17/08
"Patience is essential, attitude is everything."
 
 

Posted 4/20/2008 12:40 PM (GMT -6)
KrisP,
You take it easy. While I don't know them personally, you have a great surgeon you have and a great facility. Read much about them. By the afternoon tomorrow you will be "on the other side", and on your way to healing. And, God willing, cancer free. That is something to look forward to. God Bless and be well.

Tony
Age 45 (44 when Dx)
Pre-op PSA was 19.8
Surgery on Feb 16, 2007
Post-Op Pathology: Gleason 4+3=7, positive margins, Stage pT3b (Stage III)
HT began in May, '07 with Lupron and Casodex 50mg
IMRT radiation for 38 Treatments ending August 3, '07
Current PSA (1/08): <0.1
I will continue HT until May '09. 
Years in Remission (3/23/07): 1
Visit my Journey at:
 
STAY POSITIVE!
 
Prostate Cancer Forum Moderator

Posted 4/20/2008 2:53 PM (GMT -6)
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery KrisP....hurry back.

swim
 

Posted 4/20/2008 3:32 PM (GMT -6)
KrisP,
The night before treatment...I hope sleep comes easy! You've made a great choice for hospital/surgery and are in very capable hands.
You know everyone here is wishing you the best,
Godspeed,
Susan
Husband Diagnosed 11/17/05 Age: 63 PSA: 7.96 No Symptoms
2/09/06: LRP - Post Pathology - Gleason 4+3 Stage T2b NO MX
3 mo. PSA: 11.8 Stage T3a
6 mo. PSA: 18.8 Stage IV Systemic w/ distant lymph node involvement
Start HT - Lupron 3 mo. shots
12/06/06: PSA 0.8
03/07/07: PSA 0.3
PSA - Undetectable since 6/07/07

Link to journey:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=826731

Posted 4/20/2008 3:44 PM (GMT -6)
Kris,

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thinking of you today. Good luck with all and take care. See you when you get back. Lana & CJ
Creed_three (Lana & CJ)
 
Husband CJ aged 50 yrs (49 years at diagnosis and surgery)
PSA (2002) 2.1.  PSA (2006) 3.5.  1 x (5%) core of 12 positive at biopsy. 11 cores negative. Open Radical Prostatectomy with nerve sparing, on 17th April 2007 (Sydney, Australia).
Gleeson 3 + 4 = 7.  Cancer confined. 1st PSA 0.01 (June 07) 2nd PSA 0.02 (Oct 07) undetectable. 3rd PSA 0.02 (April 08) undetectable.

Posted 4/20/2008 4:09 PM (GMT -6)
I wish you well on your surgery tomorrow, Randy.  You are in my prayers.  Take care and be well...Tim
Age 59  PSA quadrupled in 1 yr (0.6 to 2.5) 
DRE neg  1 of 12 biopsies pos (5%) 
Open surgery June 2006 
Cancer confined to one small area of prostate
Gleason 5 (3+2)  PSA's < 0.1  

Posted 4/20/2008 4:38 PM (GMT -6)
Hi KrisP,
Wishing you all the best on your journey into health starting tomorrow. Soon we will welcome you on the other side. Your numbers look good and hopefully you will make a quick and complete recovery.
 
Magaboo
Born Sept., 1936
PSA 7.9
Stage T1C
-ve DRE
Gleason's Score 3+4=7
2 of 8 positive
Open RP 28 Nov 06
Post op staging T3
Gleasons still 3+4=7
Seminal vesicles and lymph nodes clear
Catheter out 15 Dec 06
Dry since 11 Feb 07
All PSA tests in 2007 (4) <.04
PSA test Mar., 08 =.04 
 
 

Posted 4/20/2008 5:53 PM (GMT -6)
Hey KrisP;

Wow! Tomorrow? I'm blown away!

You picked the very best surgical team so I have absolutely no doubt you'll come through this thing with flying colors. 7AM! That's early to have surgery and I think that's the best time. You'll be his first procedure of the day. My surgeon did me at about 11AM so I was the second guy on his schedule. I woke up in recovery at about 2PM and drifted off to sleep. The next time I woke up I was in my room with my family all around my bed. Just remember this, travel light! You'll most likely spend your entire hospital stay in a backless hospital gown. Take deodorant, you can't take a shower while you are in the hospital. Prayers, prayers prayers! We are rooting for you buddy. :-)
SYMPTOMS: PSA Velocity=2.6 to 4.7 over 12 month period; DRE=Normal

PRE-OP STAGING: Biopsy=1 in 12 cores positive; Gleason 3+4=7; T1c; Bone scan=clear; CT scan=clear; da Vinci robotic LRP Jan2007 (@ age 58)

POST-OP PATHOLOGY: Adenocarcinoma; Gleason 3+3=6; T2c; Extra Prostatic Extension=Clear; Seminal Vesicles=Clear; Margins=Clear; Post-op PSA's (to date)=undetectable

Posted 4/20/2008 6:06 PM (GMT -6)

Hi everyone, its me again. Thanks for all the advise and well wishes.

Just got in the hotel here in Austin and waiting for tomorrow. Got my wife and two daughters with me. They have been great in helping me. This pre surgery liquid diet is not going too well, can't wait for tomorrow to eat some real food if possible.

If all is well on Tuesday, my daughters and wife will share the drive back to Dallas. Also if they allow me to bring my puter in my room at the hospital I will report back how everything went tomorrow.

Thanks again for al the good and happy thoughts.

KrisP

Biopsy done 3/2008
Pathology report: Gleason 6 (3+3), involving left lobe
DRE=15gm with indurated left base and mid prostate
Cores positive: left base medial, left base lateral, left mid medial and left mid lateral (4 of 12)
Clinical stage t2b.
Prostate Carcinorna 185
Urologist recommended no bone scan but I did anyway and result is negative.
Surgery schedule on 4/21/2008 in Austin by Dr Randy Fagin.

Posted 4/20/2008 6:52 PM (GMT -6)
I wish you well and a speedy recovery. I travelled for 1-1/2 hours after discharge (48 hours after DaVinci procedure) and it was more than enough travelling so take it easy. Like others have said build up the walking and drink plenty of fluids to clear out your system. Don't know about the solid foods the day after surgery though...............hospital staff usually want to see things moving before adding bulk.
Bill
1/05 PSA----2.9 3/06-----3.2 3/07-------4.1 5/07------3.9 All negative DREs
Aged 59 when diagnosed
Biopsy 6/07----4 of 10 cores positive for Adenocarcinoma-------bummer!
Core 1 <5%, core 2----50%, core 3----60%, core 4----50%
Biopsy Pathologist's comment:
Gleason 4+3=7 (80% grade 4) Stage T2c
Neither extracapsular nor perineural invasion is identified
CT scan and Bone scan show no evidence of metastases
Da Vinci RP Aug 10th 2007
Post-op pathology:
Positive for perineural invasion and 1 small focal extension
Negative at surgical margins, negative node and negative vesicle involvement
Some 4+4=8 identified ........upgraded to Gleason 8
PSA Oct 07 <0.1 undetectable
PSA Jan 08 <0.1 undetectable

Posted 4/20/2008 7:02 PM (GMT -6)

   tongue   Hi ~  Kris & 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

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

 

v          We invite you to visit our personal thread:  Click Here:  “Our Journey” ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

4th PSA 2-13-2008 (23 months) Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Posted 4/20/2008 7:04 PM (GMT -6)

Kris:

Wife and two daughters to take care of you - what a lucky guy!! We will have you in our thoughts and look for your update soon.

Dutch

Diagnosed Feb 2001  (Age 65)  Currently 72
PSA 4.8      Gleason 3+3=6      Stage   T2b
Completed Proton Therapy @ Loma Linda - 2001 - No side effects.  My journey is at: http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=727565
7yr PSA - 0.2
Our responsibility now is to educate men about Pca, PSA and the importance of early detection. 
 
 
 

Posted 4/20/2008 8:59 PM (GMT -6)
Kris

Good luck tomorrow, it will soon be over and you will be on the recovery side, here's hoping you have a speedy healing process.

Norskie
norskie
Age 49, PSA 6.22 on 9-26-06
Biopsy 11-01-06, 2 of 13 cores 10% cancer, 2 other cores abnormal Up-dated 20% prostate cancerous
Gleason score 3+3=6 After Surgery Pathology report 4+3=7 a couple agressive Grade 5 cells found
Da Vinci surgery 01-09-07 UW Madison
Pathology Report- cancer 100 % capsual contained 1-18-07
1st & 2nd Post PSA Blood Test .1 and less - Undetectable
3nd Post PSA Blood Test 01-17-07 .3
March 27th PSA .4 Begin Salvage Radiation April, 14 2008
Incontenence-Pad free since end of May 07 4 1/2 months post surgery 
ED back to 95% prior to surgery - no medication required.

Posted 4/21/2008 9:31 AM (GMT -6)

Kris, I'm sorry I didn't get to reply before your procedure, and by now on Monday, your are hopefully on the otherside, cured and beginning your recovery! Remeber to take things a little slow and alow your body to heal, When I woke up in my room I was full of energy when one of my best friends came to visit, when he left a hour later ,I was bone dog tired! Use this time to relax with your family, and look toward a bright, cancer free future!

Beachbum

Beachbum
 
PSA 10 June 2007
Biopsy July 2, 16 of 16 samples positive
T2C
3+3=6
prostate weighed 40 grams
Di Venci 10/09/07, four hours on table, 3 in recovery
Total time in Hospital: 29 hours
Record for Dr. Lance, 65% of prostate had cancer, but NO spread, clean margins
Clean nodes,
First PSA at 5 weeks, UNDETECTABLE!
Catheter out at seven days, dry from hour one!
Second PSA 19 weeks post op, UNDETECTABLE 2/11/2008
The Lord has truly Blessed me.

Posted 4/21/2008 9:52 AM (GMT -6)
Hey Kris...just turned on my comp and realized that this is your date with Dr Fagin.  I am confident that he will do a good job...I told you before that I am scheduled for my operation with Dr Fagin on 30 April...I have always thought that we made the right decision as to the surgeon the only question that I have is the outcome and with this type cancer it is totally dependent on the individual and his glandular situation going in.  But I am extremely confident that if any Dr can get it out of us it will be Fagin.  All The luck in the world friend...keep me posted.
 
Salty
 
Age 75
DRE nodule 15 Jan 08
PSA 3.8 18 Jan 08
DX 11 Mar 08
4+4 on the right 4+3 on the left
bone and CT scans 18 Mar 08 = Clear
Robotic Surgery scheduled 30 April 08 w/Dr. Randy Fagin, Austin, TX
 
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