One year update since open RRP surgery

It's been 13 months now since my surgery and I just this week got my 1 year PSA results- .02 (if you can believe that). The other tests til now has been .04. Anyway, it's statistically undetectable.

Continence has not been an issue since 3 days after catheter removal. Even that ugly purple red scar has faded into something more normal in color and appearance. ED recovery is still a complete failure. I've been on a regular course of daily pump use, daily 50mg of Viagra with 2000mg l-Arginine, and twice weekly bimix or trimix injections. Results? Zero....

I find that I don't worry about the future, as far as having cancer is concerned, it's been a long enough period of recovery that the whole ordeal is sliding back into my foggy memory. Until it recurs I am considering myself cured, and won't dwell on it's possible future actions. I am thankful that I have my health, my life and an almost back-to-normal body again. The ED is frustrating and will continue to get aggressive treatment. I admit I am disappointed that I have had absolutely no response after a year, after nerve-sparing surgery, but that's the hand life dealt, so I play it. I'll continue working on it though.

In summary, I guess you could say I am content with the results after a year. Zero's and normal recovery of the other things makes for good nights sleep now, especially since I don't have to have that sleep disturbed by sleeping on the occasional rock......

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James C.
Co-Moderator- Prostate Cancer Forum
Age 61
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
Present- 1 year: ED- Viagra, pump continues, no response- Trimix .10ml x 2 weekly continues
Post Surgery PSA's: 3 mts-.04, 6 mts.-.04, 9 mts.-.04, 1 Year-.02.

James C,
Thank you for the post, the great attitude is contageous. Moving forward with a good attitude is essential to good healing. May your "anniversaries" last a lifetime!

Thank you do much for all you do here!

Tony

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Age 46 (44 when Dx)

James, congratulations on the 1 yr PSA, I couldn't be happier for you. You are always there for new and old alike, not age mind you, but those of us with pc. It is people like yourself that make this board what it is. I hope you continue on your road to complete recovery including improvement with the ED. I am 14 mos out and still have issues in that respect, but I take one day at a time, and I believe that despite our individual maladies, we are all better people because of our illness. I know I am, and I attribute a lot of that to the peace I find here, my loving wife and family, and a renewed appreciation for lots of things I had taken for granted. Thank You for all you do for the board in your capacity as moderator and contributor.

Randy

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46 you when diagnosed, now 47
Pre-Op PSA 9.9
1 of 12 cores positive, Gleason 3+3
DaVinci on 9/5/2007
Post-Op Gleason 3+6, Negative Nodes and Margins
Less than 1% of prostate involved with CA
3 Month PSA 0.01, 6 Month PSA 0.01, 9 Month PSA 0.01
One Year PSA 0.01
Incontinence resolved 9/15/2007, one day after cath removal
ED showing significant improvement.
Cialis 5 mg every night.
Success with BiMix

Congratulations! I am six months behind you and hope I maintain your great attitude! Keep up the good work.

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