Pre-op jitters

Hi all,

Surgery coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 8th.  Just back from pre-op appointment.  No real surprises as I have been very well informed fom all of you.  I did keep my summer busy so not too think much about the surgery, but now it is only a few days away, can't help but think about it.  No one told me about the day before surgery that you have to drink only fluids and take medication to clean out your system.  My surgery is not until the next day at 12:30 so basically two days without food.  I guess I will loose the last 5 pounds I wanted to.

I will be cancer free soon (hopefully).  The interesting part, unlike most, I have a normal PSA of 1.4  (normal meaning less than 4).  I guess it should be less than 0 after surgery. I was told about 20% of prostate cancers will not show up as an elevated PSA test.  The nodule they felt (biopsy showed Gleason score of 6) and the low PSA, can sometimes indicate a more aggressive cancer.  That reaffirmed my decision to do surgery and am thankful my routine physical caught it.  They told me the number one thing is to get the cancer out, next to get control of my bladder (they think less than 3 months), and then they promised to be aggressive with helping me get back to normal erections.  They made it clear that they will save the nerves but still those guys will be traumitzed and takes time to heal.  They hope to start to see signs of improvement after 6 months, but can take up to 2 years for complete recovery.  I have my younger age (41) on my side so I will hope for the best.  I just mean probably better recovery from surgery than if I was 65.  Of course I would have other options if I were 65.

Thanks for everyone's willingness to share their personal stories, experiences, and your support.  Glen, good luck with the hernia surgery (again), and thanks bluebird, elpaso, swimom, and others for your comments.  Daveed you're right behind me in this journey and Arb and MichaelM are just ahead.  I now am wanting to be on the other side of the surgery as my anxiety rises a bit prior to Tuesday.  I will let you know how it goes.

Michael

Hi Michael, Positive Thinking. You will be free of cancer!!! This forum is awesome....  !  I'm so glad we've all been here to help you through this!  Get ready cuz we are all here to take you to the finish line!!!  This means from this moment on!!!!!!..... All the way.  Remember... we are here for you each and every day... so continue to talk with us and the time will fly! Pre and Post surgery.... You're going to blink and it's going to be all over!!!!! Get your prescript ions filled before your surgery date so you don't have to get it on the way home..!!!  And start taking a mild stool softener so you don't get constipated!! You don't want to get constipated along with just having your surgery! A stool softener was prescribed but was not enough! We did get constipated and I got equate vegetable laxative per our pharmacist.  We also bought equate Fiber Therapy.  We alternate between the two.  And yes... I even use them! And we are continuing to use them per our specialist!   They are very mild. We stuck to clear liquids during the day before surgery and nothing after 9:00 p.m.  Our doctor specifically said they would do the enema at the hospital.   Looking back I would have been happier to have Buddy do it at home for the convenience of having the bathroom readily available!   We did one before the biopsy and it worked fine but he specifically stated he wants it done at the hospital.   Worked out fine! We arrived at 8:00 a.m. and were taken back around 8:15.   Our anesthesiologist and the team of nurses came in and introduced themselves to us and said they were going to take good care of Buddy! They started an IV and got leg pressure cuffs on the lower part of his legs and an antibiotic was given also at this time.   Our surgery was at 11:30 and they came for him at 11:15.   I walked out with them as they took Buddy to surgery.   They stopped at the entrance to the OR and I leaned over and kissed him.   He doesn't remember anything from the time we were in the prep room.   Next thing he remembers being in the recovery room.   He doesn’t remember the breathing tube being removed and no sore throat as many have afterwards.   Up walking the next day really felt good but pushed it a little. Don't push it!   He really felt better when he got up and walked.   Do fewer laps more often than too many at one time!!   The movement really helps the system get better faster!!   We had a 1 hour drive home and the neck pillow was worth $200.00 and I only paid $9.99 so get one now and its great for your recover period too!!   He continues to use it when he reads.   I bought 2 nice lounge chairs for OUR recovery.   He has his chair in the leaning back position to take the stress off the mid section!   We are having a Great Recovery and so will you!    You are right!   *The three goals: First is removing the cancer, then preserving urinary continence, and then preserving sexual function. In this order!!! (*Excerpt from Dr. Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer) Michael our goal was to get the best sleep we could and I truly feel this helped us tremendously.   Nighttime is the hardest!! Our doctor did prescribe a mild sleep aide and Dr. Staley was all for it!   Even the night before surgery was a good one. So.... Get ready to blink. We'll be waiting to hear from you.   Don't forget your donut pillow so you can sit at your computer.   It really helps take the pressure off!   Keep talking to us right up to the last second  . okay!! I'm going to add this info to "Our Journey"!  Take care ~ from Lee & Buddy P.S.  When you hit the jackpot!! (Glen's posting) remember your friends.... LOL       mama bluebird ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  It helps alot.  I will get prescriptions filled, more loose boxer shorts, and the men's pads.  I will take Glen's advice and be active this weekend (especially time with my wife ).

Any other suggestions to prepare ahead a time?  I am all ears.

Michael

Just checkin' in on you!!!
You really are going to blink and it's going to be over. It's time to hit the hay here in NC... You need to get some good rest too! Okay...
Have a busy weekend... and get the rest you need for Tuesday.
Take Care and daveed said it beautifully!!!
Lee

---

mama bluebird

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate

June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

Michael,

We'll look forward to hearing all about how well you feel soon after you're home! Good Luck and God Bless.

Vickie / Paul  

Michael - the waiting is tough, no doubt about it. Just remember all those days that went by way too fast and think how quickly you'll be through and back home. You're on it!

We went in on Wed. 6 a.m for pre-op. Started liquids on the Monday a.m. That was not fun - husb. is a bit on the hypoglycemic side. But, once we found out he was allowed slim-fast, boost, milk, everything was fine. (Your doc may have a different regimen, though.) Bought way too much of it, in fact. Made up a ton of Jell-O, bought apple and cranberry juice. Also picked up cans of regular beef and noodle soups, heated, and then drained out the hard stuff to get just the broth - much better tasting and less salty than plain old broth.

We wish you the very best - it'll be a breeze!

Michael,

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! Jeff has his surgery on Aug 30 so we have 3 weeks of pre-op jitters. by then you'll be an old pro at this. :)

kat

Good luck! i will be thinkig of you! I will say a little prayer. just remember all the people here at healingwell are pulling for you!

---

If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. - Dolly Parton

Michael,

I just read at another post where you ran a mile with no leakage. that's great! I think that's what you need to think about the next time you're feeling a little sad. Jeff is getting frustrated with the lack of erections and was leaking a little yesterday when we were "fooling" around. He does fine all night and day and then starts dribbling later in the afternoons. he's continuing with the kegels. we talked about a few things and he was saying how this is harder than recovering from the surgery. we know we have to be patient, but it's hard sometimes. I think when you guys have your first erection, you'll be shouting it out! how funny is that. take care, kat

---

Husband Jeff 56 years old
diagnosed July 27, 1006
PSA 6.5
2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6
Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006