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Prostate Cancer

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Prostate Cancer
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Texman
New Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 7
Posted 10/29/2006 7:11 PM (GMT -8)
Hello Group,
I'm 55, Biopsied Oct 5. Found Cancer in 2 of 12. Stage 1, Gleason (3+3) 6.
Doc feels confident cancer is confined to prostate. Must be removed. Am planning on robotic laparascopic.
Problem is that my younger wife and I want her to get pregnant. How much time do I have before I have to have surgery. (Doc says we caught early and it is slow growing but recommends surgery in next 3 months)
What preparation do I need before surgery?(exercise, kegals, etc.)
How long before intercourse can continue after surgery. (I realize I will be dry and sterile)
How is your quality of life 3,6,9,12 months after surgery?
I'm really scared. Thanks for help
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lawink
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 621
Posted 10/29/2006 7:30 PM (GMT -8)
Hi there Tex!

If you're feeling scared you've come to the right place. This group is proving to be wonderfully caring and supportive as I'm also finding out after joining just over a week ago.

As for your concerns, my husband was diagnosed in May and due to surgery waiting lines wasn't operated on until September. At one time the wait was till November and the doctor wasn't concerned . . . .

What is your PSA???? This too will help in determining the appropriate wait time.

Regarding pregnancy, your wife would have to be pregnant before surgery . . . everyone's return to intercourse after the procedure is different for sure, and dependant upon nerve sparing, but my understanding is that sterility is the norm after prostate surgery of any type.

Some doctors may allow for "freezing" of sperm for future use as well.

Your doctor may allow for "watchful waiting" with frequent PSA tests, so you need to express the pregnancy concern to him.

Good luck with your journey, and please stay with us and keep us posted, we'll all be pulling for you!
;o) Linda
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Letty
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 80
Posted 10/29/2006 7:43 PM (GMT -8)

Hi Texman and welcome to the board.

We understand how you are feeling and what you are feeling.  We have all been shocked and scared, especially upon first learning the diagnosis of PC.  Luckily, it sounds like you have caught yours very early, in its CURABLE stage.  The medical field has made great strides in this area and there are many more survivors than ever before.  Mainly due to early detection.  The more you read and learn, the less scared you will feel. 

To try to answer some of your questions:

Our doctor told us that if we wanted more children, they could freeze some of my hubby's sperm, so that might be an option for you and your wife to check into. 

We weren't big on "watchful waiting" and wanted surgery as soon as possible.  It is a personal choice though. 

Yes, start kegels and stair climbing right now, it will help with urinary control. 

Intercourse after surgery is different for everybody.  Some very soon, within a month and others up to 18 to 24 months.

We are only 3 months out after surgery but our quality of life is almost back to normal.  Hubby went back to work with no limitations after six weeks.  Intamacy is back.  Still working on the urinary control but that too is coming along nicely. 

Really Texman, everything will be alright once you get over the shock.  You are young, your numbers are good, you caught it early and things are in your favor.

This board is an excellent source of support for both you and your wife.  We have all been where you are and understand what your going through.  Again, it will be alright!

Wishing you the very best,

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aus
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 211
Posted 10/30/2006 4:47 AM (GMT -8)

On your question about side effects and quality of life, your CHOICE OF SURGEON is the main factor which will influence your outcome, regardless of whether he uses open method or robotic.

Regarding the  question of how much time you have before you have to have surgery, without your full profile there is no answer to that: Watchful waiting studies have been published  by Johns Hopkins and others into men found recently with "minuscule amounts of cancer" due to recent extensive PSA screening.

It's worth reading some of this material, along with  one or two of the good publications like "Prostate Cancer Prevention and Cure" by Lee Nelson, which outlines various treatment options,  or the book by Dr Peter Scardino.

John

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bluebird
Veteran Member
Joined : May 2006
Posts : 2543
Posted 11/11/2006 6:12 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Texman,

Sending a warm welcome….. and sending our strength to you through thoughts and prayers.

Being scared is definitely one of the stepping-stones in this journey. Not knowing what to expect is what makes us scared…

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers FEAR!!!!!

Know we care and we hope you will touch base soon to let us all know how you are both doing!

In New Friendship,

Lee & Buddy
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iggy_pop69
New Member
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 11
Posted 11/17/2006 4:02 PM (GMT -8)
hi... i had a radical protstate surgery on 10/23/2006

and the doc did not tell me that i will be sterile after the surgery... it appears the pipes from your testes get hooked directly into the prostate. and they severed that connection.....

     As  stated by others before me on this site... store your sperm... and have ur wife implanted... cause the only other option i can think of is the doc sticking a needle in your testes and removing your sperm with a syring... if that is even possible...

     Or maybe have your brothers seed implanted into your wife... at least that will still keep your blood line in the family...

( also not an option for me )

 you will survive this nightmare will it will take time and patience and support from a loving spouse...

Gods speed...

Iggy

 

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Wicket
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2006
Posts : 316
Posted 11/17/2006 9:21 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Iggy,

I don't think our doctor told us that Curtis would be sterile after the surgery either, but then at our age we weren't interested in more kids anyway, but if you're younger then I think that was awful that he didn't warn you ahead of time to store your sperm.

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