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My journey with P-C

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Posted 11/30/2006 4:09 PM (GMT -6)
With prostrate cancer so I am feeling a little down  now. On my annual my PSA had doubled from 2.3 to 4.5. I am 67 and went and had a bi0. Out of 12 bios had one hot one. gleason 3+3=6

Soooooo, I am schduled for surgery 1-22-07 for radical removel. I really wanted the micro-robitic but I would have to travel 100 miles for it and the wife is unable to drive in big city traffic. I have a lot of confidance in surgeon as he has done a lot of these on guys I know with good results. Anyone who has gone thru this that can give me any advice and moral booster sure is welcome.  Jerrio yeah

Posted 11/30/2006 4:49 PM (GMT -6)
hi, sorry to hear!

Ken and myself haven't been through it all yet, just fairly newly diagnosed here. but glad you found the forum.

there are a lot of good people here who have been through it. reading around on here will give you lots of info on open surgery. but on the advice part, seems like it is good to start doing kegels, stairs, and get yourself in best possible shape for surgery as soon as possible.

how much of the one biopsy needle had cancer? and what part of the country do you live?

we are in colorado.

it sounds like yours is very curable with your gleason and biopsy results. hang in there and please keep posting and updating us on your progress!! hugs and best wishes!

tanya and ken
Posted 11/30/2006 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Jerrio,

I am 64, had the radical in June. While not a walk in the park it was certainly not as bad as I had feared. Two days in the hospital, catheter 7 days and improvement every day. I had a low psa, 2.8, but DRE caught it and biopsy was 5 of 12. After surgery it showed involvement with both sides and over 50%. However it was contained. First psa was 0.009 and looking forward to second psa in Feb. Confidence in your surgeon is the most important thing. Minor incontenence and still looking for potency to return but am hopeful and expecting it to return soon. Know that many people on this site are praying for you.

Dougroc
Posted 11/30/2006 5:09 PM (GMT -6)

Sorry you had to join our club.  Glad you found this site before.  I did not see it until after.  Should have started the walking and Kegel's sooner.  The open RRP is not that bad.  I had no problem with the incision site.  Healed quickly.  I did have another complcication but that was just due to bad luck.

Just keep your spirits up.  KW

Posted 11/30/2006 6:31 PM (GMT -6)
Welcome Jerrio, and as already expressed earlier, sorry that you're on this ship with the rest of us. Like Bill (Jetguy) says, "I'm sorry that any of us are on it".

You've got time before your surgery to really jump into this forum and ask anything at all. These folks are great! Heck, I've found more comfort, support and encouragement on this site that I have with my own support group.

You've already made one of the biggest decisions - your method of treatment. That should ease some of the burdeon of dealing with this disease. Good luck to you as you progress in getting ready for your special day.

Regards;

George
Posted 11/30/2006 6:44 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Jerrio and welcome!

You are fortunate to have found this group BEFORE surgery. You can read back posts, ask questions, and prepare yourself for your day.

I found this forum almost three weeks post surgery and it has helped a hundred fold. I only wish it had jumped out at me before surgery. We might have done more walking and kegels, etc.

I also just realized that while I (the wife) had many teary days following Bob's surgery I can honestly say since this wonderful group of supporters came into our lives the tears have dried and hope has prevailed.

Bob isn't much for digging and reading this stuff but he's so interested in all of the posts and always says "what's new today in there"

So hang with us and keep us posted along your journey and all the best to you.

;o) Linda & Bob
Posted 11/30/2006 9:20 PM (GMT -6)
Jerrio welcome,

I had the robotic and if it were not for a nerve that seemed to have been damaged during the operation, I really believe I could have left the hopital the next day. What you want in my opinion, is a doctor who has performed hundreds of these operations. After all my months of research, I personally found the method was not the most important issue but rather the skill level of the doctor performing it. Your numbers are a lot better than mine were and so far I'm doing great. Try not to worry to much and stay in touch. You now have a lot of people praying for you - good luck
Posted 11/30/2006 11:24 PM (GMT -6)
Thank You all for the great concern and encouragement. The Dr had wrote in my report, gleason 3+3=6 and 3% left, nothing right. I walk over 1 3/4 miles a day and am wondering what are kegals??? I went looking for a forum today after I got home from the Dr. as I had found one when I had my total knee replacement and learned so much. Thank You again for all your support and I am pulling for all of you too. Jerrio
Posted 12/1/2006 7:58 AM (GMT -6)
Hi, Jerrio. You did the same thing we did - diagnosed and went in search of a forum to learn more! This was the one. You are such an excellent candidate for surgery and cure. Part of the emotional battle is making a decision. The route you chose is just part of the decision-making process that's right for you. Our 5-hour drive home was very painful, bumpy, and nerve-wracking as I can't find my way out of paper bag, much less unfamiliar cities. The fact that you're thrilled with the surgeon is a biggie.

Good luck. And get on those kegels. (There are detailed instructions here and on the Internet.)
Posted 12/1/2006 4:28 PM (GMT -6)
GreenAcres, Thank You for your support. The thing now is the long wait untill surgery, 1/22/07. I am trying to put it out of my mind and think postive. Dr said I had to wait 8 weeks to make sure everthing was healed from the Bio, so now I just keep doing my walks and let the fresh air clear my head and here in Oregon the weather can present something different each day. Can someone tell me how to put my stats at bottom like all the others?? Thanks Again Jerrio
Posted 12/1/2006 4:38 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Jerrio!

If you click on CONTROL PANEL; then on edit profile; you'll find what you're looking for to put your stats at the bottom. Then when you post there's a box at the bottom where you click to check off include signature or not.

Remember to click on save" when you're done.

Another thought -- if you click on the "edit" post button on you're first post, (top right corner of the post), you could change your topic sentence from Diagnosed Today to Jerrio's Journey or something similar so that your whole journey and our posts can end up there and be easily found.

Take care!
;o) Linda
Posted 12/1/2006 4:41 PM (GMT -6)
Jerrio!

The waiting is tough indeed, but before you know it January 22 will be here (with the holiday season and all).

We waited from May 27to all the way to September 27th and managed to have a good summer. On hindsight and if only we'd had this forum, I'm sure more would have been done in the way of preparation, exercise and kegel wise. But, as they say, hindsight IS 20:20.

Keep checking in and posting here and we'll get you to surgery date and beyond!

:o)
Posted 12/3/2006 12:43 PM (GMT -6)
Maybe some one can answer my question,,It has been 17 days since my Bi-op and I am still passing a little blood and small blood clots about 80% of time I go pee. Had the 12 Bio,s, anyone tell me how long this should last? Thanks,, Jerrio
Posted 12/3/2006 4:58 PM (GMT -6)
Jerrio I had these same symptoms went on for maybe a month this also showed even longer in my ejactulate. Don't hesitate to contact your urologist thats what we pay them for. Had my open rp 11/21 am feeling great good luck my friend God bless. jw
Posted 12/3/2006 10:29 PM (GMT -6)
Jerrio,

The blood in the urine and semen may last for up to 4 to 5 weeks especially in the semen. Your urologist should have told you about this common result of a biopsy. As others have commented the important aspect of chossing surgery is to find a surgeon with plenty of experience and one that you have a lot of confidence in. If he is a good surgeon he will be open about his complication rates for impotence and incontinence. It is unfortunate that your situation does not allow you to travel for the Da Vinci as your recovery would be a little quicker but the overall result will be the same. If you have been reading the posts and threads here you will quickly learn that the biggest headache of the surgery is dealing with the Foley catheter or as it has been nicknamed here, Hang. While it is a nuisance you will get used to it and it will be gone relatively quickly. The wait is trying but if you consider that the wait is because the surgeon's schedule is full this just means that he must be a good surgeon. I waited three and a half months. The other good thing about the wait is it gives you some extra time to tune up your body as much as possible. Walking is very good to get in shape for this type of surgery and your recovery will be greatly enhanced. I walked 3 to 4 miles every day for the three and a half months before my surgery and the minute I woke up in recovery I felt great and was ready to get up and walk which is what I did all night after surgery. I am sure that it will all go well for you and we all look forward to hearing about your journey to the other side and helping where we can.

Tamu
Posted 12/4/2006 6:55 AM (GMT -6)
hi Jerrio, sorry to have to welcome you here, but it's a great place to be. like you said, exercise a lot, do your kegels, and have sex as much as possible! :) kat
Posted 12/4/2006 11:38 AM (GMT -6)
Thank you all for the info. I think I caught my surgon by suprise when he told me I had cancer. He told me to go home and study my options. I told him I had allready done my research. My descion was "Take it Out" He told me about his success rate with the nerve and yes he has done a lot of these, I personally know a number of men who he has worked on. I have confidence in his skill. He is a pretty straight shooter with facts. Kat,,I am trying....:) Gerald
Posted 12/26/2006 5:57 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Gerald…. I’m still getting caught up after being away for 10 days....and I’ve missed a few postings along the way. Just saw this one on a different thread and wanted to send a "special Hi!"   12-03   Quote on different thread:   from Jerrio to Magaboo… Like you I am starting on my adventure too, Surgery sch. for 1-22-07 ( open) so you will be able to give me advice too. These people are great and you know it is not just talk as they all have BEEN THERE. We all know what you are saying about being worried and scared, YES I am worried and scared too. Good luck and there has to be a briter spot ahead. Jerrio   Hi Gerald,   Sending a warm welcome …   I hope we can make your journey smoother just by being here for you!   This is a great forum which you’ve already joined… so stay with us and keep us up to date as to how your doing getting ready for surgery on the 22 nd …   We felt the same way as you felt!!!!! Excerpt from “Our Journey”… (C) We had already made our decision before the Consultation Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy…..Lift the Hood …We wanted Dr. Staley to visually see and feel the tissue and take out all surrounding tissue that may be hiding… cancer cells.     Buddy and I invite you to read “Our Journey” We chose Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy   Excerpt from “Our Journey”… KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers FEAR!!!!! We decided to share “ Our Journey” in hopes of helping at least 1 person!   If it helps more….   If it helps you!!!! That will truly be a blessing …   At no time are we writing to tell you what you must do, or what you should do….                                Your decision is Your Decision!! Just giving you a view of what decisions we made, what the process was for us, and the outcome as of this date.     Hope to hear from you soon…  Keep posting.... OKAY!!  Take care and know our thoughts and prayers are with you.   “God Bless You”   It's a little prayer   ~   "God BlessYou" ...but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you   and guide you on your way.     In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 1/21/2007 12:25 PM (GMT -6)
Hi ~ Jerrio….   Just a little hug to let you know we will be there ~ in thoughts and prayers as you head into surgery on January 22 nd ….   Haven’t heard from you in awhile ~ hope things have progressed smoothly for you!   Just wanted to let you know ~ we hope you'll let us know how you're doing after your surgery.   ~~~~~~~~~~~#$%^&*     Group Hug %^&*(%~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the 3 of us... Lee, Buddy, & Murphy
Posted 1/21/2007 2:13 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Jerrio,

Good luck on your surgery tomorrow. I am sure that it will all go fine. Please keep us posted on your recovery.

Ben
Posted 1/21/2007 10:06 PM (GMT -6)
Hey Jerrio,

If you check this ourt before your surgery tomorrow I just wanted to wish you luck and let you know I will be saying a prayer for you. Please let us know in a few days how you are doing and if we can help you in anyway. Treat Foley well as your relationship will be short lived but very well connected.

Tamu
Posted 1/22/2007 7:45 AM (GMT -6)
Hello Jerrio,

Today's the big day, and we all wish you the best of luck. Please post us when you feel up to it.

Glen
Posted 1/25/2007 10:10 PM (GMT -6)
See Jerrio’s 2nd Thread:   My adventure with PC (direct link ~ just click on the title above!   Reminder: C lick on the REFRESH icon once there)
Posted 1/27/2007 5:06 AM (GMT -6)
Hello Friends, its 2nd day home from hospital and 2:50 am in morn, just had to get out of that bed, figured this be good time to get caught up. I am doing well, sore but that will go away. Walked 100 yds + down street yesterday. For those who missed my other post, Dr gave me good news, said NO suprizes, looked good inside. He said got part of report from Patholigst, lymnph nodes clean and he had went completed around the perimiter of prostrate and found NO cancer yet meaning that it is deep inside the prostrate and that was good news. Wife is an angel as a nurse. Will try to do better job on reporting, will go now and read others post and try to give them some support.
Posted 1/27/2007 11:39 AM (GMT -6)
Jerrico,

Way to go!! I know that path report made your day. The walking is the key. All things get better with walking. Do not push it though as you have had major surgery.

Tamu
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