Decision Made

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Pete42 Regular Member Date Joined Mar 2007 Total Posts : 114	Posted 4/6/2007 11:04 AM (GMT -6)
	Hello all- I've posted on here a few times after my diagnosis. Have been looking at Radiation (both photon and proton) and Surgery (open and Robotic). After my discussion and thought and prayer I have decided to go with Robotic surgery at City of Hope. I am scheduled for May 4. I will start a new post dealing with my journey from the time I go in for pre-op tests. I have also signed up to be part of a clinical study on increasing potency after surgery and will include that in there as well. Peace - Pete Back to Top

Izzyblizzy Regular Member Date Joined Oct 2006 Total Posts : 411	Posted 4/6/2007 11:07 AM (GMT -6)
	Congratulations on making a decision. That part is behind :) Keep us all updated :) Significant other diagnosed: 10/30/06 PSA: 3.7 (up from 3.4 prior year) Gleason: 3+3 Biopsy: 1/10 positive, 5% cancerous, right apex. Da Vinci Scheduled: 4/10/07 Back to Top

Joes411 Regular Member Date Joined Mar 2007 Total Posts : 87	Posted 4/6/2007 11:29 AM (GMT -6)
	Hey, congratulations Pete. I'm scheduled for Robotic two weeks after you at City of Hope. Good Luck! Joe Age: 51 PSA Jun06 4.1 (PSA Jun05 1.2) 1^st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer 2^nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive Stage T1c Gleason 3+3=6 DaVinci scheduled for mid May Back to Top

biker90 Veteran Member Date Joined Nov 2006 Total Posts : 1464	Posted 4/6/2007 11:50 AM (GMT -6)
	Hi Pete, Its good to have the treatment decision behind you. My wife and I lost all fear and anxiety after we decided. Now get in the best possible physical condition and becaome a cheer leader for the medical team. The only things we are allowed to take into the operating rooom are a great attitude and our naked bodies. Stay with us please... Jim Age 72. Diagnosed 11/03/06. PSA 7.05. Stage T2B Gleason 3+3. RRP 12/7/06. Nerves and nodes okay. Pathological stage: T2B. Gleason 3+4. Cancer confined to prostate. PSA on 1/3/07 - 0.04. PSA on 4/4/07 - 0.00 Restarted T therapy. Next PSA on 7/11/07. "Cancer feeds on fear - starve it to death." Back to Top

Pete42 Regular Member Date Joined Mar 2007 Total Posts : 114	Posted 4/6/2007 12:08 PM (GMT -6)
	Thanks all, it does feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Joe, I will make sure I keep you inofrmed along the way. Good luck to you too. Diagnosed 1/26/07 Stage Tc1 Gleason 6 PSA 3.8 12 samples, positive in one 15% Age 51 Surgery (robotic) scheduled for May 5 2007 City of Hope Back to Top

Dutch Regular Member Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 400	Posted 4/6/2007 12:18 PM (GMT -6)
	Pete: Good for you - it's one of the hardest things to do, but once you make the decision, don't look back. Now relax, keep a good attitude and get in shape (if you aren't already). Looking forward to your posts as you go along your journey. Best of luck to you. Dutch Diagnosed Feb 2001 (Age 65) Currently 71 PSA 4.8 Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 T2b Completed Proton therapy @ Loma Linda - Aug 2001 5yr PSA 0.17 Have had no side effects. Back to Top

sween76 Regular Member Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 60	Posted 4/6/2007 1:12 PM (GMT -6)
	One of the best pieces of advice I got was take care of yourself - physical, mental and spiritual. I exercise for 90 minutes each morning before I do anything else and do a power walk every afternoon for one hour. I have also become more spiritual. My DaVinci is scheduled for April 16 and I feel very good about these three priorities since I did not procrastinate on any of them. Ed Age: 63 PSA 2.62 Negative DRE Gleason 3,3 Stage T1c Prostate 63 cm Cancer 5% in one of twelve modules DaVinci scheduled for April 16, 2007 Back to Top

PianoMan Regular Member Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 365	Posted 4/6/2007 1:52 PM (GMT -6)
	Best to ya Pete, from a fellow City of Hope alumnus. You'll love the way they take care of you there. Wish I had known about the ED trial -- I'd have given it a shot. As Dutch said, finally making your decision puts a huge part of the process behind you. From this point on, you will be amazed at how quickly time passes till your surgery and afterward as well. I look forward to reading your updates on the pre-op etc. Be sure to heal slow and well my friend. Give yourself several weeks to take it easy and don't push it physically. You're in good hands. 54 years old PSA = First ever was 9.8 in late Oct. ‘06, two weeks later, 10.1 DRE: Negative Biopsy results 11/22/06 (6 out of 8 cores positive), both lobes, Gleason 3+3 = 6 Da Vinci Robotic RP surgery, City of Hope, Jan 12, 2007 Post surgery pathology – Organ confined, Gleason still 6, margins clear. First post-surgery PSA -- Undetectable, 2/20/07 Back to Top

myman Veteran Member Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 1219	Posted 4/6/2007 2:44 PM (GMT -6)
	Pete - Everyone says great things about the City of Hope so you will be in good hands. You know we'll be looking for your thread and hoping for a full & speedy (not too speedy!) recovery. Be patient with yourself. All the best, Susan Husband Diagnosed 11/17/05 Age: 63 No Symptoms PSA: 7.96, Positive DRE Biopsy Right: 6 of 6 Cores Positive Biopsy Left: 1 of 6 Cores Positive Gleason: 4+3 = 7 Stage: T2B N0 MX 2/09/06: LRP Restage: T3A NX MX 3 mo. PSA Post Surgery: 11.8, 12.9, 13.9 Bone scan, CT scan, Endorectal MRI, Chest XR - neg. 9/06/06: 6 mo. PSA: 18.8 CT shows lymph node involvement Start HT Lupron 3 mo. shots 12/06/06: PSA 0.8 03/07/07 - PSA 0.3 Back to Top

bluebird Veteran Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 2542	Posted 4/6/2007 6:37 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi ~ Pete… Great news early…. We had you marked down to check on you on Monday…. And was thrilled to see your posting today!!!! We are excited that you plan to start a Thread with “Your Journey” and all that it entails. A gift of giving… I spent time the other day talking to a wife and sister about this board. It gave me “turkey bumps”… just sharing how powerful this forum is to all of us. And it gave me a very warm feeling inside to see some of the fear leave their faces as we talked about prostate cancer and the stepping-stones ahead of them… Excerpts from “Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring”. Kegel Exercise: Items to have on hand before surgery: BE PREPARED: Coming home with a catheter? (D) Preparing for surgery: Get your prescriptions 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 (E) Bladder Spasms: (F) Constipation is something you do not want to have to deal with and much more… We hope you’ve had time to visit our personal thread and if you pull just “1” thing from our experience…. That will be “1” thing that will help to make your journey smoother. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to surround you as you move forward. Please remember ~ we are here for you and when and if you need a Helping Hand… just reach out because we are all here!!! In Friendhship ~ Lee & Buddy (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open! *Reminder* … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there) 1^st Thread started by: Pete42 Proton Therapy mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina Link to our personal journey…>>> Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring April 3, 2006 53 on surgery day RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision" PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate 2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :) Back to Top

Tamu Veteran Member Date Joined Oct 2006 Total Posts : 626	Posted 4/8/2007 4:33 AM (GMT -6)
	Pete, I know what relief you now have after making the decision. I am also heartened by your willingness to sign up for the trial on improving potency following surgery. I have accomplished two of the three goals that being rid of th cancer and completely continent but there is no improvement in the impotency so whatever you can do to make it better for those coming behind us is well worth it. Get is good shape for the surgery and with the reputation of the City of Hope you will come through to the otherside easily. Tamu Diagnosed 7/6/06 1 of 10 core samples, 40% Stage T1c, Gleason 3+3 Da Vinci on 11/01/06 Catheter out on 11/13/06 56 Years Old Post Op Path Gleason 3+3 Approx. 5% of prostate involved Prostate Confined, margins clear Undetectable PSA on 12/18/06 No more pads as of 1/13/07 Back to Top

puget Regular Member Date Joined Mar 2007 Total Posts : 237	Posted 4/9/2007 11:43 PM (GMT -6)
	Pete, it's great you've found your way to a decision. That was the hardest part for me, too. I've also decided on robotic surgery. Currently working with scheduling staff and hope to get a date in early June. It was amazing -- I was so stressed out about the options. The more I read, the more uncertain I was. Then, just one night, the decision just came to me -- it was like I hadn't sought it out, it was just waiting for me. Once I called the hospital to set a date, I felt peaceful for the first time in weeks. I know it's just the beginning of the "real work," but I'm actually anxious to get the surgery behind me and get on with living. Hoping for the best for you and me -- but whatever the future brings, we'll have the strength to meet it! I'll look forward to your posts as you get ready for the big day in May. I'm sure they will help meget ready. Back to Top

M. Kat Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 715	Posted 4/10/2007 5:26 AM (GMT -6)
	Pete - I think making the decision is one of the hardest parts of this journey. like others have said, take this time to get into great shape and it will be here before you know it. I look forward to hearing about the trial study afterwards. take care, kat Husband Jeff 56 years old diagnosed July 27, 2006 PSA 6.5, 2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6 Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006 pathology report - all clear - cancer gone 1st post-surgery PSA test <0.1, 2nd post-surgery PSA test <0.1, 3rd PSA <0.1 no more pads Oct 12, 2006 first "real" erection with use of pump 12/16/06 3/07 - occasional dribbles and erections with Cialis and pump Back to Top

Pete42 Regular Member Date Joined Mar 2007 Total Posts : 114	Posted 4/19/2007 4:00 PM (GMT -6)
	Hey guys, tomorrow will be two weeks until surgery day. Just a short update. I had all my pre-op tests done at the City of Hope yesterday and everything went smoothly. As I mentioned I have volunteered for a clinical study about regaining erectal function after surgery. Had my first sessions yesterday. It is a randomized study ; three groups, One with daily MUSE and viagra, one with viagra, and one with nothing. I will not know which group I am in until after surgery. Yesterday the measured my penile length and taught me how to use the MUSE. It wasnt really that bad, the thought of doing it is worse then the actual treatment. They gave me a very low doage and then came back and remeasured. I will have to give my self another dosage in 48 hours. I will start two new threads once I am back on y feet; one on the surgical procedure and follow-up and another on the ed treatment. Until then I remain your brother on this journery, Diagnosed 1/26/07 Stage Tc1 Gleason 6 PSA 3.8 12 samples, positive in one 15% Age 51 Surgery (robotic) scheduled for May 5 2007 City of Hope Back to Top

Izzyblizzy Regular Member Date Joined Oct 2006 Total Posts : 411	Posted 4/19/2007 6:24 PM (GMT -6)
	that is interesting about the ED study. Are they thinking that starting ED meds before surgery will help? (i guess i am not clear on whether they are studying the effects of viagra and/or muse starting before surgery? or are they studying the after-effects but having you start them before). hope my question makes sense? Tanya Age: 63 Diagnosed: 10/30/06 PSA: 3.7 (up from 3.4 previous year) Biopsy: 1/10 cancerous, 5% of one core, right apex. Gleason: 3+3=6 Da Vinci: April 10, 2007 Path results: 1% of prostate involved. Very small tumors on both rght and left apex. Negative margins. Gleason 3+4=7. Back to Top

Pete trips again! Veteran Member Date Joined Nov 2006 Total Posts : 1899	Posted 4/20/2007 4:36 AM (GMT -6)
	Pete, I think its great that you are taking part in this test. Anything we can do to help out others who follow us will be tremendously appreciated as you know from the help you have received in this forum. It sounds like you have all your ducks in a row, good luck! Our prayers are with you. Your friend, Pete 54 years old, Surgury, Radical Prostatectomy 8/20/03, PSA 6.6, Gleason 3 + 3 = 6, Adenocarcinoma extent (moderate) Stage & Margin:T2NOMX, No Metastases, Organ Confined, bone scan: Neg. Testosterone Theropy since 12/06, Erect, Dry & Lovin Life!!! I am's what I am and that's all that I am!!! Back to Top

Pete42 Regular Member Date Joined Mar 2007 Total Posts : 114	Posted 4/20/2007 10:39 AM (GMT -6)
	Tanya - The pre operation doses of muse are for the purposes of seeing whether or not I tolerate the medication before the tests begin Diagnosed 1/26/07 Stage Tc1 Gleason 6 PSA 3.8 12 samples, positive in one 15% Age 51 Surgery (robotic) scheduled for May 5 2007 City of Hope Back to Top

Izzyblizzy Regular Member Date Joined Oct 2006 Total Posts : 411	Posted 4/20/2007 10:42 AM (GMT -6)
	ahhh ok got it :) best wishes with your surgery. Tanya Age: 63 Diagnosed: 10/30/06 PSA: 3.7 (up from 3.4 previous year) Biopsy: 1/10 cancerous, 5% of one core, right apex. Gleason: 3+3=6 Da Vinci: April 10, 2007 Path results: 1% of prostate involved. Very small tumors on both right and left apex. Negative margins. Gleason 3+4=7. Back to Top

oldfordlover Regular Member Date Joined Apr 2007 Total Posts : 52	Posted 5/1/2007 9:48 PM (GMT -6)
	Good luck on the surgery. You are not alone. Diagnosed 4/24/07 PSA 5.5 cancer in 8 of 10; gleason score 4+4=8; up to 70% pti; some perineural invasion surgery scheduled 5/23/07 Back to Top

stkitt Forum Moderator Date Joined Apr 2007 Total Posts : 32602	Posted 5/4/2007 7:46 PM (GMT -6)
	Dear Pete, Today is May 4th as I am sure you are very aware. The Night Before "Regardless of the results tomorrow I know I will be grateful for the path my life is taking. I know, somehow each event is connected to a plan that was laid out before I was born. Good or bad, I know tomorrow is the beginning of another interesting part of my existence while I am here. Thank you God for a most fascinating life." ~Author Unknown My thoughts and prayers are with you Pete. Respectfully Kitt RN CCRN, Critical Care and Emergency Department Manager for 26 years. *Depression 25 years, Husband Crohns Disease 30 years* *My Father and 5 siblings all died of Cancer. It is a subject close to my heart to help people with Cancer.* __________________________________________________ "*If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”* *Rosalyn Carter* Back to Top

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