Decision Made

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

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Age 72. Diagnosed 11/03/06. PSA 7.05. Stage T2B Gleason 3+3.

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

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

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 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 (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 :)

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.

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, 

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Diagnosed 1/26/07

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

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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!!! 

ahhh ok got it :)

best wishes with your surgery.

Tanya

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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.

Dear Pete,

Today is May 4th as I am sure you are very aware.

The Night Before