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Posted 5/19/2007 1:40 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Folks,

 

Had my surgery Thur 5/17 at 7:45am. Surgery was about 2 1/2 hours and I was awake and in my room by noon. Everything went very well and my surgeon said that it appears the PC was confined within the prostate. I was up and walking by early evening. My stomach was sore but I felt very good otherwise. I spent most of the second day walking around the hospital and outside on the adjoining grounds. Had several small meals on day 2 which were pretty darn good for hospital food (being really hungry probably helped). They discharged me at 6pm on Fri and we headed back to the hotel. 

 

Pain so far is very manageable. I took some Tylenol last night but have not needed anything today. I have been drinking allot of water and passing lot's of pretty clear urine. I'm taking Senna Plus to soften my stools and had a wonderful BM this morning. LIFE IS GOOD!

 

I believe the prayers and positive energy you sent me made a tremendous difference. The information I learned from everybody here made this experience so mush easier than it ever would have been otherwise. You helped me select a world class surgeon and hospital. You told me what to expect at every stage of this process and helped me overcome fear. You suggested I carry the catheter bag around in a small plastic bucket and a bunch of other simple small things that are making recovery so much easier.

 

I'm going to stay near the hospital until the cath is removed (next Wed) and a few days more just to be sure and then fly home. The fear and doubts creep back in on occasion but for the most part I remain very positive. I'll keep checking in here to help keep up the positive attitude.

 

Cheers,

Joe

Age: 51

PSA  Jun06  4.1  (PSA Jun05  1.2)   DRE negative

1st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer

2nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive

Stage T1c   Gleason  3+3=6

DaVinci scheduled for 5/17/07

Post Edited (Joes411) : 5/19/2007 2:13:58 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/19/2007 1:52 PM (GMT -6)
Congrats, Joe! Sounds like you're going to be a textbook case and those are so great to see! It's certainly a compilation of everyone's experiences that are such a help, that's for sure.

Take very good care of yourself the next few days and let the healing get a good hold.
Husband age 66
PSA on 5/1/06: 4.2 (had doubled in 13 mos. and rising monthly)
DaVinci Surgery 8/2/06 - Austin, TX w/Dr. Randy F.A.G.I.N.
T2a (at biopsy)
At pathology - cancer cell leakage into fatty tissue
Post-Surgical PSA on 10/3/06 - undetectable!
Update: 11/1/06 - perhaps bladder neck involvement; 30%-50% chance of recurrence
Future: PSA tests twice-yearly for now - Next one: 4/17/07
 

Posted 5/19/2007 1:55 PM (GMT -6)
Joe - Such good news! Glad everything went well! You are now officially on "the other side", and heading in the right direction . . that of healing and being PC-free! Yahooooooooo! yeah yeah yeah
Bob (61) had laproscopic prostate surgery on Sept 27, 2006 - 2/12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6. Follow up PSA results and pathology results received Nov 14th are NO MORE CANCER! Gleason changed to a 3 + 4; cancer completely confined to prostate; (even a second more aggressive, previously undetected cancer) PSA UNDETECTABLE November 2006 AND February 2007.


Bob also takes Hydroxyurea to control Polycythemia (elevated red & white cells & platelets) has secondary condition . . Myelofibrosis) -- If anyone has experience or knowledge of these, please post us

Posted 5/19/2007 4:19 PM (GMT -6)
Joe- Great news, sounds like you are on the path to full recovery. As you know Im out two weeks yesterday and im feeling great. No problem with incontinence, no pain to speak of. You know where to find us if you have any questions or concerns that we can help with. If you look on my post
"Home from the hospital" I have a little blurb on what getting the catheter out entailed (Ithink the date is the 11th or 12th) All the best, peace. Pete
Diagnosed 1/26/07
Stage Tc1
Gleason 6
PSA 3.8
12 samples, positive in one 15%
Age 51
Surgery (robotic) May 4 2007 City of Hope
Procedure uneventful
Biopsy - 1% involvement, no bladder neck, Gleason 3+3, Tc1

Posted 5/19/2007 7:00 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Joe - so wonderful to see things are moving right along for you, that's great! Your surgery sounds textbook - that's what we like to see.
Do remember, even though you're doing so well, not to over do. Take care of 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 distant lymph node involvement Start HT Lupron 3 mo. shots
12/06/06: PSA 0.8
03/07/07 - PSA 0.3

Posted 5/19/2007 7:28 PM (GMT -6)

Yea!!!  Joe,

 

Wonderful news…. Nice thread!!!  :-)   Thank you for giving such good details to your travel down this path.  Each journey is the same and Each journey is different….  Thank you for sharing!!!

 

It has been a pleasure following you and we thank you for allowing us to travel with you!  Thank you for taking “our hands” and now your hands are extended to others.

 

Keeping you extra close as you stay on this wonderful stepping-stone “healing/recovery”

and continue to take care to not over- do-it!…  Please continue to update us…Okay!!!!  yeah  

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

 

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

J  We invite you to visit our personal thread:  Click Here:  “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 :)

Posted 5/19/2007 8:14 PM (GMT -6)

Joe.   I am glad things went well for you and your surgery.  May the road to complete recovery go smooth too.  Counting down to May 30.

 

mvesr

Posted 5/20/2007 2:11 AM (GMT -6)
Joe,

You sound like you are in great spirits and doing fantastic! Thanks for checking in ... always great to hear good news :)

Tanya
Age: 63
Diagnosed: 10/30/06
PSA: 3.7 (2005: 3.4, 2004: 4.0)
Biopsy: 1/10 cancerous, 5% of one core, right apex.
Gleason: 3+3=6
Da Vinci: April 10, 2007, Denver CO
Path results: 1% of prostate involved. Very small tumors on both right and left apex. Negative margins, negative seminal vessicles, lymph nodes left intact. Gleason upgraded 3+4=7.
1st PSA Results: May 11, 2007 <.01
 

Posted 5/20/2007 2:22 AM (GMT -6)
Excellent news!! Do what these folks are telling you and take it easy! Let someone take care of you and let yourself heal and you'll do great. Take it from me... don't lift anything!!! nono
I sure do wish I had found this site pre-surgery!! RRP 10/25/05 I don't remember all the scores. Have had clean checks ever since. Never had to use the pads!!

Posted 5/20/2007 10:43 AM (GMT -6)

Joe,

I am so hapy that you are through the surgery and it went well for you. Your right "Life is Good"

Please accept my support for a smooth recovery.

 

Respectfully
Kitt

Moderator Prostate Cancer
My Father and his 5 siblings all died of 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

Posted 5/20/2007 11:34 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks everyone. It's great to be on the other side of surgery.

It's now 3 days since surgery. I'm feeling pretty good again today, up and walking about but taking it VERY slow and easy as advised. I am back on my normal diet and the morning coffee ritual keeps the catherer bag humming.

I took 2 tylenol last night before bed, that was the only pain med I needed yesterday. The primary pain is the "1000 sit-up" stomach soreness I have heard about many times from folks here. As long as I can keep from coughing or sneezing it's not a big deal.

I'm cleaning the incisions with plain soap and water in the shower as advised by my nurses. I put a bandage on the JP Drain incision but I leave the Davinci incisions uncovered to heal.

Going to have to cut back a bit on the stool softener, enough said there.

I switched legs for the cath strap yesterday afternoon. Seemed like a good idea to roate legs to switch the pressure from one side of the penis to the other. It actually made my penis feel a litte sore at first but feels fine now.

That's all for now.

Joe

Age: 51

PSA  Jun06  4.1  (PSA Jun05  1.2)   DRE negative

1st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer

2nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive

Stage T1c   Gleason  3+3=6

DaVinci scheduled for 5/17/07

Posted 5/20/2007 12:03 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Joe
So glad you are doing so well. Bob too didn't really feel much pain after his surgery. however, I would notice him getting kind of grey and "peak-ed" looking and often it was the "unfelt pain" causing it all (we all have different tolerance levels) and a couple of tylenol would remedy that. So, if you feel a bit "weathered" without feeling pain, resort to the tylenol.

Once the catheter (we like to call it Mr. Hang) comes out you may find your coffee intake affects whether or not you leak, or how much.

Wishing you continued good healing.

;o) Linda & Bob
Bob (61) had laproscopic prostate surgery on Sept 27, 2006 - 2/12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6. Follow up PSA results and pathology results received Nov 14th are NO MORE CANCER! Gleason changed to a 3 + 4; cancer completely confined to prostate; (even a second more aggressive, previously undetected cancer) PSA UNDETECTABLE November 2006 AND February 2007.


Bob also takes Hydroxyurea to control Polycythemia (elevated red & white cells & platelets) has secondary condition . . Myelofibrosis) -- If anyone has experience or knowledge of these, please post us

Posted 5/20/2007 12:14 PM (GMT -6)
Way to go, Joe! Welcome to the other side! Your are right to take it real easy. I had a cold right after I got home from surgery, and found it helped a lot to have a sofa pillow within reach. When I felt a sneeze or a cough coming on, I hugged it to my belly. It was a lot less painful for me that way.
Linda and Bob call the catheter "Mr. Hang." I hung mine inside a five gallon pail and carried it around the house that way. My kids refered to me as the "Bucket Man." It is a great day when that comes out!
Keep "Healing Well!"
Mike
June 2005 - Age 53 PSA 4.8 at regular physical
October 2005 - After several rounds of anti-biotics, PSA 5.2 at Urlogist
November 2005 - Biopsy negative
July 2006 - PSA 5.9 at regular Physical
October 2006 - After several more rounds of anti-biotics PSA 8.1
November 2006 - Second biopsy - Positive
December 2006 - Gleason (3+4=7), Tumor T1c, CT Scan and Bone Scan Negative
January 2007 Robotic Prostatectomy - Tumor confined but larger than thought, only one nerve able to be spared. Margins clear.
February 2007 - Three to four pads a day, no erection with viagara.
March 2007 - Down to two pads a day, had first intercourse with Erecaid pump and bands, otherwise still flat tire.
April 2007 - First Post-Surgical PSA 0.02 and a great relief! Down to one pad a day. Still unable to achive erection without pump. Patience..Patience!!!!!!

Posted 5/23/2007 10:57 AM (GMT -6)
Hey Joe- just checking in. How are things going for you?
Diagnosed 1/26/07
Stage Tc1
Gleason 6
PSA 3.8
12 samples, positive in one 15%
Age 51
Surgery (robotic) May 4 2007 City of Hope
Procedure uneventful
Biopsy - 1% involvement, no bladder neck, Gleason 3+3, Tc1

Posted 5/23/2007 11:13 AM (GMT -6)
Sounds great Joe! Keep up the good work. I went through a bottle of Senna Plus the month after my surgery and it was a great help. Better to be loose as a goose, than be constipated -- believe me.
Hang in there. Things will get better by the day.
Great to hear from ya!
Tom

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

Posted 5/23/2007 3:39 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Folks,

Just got back from my first follow up visit after the surgery. Blood work & Cystogram (you were right Pete) came back great but my pathology report had not come back yet so I have to wait until tomorrow for that.

And...... they pulled that darn catheter out - YAHOO!!! I'm going to burn my bucket tonight in celebration.

Coughed once as I walked out of the hospital and felt a small squirt. I now know what stress incontinence is firsthand. Other than that I have peed twice without any leaks in between. Pee stream is low volume and a little choppy right now and the muscles that drive all that are kind of sore.

Anybody else have a low volume choppy stream right after cath removal? Does it get strong again over time?

Cheers,
Joe

Age: 51

PSA  Jun06  4.1  (PSA Jun05  1.2)   DRE negative

1st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer

2nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive

Stage T1c   Gleason  3+3=6

DaVinci scheduled for 5/17/07

Posted 5/23/2007 5:02 PM (GMT -6)
Hey Joe- Always a great day when they pull out that cath! I hope it was just as I explained. Not much pain, the anticipation is worse that the real thing. Yes, at least for me, the stream gets better as you go along. First few days, a good few seconds then dribbles and drabs. Gets better as time progresses also the time between having to go gets better too. Remember your Kagels but dont overdo them. Let us know how the path report comes out, Im sure it will be fine so far we have been almost mirror images of each other.
 
Diagnosed 1/26/07
Stage Tc1
Gleason 6
PSA 3.8
12 samples, positive in one 15%
Age 51
Surgery (robotic) May 4 2007 City of Hope
Procedure uneventful
Biopsy - 1% involvement, no bladder neck, Gleason 3+3, Tc1

Posted 5/23/2007 7:45 PM (GMT -6)
Joe,

I'm with Pete. The stream will get better. Be thrilled you don't need the pad!! I know I was. I did find caffeine caused me to be more prone to stress leaks. It also caused my urge to be more frequent. Since I LOVE coffee, and can't drink it all day like I used to, I now buy really good coffee, hand grind it and just savor those 2 cups in the morning.
I sure do wish I had found this site pre-surgery!! RRP 10/25/05 I don't remember all the scores. Have had clean checks ever since. Never had to use the pads!!

Posted 5/23/2007 9:19 PM (GMT -6)
Joe,

Where did you have your treatment done? Your description sounds like what my Dr has told me to expect, and I'm headed Ohio State for DaVinci with Dr. V.Patel. I also will be in one night, discharged the next day, then staying local in a hospital for a week until cath removal.

Your story sounds pretty encouraging. Which is what I'm in need of right now.

M
Age, 53
PSA 3.76, Gleason 6, T1c, scans negative
psa doubling time 35 months
Still researching and deciding treatment options.  Leaning towards da vinci robotic.

Posted 5/24/2007 9:17 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks guys. Pee stream is improving already.

Naimnut, I had my surgery done at City of Hope hospital in Duarte, CA. Several active members here have gone there too (Pete42, PianoMan & TC-LasVegas to name a few). I am very pleased with how it's gone so far and I think that is largely attributed to the skill and extensive experience of my surgeon. BTW - I have read allot of positive stories about the skill and experience of Dr Patel at Ohio State.

Cheers,
Joe

Age: 51

PSA  Jun06  4.1  (PSA Jun05  1.2)   DRE negative

1st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer

2nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive

Stage T1c   Gleason  3+3=6

DaVinci scheduled for 5/17/07

Posted 5/24/2007 11:42 AM (GMT -6)
Joe,

I have been gone several days and just noticed your post. Sounds like you are following the path most of us Da Vinci guys have trod. The walking really helps. Your experience with the urine stream is exactly the same that I had. It does get better. In my case it was about four months post op when I felt that I was back to normal with my continence. The perineum aching should have hit by now. To me that was the most concerning feeling as it was never the same and kind of came and went over the first few months. The healing takes longer then you would think.

Welcome to the other side and being hangless!!

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
Began injections in April '07

Posted 5/25/2007 9:28 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks Tamu,

Yes, the perineum aching started an few days ago and kind of surprised me even though I heard allot about it. I had no perineum aching at all for 3-4 days and thought I might escape it (LOL). All in all though I feel pretty darn good and very lucky. I have had virtually no leaking for the two days since they removed my catheter. Pee stream is a little weak and choppy and I have to pee more frequently but no big deal.

Cheers,
Joe

Age: 51

PSA  Jun06  4.1  (PSA Jun05  1.2)   DRE negative

1st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer

2nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive

Stage T1c   Gleason  3+3=6

DaVinci scheduled for 5/17/07

Posted 5/25/2007 1:50 PM (GMT -6)
Joe - Hoping your path report was all good.
Diagnosed 1/26/07
Stage Tc1
Gleason 6
PSA 3.8
12 samples, positive in one 15%
Age 51
Surgery (robotic) May 4 2007 City of Hope
Procedure uneventful
Biopsy - 1% involvement, no bladder neck, Gleason 3+3, Tc1

Posted 5/25/2007 6:54 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks Pete. For some reason the Path report is taking longer than usual so I still don't have the final verdict. All the prelim indicators are that it will be fine so I'm not really worried. BUT, it would be nice to know for sure.

On a positive front I feel better every day. Not leaking at all so I went padless today. I'll continue to wear one to bed for a while just to be sure.

Cheers,
Joe

Age: 51

PSA  Jun06  4.1  (PSA Jun05  1.2)   DRE negative

1st Biopsy Nov06 – Atypical cells but no cancer

2nd Biopsy Jan07 – 1 of 16 cores positive

Stage T1c   Gleason  3+3=6

DaVinci scheduled for 5/17/07

Posted 5/25/2007 7:15 PM (GMT -6)
Maybe the pathology department all took off early for the holiday weekend! We called for mine 5 days out from surgery.

Congratulations on not leaking! Hoping to be where you are in that department very soon.
Curt
Age 52
Diagnosed 2/19/07
10 of 24 cores positive
Gleason 3+3=6 Changed to Gleason 7 after surgical pathology
PSA:3.3
DaVinci Prostatectomy May 11, 2007 at Univ. of Mich. Hospital
Stage: T2a
Pathology: May 16 - Cancer confined to prostate, Margins, Lymph & Seminal Vesicles all CLEAR!
Father and Uncle had prostate cancer

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