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Posted 8/16/2007 7:04 PM (GMT -6)
Here is a little information board I put together for those new to the
topic of prostate cancer.
 
Thanks to mama bluebird and all of you who gave me enough information to put this together.

I hope this can be of some help to someone new.
Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one node, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous node
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA

Posted 8/16/2007 8:00 PM (GMT -6)
Great Blog! I'm glad you put it together.

A.
Posted 8/17/2007 12:04 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks Bluebird - very helpful to me as I go through the interview process with doctors.

CPB
Posted 8/17/2007 12:44 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks, AEG, cbp,
 
I told my friends it was therapeutic to put the little blog together while I'm healing from my surgery  :-)
 
All the best,
 
Idaho
Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one node, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous node
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA

Posted 8/17/2007 5:31 AM (GMT -6)

Idaho Survivor-Guy,

Thanks for your excellent blog and your most comforting work here.
It means a lot to "newbys" - and all of us!

Whenever I see your name, it reminds me how I'd love to be traversing the Selkirk Mountain Range & fishing in the Salmon River again with family, friends, and my shepherds...

Your Friend,

CCedar
ICTHUS!
2 Years of PSA between 4 and 5.5  + Biopsy 23DEC06 
Only 5 percent cancer in one of 8 samples.  +  Gleeson 3+3=6
Radical Prostatectomy 16FEB07 at age 54.
1+" tumor - touching inside edge of gland.  + Confined.  :)
Pad Free @ 14 weeks.  Six Month PSA <.003  :)
At 6 months, ED treated with Pump Exercises & 50mg Viagra Daily
Texas Hill Country FRESH Produce Department Manager
Have you had your 5 colors today?

Posted 8/17/2007 6:16 AM (GMT -6)
Idaho - Glad to see you are recovering so nicely. Your response has prompted me to ask question about your procedure that is really not meant for your topic. However, I am in process of selecting a surgeon to do Robotice. I have seen two of the best in USA -both over 1000 procedures. Yet, I am confused about the issue of lymph nodes removal/dissection during procedure. One of surgeons says will do node dissection as part of procedure while other one does not do node dissection unless he sees something. I see you had involvement in node. Did your surgeon do node dissection ?? By the way, who was your surgeon. I appreciate your input since I am still in a quandry and talking to other surgeons. Both surgeons give me plausible reasons for their approach. Thanks.

CPB
Posted 8/17/2007 9:58 AM (GMT -6)

Hi cbp,

That was my mistake for using the word "node."  I forgot it is a reference to lymph nodes as well. That's my problem of being an engineer, we use "node" for a lot of purposes :-)

I changed my signature to say "side" instead of node, meaning one "side" of the prostate.My surgeon said the decision to take lymph nodes would be done during surgery if they appeared to be abnormal.  The operative report does not say the lymph nodes were taken. I guess they don’t if they don’t think it is necessary to take them with the cancer confined to the prostate as per the biopsy report. 

I went by my doctor's advice, but since you're in the driver seat and are considering lymph node removal/dissection, I'd ask them the pros and cons.

I hope that helps!

Idaho

 

Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA

Post Edited (IdahoSurvivor) : 8/17/2007 9:23:58 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/17/2007 3:15 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks - I just returned from visiting another surgeon who has done over 1000 Robotic procedures. This is an interesting issue. Of the three surgeons I visited - all over 1000 Robotic procedures - 2 take lymph nodes in addition to the prostate while the other does not as in your case. Both state good reasons. Bottom line - taking lymph nodes for evaluation eliminates any doubt as to any node involvement. I was advised that even if Pca is encapsuled - there could be although statistically very small chance - in my case according to Sloan Kettering formula 1% that in lymph nodes. Who did your surgery ?? Thanks.
Gleason 6 (3+3) - PSA-2.7 - Age 66
Diagnosed July 23, 2007

Posted 8/17/2007 3:54 PM (GMT -6)

Hi cpb,

Dr. Fairfax did my surgery.  One of the four experienced Da Vinci Surgeons in Boise, Idaho and recommended by my doctor and surgical nurse friends. 

You can easily find Da Vinci trained surgeons in your area by going to http://www.davincisurgery.com/ and then by using the "Find a Da Vinci surgeon feature." 

All you need is your zip code.

I don't know why doctors decide to keep the lymph nodes in, but perhaps they want the lightest invasion possible during surgery to avoid further complications.

Good luck in your search!

All the best,

Idaho

 

Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA

Posted 8/17/2007 7:24 PM (GMT -6)
tongue   Hi ~ cpb....  You are so very welcome!!!  yeah  
You've had some powerful responses to your thread.... 
Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as you continue to move forward…
In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

 

v          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

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

3rd PSA 08-07-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Posted 8/17/2007 7:25 PM (GMT -6)

  :-)   Dear Idaho,

 

“All that you are reaches out and touches others in every-widening circles of friendship”

 

Thank you for touching our lives…  “You” have just added to the Power of  HealingWell …

 

WOW!!!  Your blog is fantastic and I’m so glad to see that you added it to your signature line!!   Thank you for “You”….. 

 

Keeping you and your family… close in thoughts and prayers… each and every~day.

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

 

Personal thread started by Idaho Survivor

08-08-07  New Guy Who Chose Surgery via Da Vinci

 

Posted 8/17/2007 8:47 PM (GMT -6)

Gee bluebird,

You're welcome, but I'm a little embarrassed. redface

I'm just following the lead from the great people already here, including yourself, who have helped me tremendously in my early journey!

Anyway I can help, I'll continue to do so.

You are our fearless leader!

Nice to hear from you.

All the best,

Idaho

Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA
Posted 8/17/2007 10:16 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks Idaho and Bluebird. This is a great forum. Hopefully, I will have some meaningful input for those searching for answers as I go through this journey. I am fortunate to have selected some great doctors to visit. However, I may be overloading with information. Right now I am focused on issue relating to removal of lymph nodes during Robotic procedure. Perhaps I should start a new thread and pose the queston to all and find out there experiences with this issue. Those doctors that do not remove lymph nodes base it on the low likelihood of spread to lymph nodes which outweighs risk of complications of procedure; while others such as Menon and his disciples do lymph node dissection as part of procedure to determine if any lymph node involvement even if Pca is encapsuled. This issue is weighing heavily on my mind and decision on which surgeon to use AND the three doctors are great.
Gleason 6 (3+3) - PSA-2.7 - Age 66
Diagnosed July 23, 2007

Posted 8/18/2007 12:04 AM (GMT -6)

Hi cpb,

 

I think you're right.  You may be getting overloaded with all the advice, suggestions that the doctors and the forum are providing you.

 

Maybe you need to take sometime to breathe and smell the roses and clear your head   yeah  

 

In the end, it is best to do what you feel the most comfortable with, regardless of what the various doctors or what we might say.  Only you and your loved ones will live with the decision.  With an emphasis on live!  :-)  

 

After the air is clear in your head, take the decision making process at a pace that is best for you.  Unless the doc says different, there is probably not a big rush.  My doc said I could delay my surgery for 4-6 months.  One doc said, just get a treatment this year (2007).

 

When it came time to make a decision, I decided on surgery for a little more than two months out from my biopsy.  I scheduled it just to make a decision in a direction for which I felt generally comfortable.  That way, for me, the decision was "done" for the moment.  I could relax somewhat and had time to change the decision.  

 

I continued to look at other options and compare them with my original decision.  I sought out second and third opinions from doctors and from some of my friends who are nurses having experience with other treatments.  I got confirmation for my original decision, but was willing to change if needed.  Everyone is different, and this is just a suggestion for when your decision time comes about.

 

You're thinking about all the right stuff.

 

All the best,

 

Idaho

Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA
Posted 8/18/2007 6:20 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks Idaho - I will take your advice. I am already doing some of things you have suggested. Will be looking at other options and have scheduled surgery for mid October. For now, I will take a deep breath.

CPB
Gleason 6 (3+3) - PSA-2.7 - Age 66
Diagnosed July 23, 2007

Posted 8/18/2007 9:28 AM (GMT -6)
'Sounds good, cpb,

Enjoy that long, deep breath with friends and family!

Idaho
Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate, <5% volume
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6, <1% volume
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA
Posted 8/20/2007 10:44 PM (GMT -6)
Hi...read your blog...very bright and insightful...good job...most of all, thank you for reaching out. God Bless you. I used to be a flight attendant and flew to Boise quite often. I love your beautiful state.  Take care, Annie
Posted 8/20/2007 11:11 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Annie,

 

I love your user name (oakley)!  Thank you for your kind comments. 

 

I've updated the web site quite a bit in the last few days to make it more useful and "brighter."  I tried to make it as bright as possible for those impacted by this particular disease.

 

I've read some of your posts on other groups.  Thank you for brightening the days of others struggling to better their health!

 

I hope you get a chance to come back to Boise/Idaho sometime (after the fire season is over).  :-)

 

All the best,

 

Idaho

Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA
Posted 8/21/2007 8:55 AM (GMT -6)
Idaho, just checked out your blog. Great job! Resources like this are so important, especially in those first few days after getting the bad news. Thanks for putting the time and effort into this.
Puget
60 years old
Dx March 2007
Pre-Surgery Gleason 3+3 = 6
Clinical Stage: T1c
Biopsy: 1 in 10 positive
Da Vinci: June 7, 2007 
Post-Surgery Gleason 3+3 = 6
   Clear at margins
First Post-PSA Sept 07

Posted 8/21/2007 11:10 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks, puget.  I'm glad you like it!  It has been kinda fun for me to do and I put more into it in the last 3 days. 
 
Also, If you or anyone has any suggestions of how to make it better or more inviting (other than offering cash prizes), you guys are the experts!  If you like, you could post here or just use the e-mail link at the left of my posts.
 
All the best,
 
Idaho
Age: 54
PSA: 4.3
Biopsy: T1c, 3+3=6, 2 pos. samples in one side of prostate
Da Vinci 31 Jul 2007: saved nerve bundle on side of non-cancerous side
Final pathology: Confined to prostate, T2a, 3+3=6
Working to get back into good shape
Waiting to take that first post-op PSA
Posted 8/21/2007 11:25 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Guy !!!    Hope you have a wonderful day...a little birdie told me you deserved it.  Keep the faith , keep the hope flowing and always keep the light on.... someone might be trying to find ya , lol . Annie
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