What questions should we ask?

Hi Maria Teresa,
You might ask the following as well...
1> If you perform the procedure, will you be removing lymph nodes and testing them for cancer?
2> If the LN appear positive would you still remove the prostate?
3> Given your husbands Gleason, what additional therapies would you suggest after surgery?

Dr. Menon is one of the top surgeons in the world and I would guess the first two are yes and he may suggest HT and radiation on the last one.

Tony

Hi Maria Terese,

The "malecare" link that AEG gave you has very good information.

Here is a list of questions that I found and used when I visited my doctor:

• Based on your experience, why is this the right approach for me?

• Do you plan to employ a nerve-sparing technique with the aim of conserving my ability to get an erection following surgery?

• What level of success have you had in preserving potency (ability to get an erection) in your patients following surgery?

• What about preserving urinary continence (bladder control)?

• What will you do if you find cancer outside of my prostate during the surgery?

• Will that change my prognosis and future treatment?

• Do I need to be concerned about blood loss during the surgery? Should I store my blood or get my family and friends to donate blood in case it is needed?

• What can I expect following the surgery in terms of recovery time? How long will it be before I can return to my normal activities?

• What are the likely or possible side effects of the surgery, both short-term and long-term?

• What will we do to monitor my prostate cancer following the surgery?

'Hope that helps!

Idaho

Regarding your question on nerve sparing and leaving cancer behind:

Surgeon's priority is to remove all cancer. He would not leave a nerve if that would also involve leaving cancer.