I'm on the Other Side

I had robotic surgery Thursday, 11/29 and I believe that all is going well. My surgery was scheduled for noon, but I did not go into the operating room until about 1:30 pm. The nurse had me walking the hall for the first time at 3:30 am, and I was released on Friday before 11 am. My doctor said that the surgery took about 2 hours and all went without any complications or surprises. I go back to have the catheter removed on Thursday or Friday of this coming week (7-8 days). Dr. Miller said that he would have the pathology report at that time.

I have been walking each day and feel that I am getting stronger. My urine has returned to its normal color. I have had minimal real pain, just some discomfort in the abdomen section. I took something for pain after getting home (2 hour car ride), but have only occasionally used Advil (my doctor's recommendation) since then. I don't have much of an appetite yet, but I sure was happy to have my first bowel movement this morning. My doctor had me take Milk of Magnesia, and he gave me the bowel movement as my weekend project.

As far as the catheter goes, I have found that I am more comfortable with the leg bag. I initially used boxers but have converted to briefs and find that they help to stabilize the tube and minimize the tugging of the catheter.

I am thankful to have reached this point in my journey. My family and friends have meant so much to me and my wife. My wife of 39 years (on 11/30) is remarkable. I feel truly blessed. I did have to ask her yesterday when she was helping me change catheter bags if she knew what she was getting into when she said yes 39 years ago.

Thanks to everyone that has posted on this site. The information, personal experiences, and support have been invaluable.

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Walter

Age 58
10/06 - 1st PSA ever - 4.6
11/06 - PSA retake - 5.3
12/06 - Biopsy, 12 cores - negative
7/07 - PSA - 9.0
7/07 - PSA 13.8 (after 10 days antibiotics)
8/07 - Biopsy, 12 cores, 1 positive @1%; Gleason 3+3=6
9/17/07 - Bone scan - negative
9/18/07 - CT scan - negative
10/12/07 - John Hopkins recheck of biopsy slides Gleason 3+3=6
Da Vinci surgery scheduled for 11/29/07

Congrats on your successful passage to the healing side.  Now relax, let time and nature run its course in healing you.  I'm glad yo have had an uneventual trip so far....

It's good to hear that you are recovering well from your prostatectomy, Walter!  You're making enviable progress, way ahead of the normal recovery curve.

Hi Triker. Glad to see you on the other side. Walking will help you but don't overdo it. Your body will let you know. Just take it easy and don't do too much. You will feel so good it will be easy to do. Take care and I hope you pathology will be good too.

Mika

Good to hear you're doing so well. Keep up the good work; don't overdo, or lift and keep us posted on your pathology report and recovery.
;o) Linda & Bob

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Bob (61) - Laproscopic Prostate Removal Sept 27, 2006.

Hi triker,

Glad to hear all is going well! Keep up the great recovery, and give your wife a gentle hug :)

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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.

Hey triker,

Nice to see you on "the other side!"  'So glad to hear you're on the mend.  You've taken a big step to healing.  The Milk of Magnesia can be very helpful, but don't strain yourself too much.  You had a lot of work done down there and you want it to heal the way the doc left it

It also sounds like you hit the jackpot in finding your bride 39 years ago.  What a gem!

Stay close and we're looking for a good path report this coming week!

Kind regards!

Barry

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"Idaho" ~ Barry

 

Da Vinci Surgery July 31, 2007… 54 on surgery day
PSA 4.3  Gleason 3+3=6  T2a  Confined to Prostate

1st PSA 0.04 (undetectable) 9/11/2007

My web site: http://pca-info.blogspot.com

Welcome to the other side of the bridge, triker!  It appears you're on your way to an excellent recovery. Keep walking, but don't over due it.

Hi Triker,

Welcome to the 'other side'. Funny, my hubby found briefs more comfortable than boxers whilst he had his catheter in too. We're now 18 months post surgery and last PSA was a big fat zero.

Wish you and your good lady well as you travel the recovery road together. We celebrate 30 years together next year and if my hubby were to ask me the same question ("I did have to ask her yesterday when she was helping me change catheter bags if she knew what she was getting into when she said yes 39 years ago.") the answer would most definitely be "NO" but would I say "YES" again, even with the benefit of hindsight? YOU BETCHA!!!!

Take care of each other!!

Little Jem