Dear Paul1959: There are times when the open procedure is recommended by robotic surgeons. I can't say I am aware of all the reasons, but I've heard the leaner you are the easier the procedure for...
RTR: Your thoughts are common....we all have them. However, for those of us who have been down the road, the time comes and goes in a hurry. Before you know it, you'll be back doing the same things...
Chasn: I would check out MD Anderson. Don't know the surgeons there by name, but the facility is one of the best....
Walt: I remember my first day home after open surgery. Took about two hours, by air, to get home from the surgery venue. It was a Saturday, Aug. 5, 06, to be exact. Got home around noon. Assumed the...
Cheryl: To clarify some myths out there, here's the skinny on my open procedure a little over a year ago: 1. Surgery took ONE HOUR 2. NO transfusion (very little blood loss) 3. Discharged 48 hours...
The common experience of all is the surgeon will tout the procedure he performs. I have not found a surgeon who does them both. That's why I concluded a little over a year ago to choose my surgeon,...
Scott: I had the same question a little over a year ago when I was diagnosed at 50 with early stage Pca: open or robotic/lap? I assumed robotic/lap after reading the hype on the internet. I spoke to...
Eastham is an open expert....
CBP: Suggest you buy and read Patrick Walsh's recently revised book, "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" in which he discusses the A to Z of prostate cancer and treatment options, including the pros...
Dear 4Carl: I had open surgery this past August. Had a regular running regimen for 17 years in your distance range. Was told, which is also the rule of thumb, no heavy exercise for six weeks (running...
Naimnut: I've often wondered why I (age 50 at surgery) was one of the fortunate with very little continent issues after RRP at Hopkins this past August. I used one pad a day (on the bad days the pads...
A hospital's decision to buy a DaVinci is generally based upon financial reasons. Can the facility utilize the equipment and charge enough fees to generate a profit? That's why hospitals like the one...
Alex: You will not get out of shape while taking it easy for a few weeks. Rule of thumb: nothing strenuous for six weeks (10# lifting restriction). I run for exercise. Post-surgery, I walked instead...
Hey Survivor Wannabe: FYI, the open procedure witht an experienced surgeon is not bloody. Ask your prospective surgeon how many of his patients need a transfusion. The good ones keep track of these...
Full body bone scan only....
To Cynthia and David: I learned after extensive research that if you opt for surgery, your next #1 decision should be the surgeon, not the type of procedure. You want to make sure that your surgeon...
Cynthia: Mark Kawachi, City of Hope....
Walt: I'm glad we were able to clear things up for you. As Bluebird says, "knowledge is power". You now have the knowledge and the power to face the biopsy which many of us have had multiple times....
Walt: Remember me....the one who's been through four biopsies. You're getting a lot of responses that I think are causing you a lot of confusion. First, most guys have the biopsy done at the uro's...
Walt: I'm going to answer your questions: 1. No. It's not a big deal and does not take long. You're fine when it's over....you walk out of the office the same way you walk into the office. 2. No. You...
Gralestel: I'm your man for the answers to your questions. I had open surgery this past August at Hopkins (A. Partin, presiding), travelled via plane. At the outset, travelling for surgical treatment...
TY: Your continence recovery sounds a lot like mine. I had minimal drips after my RRP and four weeks of a single pad per day before I went padless for good. You'll be padless before me. You and I are...
Hey Kurt: I never thought much about the catheter. I used the big bag the entire time. No pain...no discomfort. Took my walks every day and carried the bag's holder in my hand (this was in August and...
Choice of Treatment: RRP Reasons why: 1. Age at diagnosis: 50 2. Stage: T1c 3. Gleason: 6 4. Chance of total cure: I determined best opportunity with surgery 5. Health (excluding prostate diagnosis):...
Mr. Markus: The choice of treatment is difficult for all of us. I was able to make my decision after significant reading of books/articles written by highly credentialed clinicians and academicians...
I concur. Mr. T always takes the time to express his sincere beliefs for the benefit of others....
I flew to Baltimore (about a two and a half hour flight) for the opportunity to be treated by whom I thought was an expert urologist in terms of clinical skill and academic brilliance b/c of what I...
Markus: Sounds like you are on the right track. Also nice you have an insurance network that provides a wide latitude of surgeons/hospitals. My pre-surgery PSA (4.9), age (50), Gleason (6), T1c,...
Dr. Joseph Smith was Mr. Tamu's urologic surgeon. What say you Mr. Tamu to Markus' inquiry?...
If you have a 13.8 PSA, you are at risk for PCa. At age 57, and in good health with an otherwise long life expectancy, I suggest you tell your urologist to schedule you for a prostate biopsy, not...
The Winter 2007 newsletter published by the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins had an article about hernias following prostatectomy. Below is the link to the article....
Researcher: Regaining continence is different with everyone. As my urolgist says, you just have to be patient. However, continence will return! During the period immediatley after catheter removal, I...
Dear Concerned Spouse: I recognize your husband's dilemma. I had a similar path report, although my PSA was 4.9. I was 50 at time of diagnosis, and had monitored the situation and underwent a total...
Norskie: It just takes a while for the urine color to clear up. You just had surgery the other day! It doesn't happen overnight! I can't remember exactly how long it took mine to clear up. But, it...
JWH: I agree with Lee and Buddy (we think alike often). Consider yourself lucky. You have appointments with two of the best. If you are going the sugery route, book a surgery with both and decide...
Barrister: Like Ben, I was at Hopkins with Partin. I agree with what Ben said about the after surgery care by the nurses on the 2nd floor of the Weinberg Building. I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Su...
When I was investigating, I had two robotic surgeons on the list: Menon and and Mark Kawachi at City of Hope in Duarte, CA (Los Angeles). However, I ultimately selected an open procedure surgeon, A....
Ben: Re your post to me this afternoon, I think you are right. Consult with AP after your three month post-surgery PSA. Go back to Baltimore and see him and his colleagues. That may make you feel...
Hey Ben: I understand your concern. If I were in your shoes, I would consult with the folks at Hopkins. You're Dr. Partin's patient. He's got the knowledge to give you the most authoritative advice...
Gralestel: Scardino is one of the top urologists in the country. You can't go wrong with him. If insurance is an issue, I would check ahead of time to make sure Memorial is in your network....
Ben: I'm a couple of years older than you and Partin was also my surgeon. Had RRP on 2 Aug. 06. The time to regain continence is different for everyone. However, sounds to me you are making progress....
Modog: If I was looking for the best in Boston, there's one urologist who stands above the rest: Jerome Richie at Dana-Farber Cancer Center. He's the most renowned in the area....
Researcher87: I am your age and had open surgery early August at Hopkins. While no one knows how each individual will recover, all we can do is share our experiences. Question #1: I'm sure your...
JJK: Return to work is different for each of us...depends on the type of job, how your recovery is progressing. I have an office job. Was able to do some work at home. Decided to return to the office...
B & C: If you're going to see Patrick Walsh on Jan. 4, there is no need to ask us any questions. He wrote the book. He'll have the answers to all of your questions, including those about the study...
Negative margins and nodes is the best path result you can ask for post-surgery. I anticipate a <0.1 PSA for you in a short period of time. No leakage after a day is a great sign. I anticipate...
Hey Rock: Hang in there. We all had some pain down there after surgery. It's just taking your pain a little longer to subside. Time for surgery varies due to procedure and surgeon. The rob/lap...
JJK: Like others have said, you are in good hands at Memorial. Your surgeon has a nurse who can provide invaluable assistance to you and answer any question you have, even after surgery. Make sure...
Tom: I agree with Aus. Selecting an "expert" with significant experience and exemplar credentials is the most important factor. After my research and discussion with knowledgable professionals, I...
BooMan: Sounds like you caught your problem very early. Gleason 3 + 3 is on the low side, which is good. I also was a Gleason 3 + 3. Decided to go for the best opportunity for a cure....surgery. I...