You will be fine. Just be sure to do what the Doctor says. From my experience, you can get in trouble if yoy try to do too much too soon. You are in my prayers. Ed...
Tamu: Thanks for the quick reply. Question: Is your PSA .002 and .003 OR 0.02 and 0.03? I have never heard of a PSA to three decimal points!!! I recognize that the statistical undetectable threshold...
I am turning to this great group because I know you can help relieve my anxiety. I keep reading from comments about a PSA of "zero" and this makes me worried. My PSA results: .02 after 6 weeks; .01...
How do you know or what question should you ask to determine if the test is "ultrasensitive" If my results were 0.02 and 0.01 does it automatically mean it is an ultrasensitive test? Thanks in...
I had a biopsy one week after recommended by my doctor. It was scheduled when my doctor recommendd it. I had read all the bad things about a biopsy but there was no pain. I am convinced that part of...
Your reaction/feelings are normal. I was a nervous wreck but did all my studying about the disease before I got the biopsy results. I was therefore prepared to make a well informed decision when the...
Hi KMC 51 Everyone is "wired differently" and therefore different people will make different decisions given the exact same data. For me, I am very analytical and looked at the probabilities. I...
Bill; My doctor told me that all labs are different. Therefore it is important to get all your PSA tests from the same Lab. Under .1 seems to be the gold standard and different labs will report .1...
The key to my success was getting in the best physical shape possible before the surgery. After surgery I did things slow and easy and knew when my body would say "no". No cafeine or alcohol helped....
The "success" to my recovery was that I got into excellent physical condition before surgery. After surgery I was walking for two hours in the hospital (Four 30 minute walks) the next day. Back to...
Dave: Great news The incontinence will get better. Keep doing the Kegels and exercise. I played 18 holes of golf at end of week five and down to 1-2 pads a day. Besides the surgeon, I believe my...
David: Glad to hear things are going well. Just do exactly what the doctor says and your recovery should go quickly. Ed...
Thank you for all you have done to help me and others. It definitely made my life easier. Ed...
I have read numerous messages concerning "acceptable" PSA after surgery but can not find any central threads on this subject. Many of you use the term "undetectable" but I am not sure what an exact...
After surgery, I have been told to make sure that all PSA samples come from the same lab. You can have differences in the PSA level based on the "equipment" that a lab has. Regards before surgery, I...
Also, make sure you get a detailed copy of your Pathology Report. Ed...
I have now moved on to the next phase in my journey - Incontinence. Since I have no standard or previous experience, I hope this wonderful group can help. Here is my current situation - I am 9 days...
I have mentioned this is other posts but I found it very helpful to get in the best physical shape possible. I worked out 2-3 hours a day on abs, upper body strength and cardio including a one hour...
Have a great and enjoyable vacation. You have helped me so much with my journey. Ed...
I believe that exercise is the key right now. I worked out 2-3 hours every day and it really paid off. I lost 30 pounds which I needed to do anyway. Upper body strength ( to help move), abs, and...
The responses you are getting are excellent. What a wonderful group that is willing to share their ideas/thoughts/concerns. Research, research, research is what I had to do. We are all wired...
Hi Phil2: We are all "wired differently" so I believe it is important for each of us to make our own decisions. I could not wait to make a decision. I did all the research before I had the biopsy...
Hello Oldfordlover: Sorry for your news. Research, research, research is what I did. Unfortunately there is no "magic answer" so you need to do the research and make a decision that YOU are...
NJ60 As you can tell from my thread, I was at the Cleveland Clinic for DaVinci. Since I have no "reference" other than this Group, I have a very hard time determining how I am doing. One of my key...
I had DaVinci on April 16. Cathter removed Day 8. Each day I am getting better. I believe key to my success was to GO SLOW and be very careful with my diet. All food was concentrated on soft bowl...
Catheter & Stomach Drain removed yesterday (Day 8). Also, Pathology Report ALL GOOD. This journey for me so far has been without significant incident. Some of that is do to the help/support from...
I agree with the previous comments. It is very much a personal decision and you must be comfortable. I have no idea what a standard minimal number of surgeries to be proficient is but I suspect it is...
I continue to have a tough time sleeping through the night. I am walking 2 - 3 hours a day and I know I am getting better every day but just getting a little frustrated. Tuesday go for tests and...
Has my first bowl movement today (day 4)!!!!! Only you guys would undrstand how exciting that was. I worked very hard on my diet so it would be an easy "pass through" and it was. Now another worry:...
The local medical community told me "not to worry" and that my statistics were normal for 63. However, at the Cleveland Clinic the FIRST comments from the Doctor were to schedule a biopsy. I was very...
Curt & Vicky: This is a great place/forum. Some of the best advice I got was to make sure you were in the best physical shape possible as well as mental and spiritual shape. As far as physical -...
A new question/worry. 3 days after surgery and I still have the JP drain in. However, nothing is going into the bag. I have a little leakage at the incision but nothing significant. Is this an...
On The Other Side!!!!! Surgery went very well. End of day 2, I have had a bowl movement and am passing gas. Have been discharged from the hospital with catheter removal scheduled for Tuesday April...
Well - 22 hours until I go into the hospital for DaVinci. When I saw the "Group Hug" message I just lost it. All of your support has meant so much to me. I have worked very hard to prepare for this...
Well - Had a full day of tests at the Cleveland Clinic today. They said I was in excellent health for 63 and gave the OK for the surgery. Still very scared but very much resolved to go through with...
Well - Today is the day we go to Clveland. A little anxious but know I am doing the right thing. I have worked very hard and prepared the best I can. It is now in God's hands. Thank you all for your...
Good Morning Everyone: I continue to read and reread all the posts. It is very comforting to know that you are all out there giving me excellent advice and praying for me. Tomorrow (Thursday) we...
Good Morning Everyone: 7 days until my surgery and I have to be honest that right now (8 A.M.) I am having a tough time. Sometimes it is very hard to stop crying. Anyone have a "magic solution" to...
Piano Man - You claim to be the "ultimate, neurotic anxiety-ridden worrier" but I must question this given my personality!!! Seriously, I want to thank everyone for their help and support on this...
Good Morning Everyone: Just finished my exercise routine and thought I would "vent" a little. 9 days from now I have my surgery. As one of my friends who has had the DaVinci said to me yesterday -...
One of the best pieces of advice I got was take care of yourself - physical, mental and spiritual. I exercise for 90 minutes each morning before I do anything else and do a power walk every afternoon...
I forgot to mention in my last post the PSA history which caused the biopsy: 2.62 1/07; 1.84 3/05; 1.52 2/04; 1.6 6/00; 1.7 8/99 1.4 4/98 Ed...
WOW!!! What a wonderful feeling as I reread all the postings. Yes I cry and I am scared but you have all helped me as I await the surgery. I have been asked to explain my comment "pushing the...
Regards PSA tests after surgery: What is the "normal" time for the first test (I have heard both 6 weeks and 3 months). Then how frequently after that given the results are good? Thanks in advance. Ed...
I have tears in my eyes as I am trying to express my gratitude for all the wonderful responses. It is just overwhelming to me to know that there are so many fantastic people out there who are willing...
Tamu: Thank you for your quick excellent reply. A friend told me 6 weeks ago that my priorities should be physical, mental and spiritual. I am in the best physical shape ever - exercise 1 hour a day...
I have been an avid reader of this group for the last couple of months with a few comments. I am scheduled for DaVinci at the Cleveland Clinic on Monday, April 16. I am very emotional and must admit...
I understand your anesthesia issues. When you are in your pre-op interviews, ask to talk to an anesthesiologist and ask all your questions/issues. That should help relieve your anxiety. Ed...
I am very afraid of pain. When I had my biopsy I was very scared. There was absolutely no pain or discomfort. The only thing I felt was two tiny "pricks" when they did the anesthetic. The...
Walt: I see one surgeon who did the analysis, biopsy and will do the DaVinci surgery on April 16. Dr. Jihad H. Kaouk Director, Robotic Urologic Surgery Cleveland Clinic He is out of the hospital...