Just an update....had DaVinci on 6/26. My psa just before the surgery had jumped to 10.1 After surgery, the Dr. said they initially didn't find anything so they sent it to John Hopkins (wouldn't let me keep it ). Hopkins found more...but it was in their hands now.
My recovery has been bumpy, but now I'm down to a few dribbles normally towards the end of the day. ED has been an on/off issue. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Tried Viagra, but the side effects put me in bed sick. Cialis is a little better. Also have tried the pump...and I'll leave it at that. I believe that with time I should heal to near 100%.
The GREAT news is my PSA results came today and it was less than .1 YIPEEEEE!!
I just had a psa 2 weeks ago and it was undetectable!
Aaron
DaVinci Surgery on 6/26/06
PSA 3.8 to 10.2 just before surgery
Gleason 3+3
June 21, 2007Quote from reply post to CaliforniaCA
Welcome to the best site for information and support!! The questions, thoughts, fears, and anger are shared by many. Don't hesitate to post and ask.
I was 42 when I was diagnosed. It was devastating.......but I asked my girlfriend to marry me 2 weeks later...and she said yes! The trip has been long and tiring, but on the 26th it will be 1 year since my surgery and my psa is undetectable still! I went through the mind jumble--have it done---wait--have it done--wait--have it done--wait and had the DaVinci done due to my age. (Don't forget to freeze some if you still want to have more children later).
I can honestly say that I'm glad I did it! Imagine the fear of knowing that it was there (even the smallest bit) and may be spreading without you knowing it.
Have faith, relax, and give yourself time to think......
Aaron
Aaron ~ I'm glad you shared this information with us. We are thrilled to hear about your PSA results and just have to send a special WooHoo.... We were really new to the forum when you had your surgery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you head into Year #2...
I'm 43 and getting ready to go through the DiVinci at Duke. My surgery is July 31st so your experience story is helping greatly. I am trying to work out as much as possible to get ready for the surgery and I'm going kegals everytime I pee and some in between. Thanks for the list of things and I am not looking forward to the catheter for the same reason but I have 4 dogs. I keep visualizing the dogs playing keep away with the bag - ouch. How many weeks were you out of work? I'm in construction sales - no heavy lifting but I'm either driving meeting builders or sitting in front of a computer so I' m curious how long I might be looking at.Age 44
ARB, I was 43 at diagnosos and open RRP. My only advice would be to find a Bio-Feedback therapist that can help you isolate the pelvic floor muscles. I found out about it too late. I think I pretty much waisted 7 months doing the Kegeals wrong.
Good Luck with your Journey!
KW 43
PSA 5.7 - Discovered during Annual Physical with Family Practice Dr.
Gleason 7
Biopsy - 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate
RRP on Oct. 17, 2006 - Nerves on right side saved.
All Lab's clear. No Cancer outside prostate
Cathiter in for 3 weeks due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006
First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006 Undetectable 0.00
Office visit on Jan. 19th due to continued excessive urine leakage.
Feb.20th Cystoscope and 2nd Post Op PSA. Another 0.00.....:)
Dr. said everything looks fine. Continue to work Kegeal's. Leaking appears to have improved after Cystoscope?!?!?! Down to 3-4 pads per day!
March 1st Leaking has crept back up to 6 - 8 pads a day ???????
March 8th Started Detrol LA to see if it helps with the leaking?
March 29th Collagen injection into sphincter / bladder neck area to control excessive leaking. Worked for a couple of days then back to leaking.
April 17th (Six Months Post Op) 2nd Collagen Injection to control excessive leaking. Leaking started back next day at work!
May 14th Second Opinion about my leaking and Options at OU Medical Center. After reviewing my records the Dr. feels I will probably need some surgical intervention to stop my leaking. But did agree to try Bio-Feedback and work hard on the Kegeal's first!
May 30th Follow up with my Dr. and 3rd Post Op PSA 0.00 agian!!!
June 1st Start Bio-Feedback to try to control my leaking.
Don't give up! I firmly believe that preparing yourself, doing the kegals prior to surgery, and keeping a positive/open mind will get you through this! If you are new to this, I suggest reading the posts and going to the Livestrong website---they have a 3-ring manual (cost only $9.00 for shipping). The manual is a life organizer and time saver. It includes subsections for doctor visits, test results, meds, your 'journal', finances, and more. It helped me keep everything organized and is still helping with my recovery.
I was back to work after 9 weeks. Probably could have gone back sooner, but they had to cut the mesh from two hernias and repair so I basically had the prostate removed and a double-hernia done at the same time. Just remember to give yourself time.....nothing else matters but your family and your health!
). Hopkins found more...but it was in their hands now. 
