Pre-op jitters

Diseases & Conditions Prostate Cancer
1
Hi all,
 
Surgery coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 8th.  Just back from pre-op appointment.  No real surprises as I have been very well informed fom all of you.  I did keep my summer busy so not too think much about the surgery, but now it is only a few days away, can't help but think about it.  No one told me about the day before surgery that you have to drink only fluids and take medication to clean out your system.  My surgery is not until the next day at 12:30 so basically two days without food.  I guess I will loose the last 5 pounds I wanted to.
 
I will be cancer free soon (hopefully).  The interesting part, unlike most, I have a normal PSA of 1.4  (normal meaning less than 4).  I guess it should be less than 0 after surgery. I was told about 20% of prostate cancers will not show up as an elevated PSA test.  The nodule they felt (biopsy showed Gleason score of 6) and the low PSA, can sometimes indicate a more aggressive cancer.  That reaffirmed my decision to do surgery and am thankful my routine physical caught it.  They told me the number one thing is to get the cancer out, next to get control of my bladder (they think less than 3 months), and then they promised to be aggressive with helping me get back to normal erections.  They made it clear that they will save the nerves but still those guys will be traumitzed and takes time to heal.  They hope to start to see signs of improvement after 6 months, but can take up to 2 years for complete recovery.  I have my younger age (41) on my side so I will hope for the best.  I just mean probably better recovery from surgery than if I was 65.  Of course I would have other options if I were 65.
 
Thanks for everyone's willingness to share their personal stories, experiences, and your support.  Glen, good luck with the hernia surgery (again), and thanks bluebird, elpaso, swimom, and others for your comments.  Daveed you're right behind me in this journey and Arb and MichaelM are just ahead.  I now am wanting to be on the other side of the surgery as my anxiety rises a bit prior to Tuesday.  I will let you know how it goes.
 
Michael
 
 
2

Hi Michael,

Try not to get yourself all worked up if possible be with people, talk, dance, do something maybe online poker (get rich before Surgery). Very soon you'll be on the fast track to recovery. 

You mentioned not being able to eat for 2 days. Come to think of it I had to go without eating almost 2 days. When I woke up hunger was about the second thing on my mind. The doctor said eat whatever you want so I ordered up 7 items. I put on 5 pounds in 3 days.

Keep up with your exercises cause they will help to lessen the recovery time. So good luck on Tuesday we'll all be thinking of you.

Glen

3

Hi Michael,

Positive Thinking. You will be free of cancer!!!

This forum is awesome....  yeah ! 

I'm so glad we've all been here to help you through this! 

Get ready cuz we are all here to take you to the finish line!!!  This means from this moment on!!!!!!..... All the way.  Remember... we are here for you each and every day... so continue to talk with us and the time will fly! Pre and Post surgery....

You're going to blink and it's going to be all over!!!!!

Get your prescriptions filled before your surgery date so you don't have to get it on the way home..!!!  And start taking a mild stool softener so you don't get constipated!! You don't want to get constipated along with just having your surgery! A stool softener was prescribed but was not enough! We did get constipated and I got equate vegetable laxative per our pharmacist.  We also bought equate Fiber Therapy.  We alternate between the two.  And yes... I even use them! And we are continuing to use them per our specialist!  They are very mild.

We stuck to clear liquids during the day before surgery and nothing after 9:00 p.m.  Our doctor specifically said they would do the enema at the hospital.  Looking back I would have been happier to have Buddy do it at home for the convenience of having the bathroom readily available!  We did one before the biopsy and it worked fine but he specifically stated he wants it done at the hospital.  Worked out fine!

We arrived at 8:00 a.m. and were taken back around 8:15.  Our anesthesiologist and the team of nurses came in and introduced themselves to us and said they were going to take good care of Buddy! They started an IV and got leg pressure cuffs on the lower part of his legs and an antibiotic was given also at this time.  Our surgery was at 11:30 and they came for him at 11:15.  I walked out with them as they took Buddy to surgery.  They stopped at the entrance to the OR and I leaned over and kissed him.  He doesn't remember anything from the time we were in the prep room.  Next thing he remembers being in the recovery room.  He doesn’t remember the breathing tube being removed and no sore throat as many have afterwards. 

Up walking the next day really felt good but pushed it a little. Don't push it!  He really felt better when he got up and walked.  Do fewer laps more often than too many at one time!!  The movement really helps the system get better faster!! 

We had a 1 hour drive home and the neck pillow was worth $200.00 and I only paid $9.99 so get one now and its great for your recover period too!!  He continues to use it when he reads.  I bought 2 nice lounge chairs for OUR recovery.  He has his chair in the leaning back position to take the stress off the mid section!  We are having a Great Recovery and so will you!  

You are right!  *The three goals: First is removing the cancer, then preserving urinary continence, and then preserving sexual function. In this order!!! (*Excerpt from Dr. Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer)

Michael our goal was to get the best sleep we could and I truly feel this helped us tremendously.  Nighttime is the hardest!! Our doctor did prescribe a mild sleep aide and Dr. Staley was all for it!  Even the night before surgery was a good one.

So.... Get ready to blink. We'll be waiting to hear from you.  Don't forget your donut pillow so you can sit at your computer.  It really helps take the pressure off!  Keep talking to us right up to the last second  :-) . okay!!

I'm going to add this info to "Our Journey"! 

Take care ~ from Lee & Buddy

P.S.  When you hit the jackpot!! (Glen's posting) remember your friends.... tongue LOL

 

 

 

mama bluebird
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

4
Just relax the day before. Go to a movie. We saw the Davinci code. You won't believe how good jello and broth will taste after the operation, so there is a good side to the fasting. Ssoon it will be behind you and you can move on with life. Good luck.
5

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  It helps alot.  I will get prescriptions filled, more loose boxer shorts, and the men's pads.  I will take Glen's advice and be active this weekend (especially time with my wife :-) ).

Any other suggestions to prepare ahead a time?  I am all ears.

Michael

6
Hamala, we will all have a hand on your shoulder during surgey. God speed to a quick recovery. Good luck
7
Just checkin' in on you!!!
You really are going to blink and it's going to be over. It's time to hit the hay here in NC... You need to get some good rest too! Okay...
Have a busy weekend... and get the rest you need for Tuesday.
Take Care and daveed said it beautifully!!!
Lee

mama bluebird
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

8
My dh came out of recovery at 6:30 p.m. and I left at 9:30 but he was still really out of it. He had the old fashioned, open surgery. He is 48.

The next morning, he called at 6:30 to talk to our son (17) to let him know he was ok. He sounded completely normal and asked me not to come in until 12 so I could bring him chinese food. I told him he'd be on clear diet for a day or two.

He called back at 7:30 a.m. to say the doctor had seen him, said he could have chinese food for lunch and that he'd be coming home the next day!

(I regretted getting him a phone for his room!)

I went in to see him that morning and he was, indeed, very well and quite strong. Our son came after work and brought the chinese food. My husband did come home the next morning.

Bladder control came very quickly, less than a week after he got the catheter out. Erections are returning slowly (we use injections when home and are now get quite good results with Cialis when traveling.) It has only been 8 months.

Here are some tips:

Just keep doing your keegle exercises.

A semi reclined position was best for comfort when the catheter was in. He worked in that position 8 hours a day (we are self employed.)

Make sure they tape the catheter to the leg that is next to the edge of the bed you sleep on. That way the tube won't have to run over you when you are in bed.

WALK! I bought a treadmill because the surgery was the first week of January in Ottawa. He walked for at least an hour a day, starting the day after he got home (3 days post op). He also walked outside when it was warm enough that we didn't worry about the catheter freezing. In all, he walked at least 4 miles a day. We think it helped speed recovery.

Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself. If you can work, work. You'll be slower than usual and stupid (the anesthetic takes ages to leave your system) but it will help keep your mind looking forward and not let you get depressed about where you are now. If you can't work, be useful around the house. Fold laundry (you can't lift it but you can match socks). Do meal planning, a bit of cooking and help with the dishes. Dust. Do the filing. Write thank you notes.

Good luck. I look forward to hearing from you again on the 10th or 11th.

DFil died of PC Dec. 2004 at 72.
Dh diagnosed August 2005, age 47
RRP Jan 2006 (delayed surgery so he'd be healthy over Christmas)
Had 2 PSA tests at 0 since the operation.
All side effects of operation are under control, using Trimix injections

Life is good.

9
Michael,
 
We'll look forward to hearing all about how well you feel soon after you're home! Good Luck and God Bless.
 
Vickie / Paul   :-)
10
Hi Michael,
I leave Tuesday for points West, North, East, and then South!! Will be checking in on you via laptop :)
Soon you'll be waking up and saying is it already over :)
Truly....
Take care from Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

11

Michael - the waiting is tough, no doubt about it. Just remember all those days that went by way too fast and think how quickly you'll be through and back home. You're on it!

We went in on Wed. 6 a.m for pre-op. Started liquids on the Monday a.m. That was not fun - husb. is a bit on the hypoglycemic side. But, once we found out he was allowed slim-fast, boost, milk, everything was fine. (Your doc may have a different regimen, though.) Bought way too much of it, in fact. Made up a ton of Jell-O, bought apple and cranberry juice. Also picked up cans of regular beef and noodle soups, heated, and then drained out the hard stuff to get just the broth - much better tasting and less salty than plain old broth.

We wish you the very best - it'll be a breeze!

 

12
Michael..... It is truly wonderful to hear the sigh of relief in GreenAcres voice from this resent e-mail...that it's allll over and now recovery begins...

You too will be there soon ~ helping others through the rough spots!!!

GreenAcres...amazing how fast it all went isn't it?

Take care.... everybody!!
Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

Post Edited (bluebird) : 8/14/2006 7:39:31 AM (GMT-6)

13
Michael,

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! Jeff has his surgery on Aug 30 so we have 3 weeks of pre-op jitters. by then you'll be an old pro at this. :)

kat
14
I've been into surgery a number of times and I am scared when I go in, but it's over soon and it's all for the better.
15
Good luck! i will be thinkig of you! I will say a little prayer. just remember all the people here at healingwell are pulling for you!

If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. - Dolly Parton

16
My husband, Curtis, is the calm one not me!  I'm worried sick about this whole procedure...of course it didn't help that my mother went to this hospital 4 years ago for a 2 day stay and ended up staying for 2 months and never came home again...alice that is.  Sure doesn't make me feel any better about the place or that my husband is having major surgery there Tuesday the 3rd.  Like I said Curtis is fine with it...all he wants to do is get rid of the prostate and the cancer.  He's got to that that awful go-lightly too tomorrow and is now on a liquid diet til the surgery at 12:30Pm Tuesday.  Oh well at least I won't have to cook tonight or tomorrow night....there has to be a plus in this someplace I suppose.

Ellen
 
 
Curtis, 63,  Diagnosed Aug 21, 2006
T1C
Gleason 3+3=6, 3+4=7
PSA 4.10
 
Bone Scan Negative!!
DiVinci surgery scheduled for October 10th
 
DiVinci rescheduled for October 3rd
 
 

17
Michael,

I just read at another post where you ran a mile with no leakage. that's great! I think that's what you need to think about the next time you're feeling a little sad. Jeff is getting frustrated with the lack of erections and was leaking a little yesterday when we were "fooling" around. He does fine all night and day and then starts dribbling later in the afternoons. he's continuing with the kegels. we talked about a few things and he was saying how this is harder than recovering from the surgery. we know we have to be patient, but it's hard sometimes. I think when you guys have your first erection, you'll be shouting it out! how funny is that. take care, kat

Husband Jeff 56 years old
diagnosed July 27, 1006
PSA 6.5
2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6
Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006