YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Jeff Davis lives in Florida USA. He was 46 when he was diagnosed on May 29, 2007. His initial PSA was 7.9 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and although he does not state his staging, it seems likely that it was T1c. His choice of treatment is Laparoscopic Robotic Prostatectomy. Here is his story:

I am in the beginning stages of this journey just having been diagnosed one month ago. I have been reading a lot of information and have come to the conclusion that surgery is probably the best plan of action. I hope, in the not too distant future that other options are discovered and treatment is as simple as taking a pill.

Back to reality. I have been spending a lot of time trying to research urologists, I have been told that you want the best you can find because this surgery gets done just once. At 46 I hope to have many more years of an active sex life and a non-active urinary problem.

I was diagnosed with PC by Dr. David Vaughan at Winter Park Urology in Orlando, Fl. I have been to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to meet with Dr. Igel for a second opinion and surgical options. I will meet again with Dr. Vaughan on the 27th of June and will hopefully choose a surgery date within the next month. The funny thing is, I am more concerned about the length of recovery than I am the surgery itself. I'll keep updating.

 

UPDATED

September 2007

 

 

On August 20th, 2007 I survived the robotic prostatectomy.I would like to thank Ed and Jack for their help and insight prior to the surgery and during recovery.

The cancer was contained within the prostate and no further treatment is expected at this time. I'll have my first post surgery PSA test on 10/17/07. I did return to work on 9/10/07 to a desk job.

A couple of things about the surgery: The pain from the gas was very real and hurt like nothing I have ever experienced. I don't claim to be the sharpest tool in the box but it was about 12 hours out of surgery that I finally listened to the Dr., nurse and a mentor that the best way to relieve the pain was to walk. I found that if I started walking as soon as I felt the pain coming on that it would subside in about 15 minutes. Now the drugs were good and worked pretty well but I was told that taking the pain medicine would slowdown how quickly the gas left my body. Part of my discharge instructions included taking Gas-X to help relieve the gas build up and pain. They wouldn't let me take it while I was in the hospital. The Gas-X was very helpful when I got home. If I had to do it again, I might have someone sneak in some Gas-X. Don't underestimate the pain of gas!

If you are single or will be on your own while in the hospital I would recommend trying to find someone to stay with you and be your advocate. The hospital I was at seemed to be very busy and the nurses over worked with little time for actual patient care. There were times I felt neglected. So beg a good friend or two to help you out.

If I can help please let me know.

Jeff

 

UPDATED

December 2008

 

 

It has been 15 months since my surgery. All of my tests have come back the way I expected them...no trace of cancer. I am pleased with the treatment that I chose and they way the doctor treated me during my follow up appointments.

Physically I am doing well. I am able to use the restroom with no leakage. Sometimes when I really get a solid drive on the golf course I will leak a little, but it has never shown.

My intimate life is on hold, I'm not married and I am not seeing anyone at this time. Hopefully that will change :) Physically I do function without any pills or props.

I was young at my diagnosis, 46, lots of worries and fears. I was lucky to talk with and meet a couple of very helpful men through YANA. Just being able to have a very frank heart to heart talk with a stranger about such a personal and intimate problem was very helpful. The honesty was crucial. I hope that I can be of help to someone the same way I was helped. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

 

UPDATED

March 2009

 

 

 

I had the Da Vinci surgery almost 18 months ago with quarterly PSA follow-up tests and now every six months for the next year. I want to pass along that at this time I have no bladder issues and that impotence is not an issue. In my case the surgery has been the best choice..

Jeff's e-mail address is: sivad1016@yahoo.com