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Karl G and C live in Texas USA. He was 63 when he was diagnosed in January 2008. His initial PSA was 5.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Radical Prostatectomy. Here is his story.

First, before I begin my experience, I like to thank 'Yana Mentor' for a very informed and wonderful site. I don't think I could have made it without it and the good Lord, and thanks to all the survivors and contributors. This is very personal stuff and us men in general are not.

I am 65 as of this writing and live in Spring Texas. I found out I had Prostate Cancer in Jan. 08 after a 2 year observation from my GP, a PSA of 2.5 rise to 4.0. I was recommended to see a Urologist. 'Northwoods Urology' in the Woodlands, Tx. is probably the best you could hope for. They kept an eye on things for about another year due to BHP problems which I did not know I had, PSA has reached 5.0. Biopsy was done around Jan. 08, was an awful experience but worth it, they found I had cancer on the left lobe. Now what?

Surgery was recommended, but not knowing anything at the time, I had investigated several options for the next 3-4 months, thanks mainly to Yana. Decided on LRP (laparoscopic robotic surgery), but due to large prostate (found later to be 102 cc), had to go with the RP Surgery scheduled on April 17 2008. I exercised prior to Surgery, this is helpful to rid of some of the fat and strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Surgery went well, found out I had the Cancer on the other lobe as well, but it had not spread outside, T-1C and Gleason 6 was the outcome.

Recovery was another matter, worst thing that happened was my catheter stopped up with clots, back flush by the nurse solved this problem, so watch that bag for it to eventually fill. Another problem was that my blood pressure went down to almost 40, almost blacked out, the responders team at the Hospital turned my bed slanted towards my head and pushed in the IV. My wife said I had turned gray.

Anyway after 3 days I finally went home. Was home for about 6 weeks. Not easy walking around and sleeping with a hose shoved up there. Catheter was removed after 2 weeks, and I used to worry about being vain (ha). Things went well, went back to work, but after about 2 weeks my urine stream was slowing down to a dribble.

Had to go get outpatient Surgery for stricture. The doctor cut away the tissue around the Bladder opening and all seemed well, my good friend Catheter was installed for another week. Got back to work and my next visit in about 3 weeks indicated that I still had problems with slow stream, so off I go again, but this time Laser cutting was done and good friend catheter installed again for another 5 days. I was on a program after, to self catheter for about a month to assure that the opening to the bladder will not tissue over, this was not too bad, keeping things clean is the key. This probably helped and I had no problems since.

I do have slight incontinence, went from 2 pads to 1 per day, nothing at night and it seems to be getting better, Kegels probably help. I only leak when working outside , exercising and long walks. I can live with it.

Since my good Doctor spared my nerves, ED is slight. I have about 75 % compared to before OP, better than 0. Some of this could also be due to reduced Testosterone and my age. I am not complaining. Viagra or Levitra helps. Also Doctor recommends taking low dose daily, to keep the blood flowing. An understanding and patient partner helps even more. Most insurance companies do co-pay for small quantities, so check it out.
My PSA levels are nil, having been tested every 3 moths since OP.

I celebrated my first anniversary since April 2008 recently. Have appointment in May, hopefully I go every 6 month or yearly test's and pray to the good Lord that this is behind me.

Please write me to discuss similar experiences, would be happy to share.

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

Update February 2010 on my 66th Birthday, looking forward to partially retire.

Still doing good, but could do better in the incontinence department. The Laser treatment for my stricture problem probably did not help the incontinence issue, but at least I can pee. I do not need a pad sleeping or sitting around, but when active, it gets uncontrollable. Any advice would be welcomed, i.e. exercises and such.

On the ED side, Levitra seems to work best at a 10 mg dosage - get the Doctor to prescribe the largest dose available and use only what you need. At my age I can't really complain, but it seems the desire is also diminished, probably due to less testosterone?

Anyway life is back to nearly normal after two years. My six month doctor visit last November still show PSA negligible. Advise, do your research and get the best Doctor you can, it makes a big difference of the quality of your life after.

My wife and I thank the Yana folks, Mentors and of course God that helped us get through this. .

Karl's e-mail address is : kgersdorf@technip.com