YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Rich R and MR live in Maryland, USA. He was 63 when he was diagnosed on June 30, 2009. His initial PSA was 5.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was RALP (Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy). Here is his story.


I had minor prostate symptoms - blood in semen and slight pain on orgasm. That prompted me to seek the advice of a urologist, Dr. Goldman, in May 2009. Dr. Goldman informed me that the blood and slight pain may or may not be significant, but I was of the age to have a PSA test, regardless. It was 5.1. Another PSA test about 6 weeks later showed a reading of 5.5. (A subsequent PSA test in September 2009 was also 5.5.) I had a biopsy on June 30, 2009. About a week later, Dr. Goldman told me that I had a Gleason of 6. He advised me that I should have it treated within months. He said that watchful waiting was not advisable at my young : age (nearly 64) and state of health (good) since the tumors would likely worsen and spread over the years. Knowing that I was about to leave the area for some weeks, he said that treatment was not urgent and that I should study the facts and take time to determine the best course of action.

I read the American Cancer Society book on the prostate cancer and other books. I reviewed many web sites especially those of major research institutions, spoken with advisors (nurses, doctors, prostate cancer survivors and others). This has led me toward articulating my goals (starting with most important and continuing in order of decreasing importance): getting rid of the prostate cancer, no collateral damage (e.g., to digestive system), continence, low pain, fast recovery, tried and true, and cost. I have decided upon Da Vinci-assisted radical prostatectomy and planned to have the surgery in October 2009. I will let others know results in the months to come.

After the operation at George Washington University Hospital by Dr. Harold Frazier, I am fine. Things went as expected on Thursday; that is I experienced what I read about and what others who have had a Da Vinci radical prostatectomy told me that they experienced if not somewhat better.

I had little pain and no pain most of the time. I was light headed the first time I tried to stand about 6 hours after anesthesia and surgery, but the staff at the hospital addressed that quite well. I was visited by urologists of all ages and genders including my own the day after surgery. My transfer from recovery took over 8 hours partly because they had trouble finding an empty bed, then time to clean the area, and finally my lightheadedness. I had a very attentive recovery room nurse who had the same first same as my mother!

I didn't sleep very well even in my room (and made up for it here), but I was glad that my wife was nearby in hotel. She was a great comfort and support throughout the entire process and of course continues to be.

I was released the day after surgery (Friday) and had to learn quickly how to change a dressing and deal with the catheter and bags (leg for outside and visitors and bed for other times).

I feel quite good. I walked outside, including a visit to a neighbor. I had post-op showers. Yesterday, my wife and I visited friends in a convalescence center and an assisted living facility.

Somehow I feel I will regain continence and other functions after the catheter comes out on Monday, October 26. I will then learn more from the pathology report. The big milestone is 3 months out when I get my first post-op PSA test result.

Later: After my catheter came out on October 26, 2009, I was immediately continent, with a little trouble getting the flow started and that now is resolved. I had a superficial infection and oozing at one of the incision sites and that is resolving as well. Dr. Frazier said that my Gleason had progressed to 7 (from 6) over the summer, so getting the operation now was essential.

The best news is that the margins are very good, meaning that most likely they got all of the cancer in the vicinity of my prostate. In late January 2010, I will have my first post-op PSA test result and that will tell if any has gone other places in my body. Before the operation the Sloan-Kettering nomograph given my age, Gleason, and PSA showed that my chances of a cure with RALP was about 90% and now I feel it's even better than that.

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

At the 3 month mark, my PSA is less than 0.1. I continue to be continent. Within two months, my wife and I have been able to resume our activities with a little help from Cialis.

I'm feeling great. Having a loving spouse, good friends, and lots of good support and advice from other survivors has been wonderful. Please contact me if you think my experience could help you.

Rich's e-mail address is: rreis@verizon.net