YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Ron Wagner and Vicki live in Wyoming, USA. He was 50 when he was diagnosed on July 2, 2008. His initial PSA was 3.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was radical retropubic prostatectomy. Here is his story.

During a routine physical as a result of turning 50, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, my PSA was a little too high for the doctors. The urologist ordered a biopsy. Cancer was found in 5% of the right mid and left mid with Gleason of 3+3. After reviewing the options, it was decided to go with the radical retropubic prostatectomy, to be done in October 7, 2008, by Dr. Myers of the Mayo Clinic. His reputation and experience made it a "no brainer".

It was a long day the day of surgery, but well worth it. My prostate was removed and the lymph nodes around it were negative for cancer. The pathology report showed 3 small tumors in the prostate and were 100% contained. Two had Gleason scores of 3+3 and one 4+3. I was in surgery a little longer than normal due to my size and anatomy, the doctor assured me all went well and things will go well. A note to those of you whom are overweight, please trim down before surgery it makes the surgeon's job easier and you feel better after. I had lost 30 lbs prior but not enough for the Dr, but isn't that always the case....

I stayed in the hospital a couple days. I went to the hotel on October 9. I had three surgical drain in. One came out within 5 days and the others within 8 days. No pain, kind of bothersome. The catheter was to remain in for a minimum of 21 days. After that time I had the catheter out. Minimal leakage after. I still wear a pad as there are times, especially with weather that there is leakage. Performing Kegel exercises at night, and no leakage at night.

Prior to surgery and since I have been on 10 mg Cialis. Since catheter was removed twice weekly a dose of Levitra is taken. Erections have been as good as before. I have the pump but have not used it yet.

The doctors, nurses, and staff at Mayo were SUPER!! I would recommend anyone considering this treatment to go to the Mayo. My father was diagnosed at 70 and had the same treatment at Mayo Scottsdale. He is now 73 and doing great.

Still too early for update PSA, etc. Will keep you all informed.

 

UPDATED

February 2009

 

 

First PSA test was done on January 20, 2009. The results were <0.1. WOW what a relief.

I am wearing a pad only when I officiate basketball, mainly for piece of mind.

The ED is getting better, the small dosages of Cialis helping.

I feel great and do not regret my method of treatment.

 

UPDATED

April 2009

 

 

Had 6 month PSA test. It was <0.01. Great results. Minimal leakage and stronger erections with continued medication.

 

UPDATED

July 2009

 

 

Nine month PSA was <0.01. Great news. Bladder control very good. A dribble now an then but don't we all sometimes. Sexual still building up close to what it was before surgery. I pretty much do what ever I want to do at anytime without worry. Glad I had the procedure. Due to go back to Mayo in a couple months.

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

One year visit to the Mayo clinic was good. PSA was <0.1 which is undetectable.

Health good in all aspects. Mayo recommended to stay on Cialis and Levitra for sexual stimulation. Good reaction to such.

Bladder control is great. I still do the Kegel exercises daily which I know helps.

I continue to be cancer free and living the good life.

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

Jan 2010 PSA was <0.1. non-detectable. Still very active. Sexual activity good with help via Cialis, or Viagra. Leakage non-existent. Dribble after going but is normal in older men I think. Glad I am cancer free!!!!!!!.

Ron's e-mail address is: rdwofficial@vcn.com