55 Years old
March 2018 1st biopsy
PSA 5.8
Gleason 3 +3
Well, it's been 18 months since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It has been an amazing journey so far, from the initial knee jerk reaction of getting rid of it to accepting active surveillance. The big thing for me was understanding what type of tumor I had and the best ways to deal with it. There are so many options but there are up and downsides to all of them.
As the year went by and I attended sessions with my Urologist / Oncologist things became clearer. The important thing for me was research. I spoke to and read about a lot of people, people who had undergone various methods of treatment and why that was right for them, I read forums, I looked at clinical tests. I learned how everyone is different and the same shoe does not fit all! I formed my own opinion on my situation and the best way to deal with it for me and my future.
56 Years old
March 2019 2nd biopsy
PSA 6.6
Gleason 3+4
My Urologist told me it was time to act as the cancer was on the move. By this stage, I had decided treatment wasn't really an option for me as I wanted certainty. He also informed me that as the cancer was now on both sides of the prostate Brachytherapy and Focal therapy were now not an option and surgery was the best way to go. I opted for a Radical Robotic Prostatectomy. The date was set with a 2-month wait. He told me I would have a better outcome if I lost some weight and was as fit as possible as this makes a big difference with the surgery and the recovery.
I had a mixture of emotions but at the end of the day I knew it had to happen and I knew I would be able to move forward post op come what may.
July 2019
It was a Saturday morning when I checked into the hospital, feeling nervous yet resolute on what must happen. I was prepped and led into the anesthetist's room and lay down while they prepared me for a spinal. The next thing I knew I was in the same room expecting to be wheeled into the theatre however to my total surprise it was all done! I was wheeled back to my room where I got amazing attention from the nurses. Considering what had just occurred I felt amazing, lucid and not too sore at all. This was of course due to the anesthetic and pain killers already in my system as I was to find out the next day! I had the urinary catheter, a drain hose coming from my upper tummy and six bandages covering the entry points where the surgeon had directed the robot. The next day I was sore, full and full of wind but this was to be expected. Two days later, after monitoring and being taught how to use my new plumbing, I was sent home feeling not too bad.
After 7 days I was back at the hospital to have the catheter removed and tested to see if I can pee on my own. This I passed in all regards. I met with my Urologist who explained my pathologist report to me and told me he was confident he had got it all.
I now wait 6 weeks for the first post-surgery PSA test, which should read undetectable.
7 days later. In summary:
I am at home now one week after surgery, with no catheter, no bandages, no pain to speak of. Of course, I have to continue to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles, watch my diet and keep fit. Given a bit of time I expect a full recovery and to lead a normal life. To this point, it has been a mixed journey full of emotion, fear, disappointment, and surprise. I can't praise enough the level of care I have received, professional yet personal and caring, they have all done an amazing job.
Talk to people. Do your research. Form your own opinion.
Post Opp update
5 weeks post-surgery PSA 0.02
27 Sept 2019
It's been two months since the operation. My recovery has been good however mixed. One very important thing I learned is you must really take it easy for the first six weeks, no bending, lifting, etc. I felt so good initially I forgot about this and the lesson is you don't know you are overdoing it until you have overdone it and it really does hit you hard when you overdo it. On the bright side, I am a completely dry day and night. Daytime dryness came within 3 weeks of the catheter was removed and nighttime dryness a couple of weeks later. I still get a bit tired and a lie down in the afternoon is always welcome. All and all so far I feel pretty lucky. Remember everyone is different so do your own research and form your own opinion.
If you have any questions about my story I would be delighted to hear from you.
Edited by member 28 Sep 2019 at 16:37
| Reason: Up Date