It's almost my prostate free first anniversary.
I had it chopped out on Valentines day 2023 π. I think I must have upset the lady in listings.
The removed gland's histology showed T3a, bilateral disease, with EPE, still haven't got a clue about margins, Gleason 9 (4+5). Non nerve sparing, took out seminal vesicles and fatty tissues. Prostate was 25% cancerous, but the other stuff all came back negative.
I've just had my fourth PSA test result. Like the other three, it was undetectable <.02 (The lowest my lab can measure to)
It's been a roller coaster year. I had two last minute cancellations for the op. One for anaesthetist concerns, the other due to bed shortage. Both were hard to bear, causing a two month delay, during which as a temporary stopgap, they put me on Bical.
I was lucky, the op was an absolute doddle, just an overnight stay.
The catheter took some getting used to, but was no big deal.
Incontinence was difficult for 6 months, but apart from the odd dribble, pretty good now.
My sex life hasn't changed a bit, just like pre op, it's pretty poor and very infrequent. Only kidding darling (Just in case you've found my password)
Joking apart, the biggest issue has definitely been ED. However, after 6 months, I can, with Invicorp injections, still to do the biz. It's nowhere near as good as before, but it's better than nowt.
However, even a year on, I don't feel totally safe. I understand the risks of recurrence, and I don't seem to sleep quite as well as I used to. I still hate PSA time, but it's been made much easier now that I'm having the blood samples taken at my GPs. I had my blood test at 9:10 am, yesterday, and because my GP is on Systmonline, I could view my results at 11am this morning. That saves a lot of stress.
I hope I don't come across as gloating, that's the last thing in the world I'd want to do. I fully appreciate, that thus far, I'm one of the lucky ones and I'm fully aware of those less fortunate than me.
I've noticed recently, that we seem to have had a bit of a run of bad results on here. I just wanted to balance that out a little, and give a bit of hope to others.
I've only known you for 4 months, but can clearly see that you're a great bunch. I thoroughly enjoy your company, and I'm very grateful for you help and support. I wish you all well.
PS: This is not a farewell speech. You don't get rid of me that easily
Adrian
Edited by member 30 Jan 2024 at 14:25
| Reason: Additional text.