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Sharing some positive news

User
Posted 22 Jul 2020 at 16:08

I was diagnosed some time ago with prostate cancer (see my profile) and at the time it didn't really feel like cancer it felt like I was going to end up incontinent and with erectile disfunction and that was about as far as I could focus and as bad as it could get!


Well, in the end I had an open RP March 23 rd this year and it was only today that I got by first set of post op ultra senstive PSA test results. I'm relieved to say PSA was undetectable ( less than 0.003 I think was the sensitivity)


Now, I'm aware its not necessarily over for good but its the best result I could have hoped for so I'll take that. Like everyone I'll have my fingers crossed for the next PSA results in 9 months time but will forget about it until then and to be honest life is too short to worry about things that probably wont happen.


So 4 months after the operation I've got no incontinence issues and although taking 5 mg of cialis daily (which the consultant thinks i can start easing back on) I'm all good on the ED front ( still room for improvement but erections getting stronger by the week)


Now, I know there are a lot of people on here managing tough situations or aren't on curative paths and my heart goes out to all but, I just wanted to share a positive story. I found it hard to use this site before my operation as some of the outcomes I was reading made my anxiety worse. Apart from finding a good surgeon and knowing there was a good chance of a decent outcome and been sure that it was the time to act I stayed away from the internet and focussed on the things I could do to be fit and healthy for the operation. I felt a huge sense of relief waking up from surgery. What was done, was done and all I could do was look forward and deal with the outcomes.


And it was only afterwards having been through the surgery that I felt able to come on here and contribute in some small way.


So for any of you pre surgery or contemplating surgery I just wanted to share a positive outcome and let you know life can go on ( outcomes aren't guaranteed and all cases are going to be individual but there are positive outcomes) and for me it feels more or less back to normal (COVID aside) I didn't let it stop me living life to the full when I was on AS and i think now I am even more thankful to feel fit and healthy and to be able to enjoy life


And for those of you managing your way through treatments, wrestling with outcomes, or facing up to worse my best wishes, the very best of luck  and my thoughts are with you all. 


 


 

Edited by member 01 Aug 2020 at 14:55  | Reason: Corrected PSA sensitivity was 0.003 not 0.03

User
Posted 22 Jul 2020 at 16:46
This is a brilliant update Mike and shows that sometimes, open RP is the best way to go.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 22 Jul 2020 at 17:22

Thanks Lyn 😀

User
Posted 22 Jul 2020 at 18:10

Excellent news Mike. Thank you for sharing your positive news. 😃


Got my first post-op PSA next week and meeting surgeon the week after. Reading some of the posts on here can unleash the anxiety beast, so it's nice to hear some good outcomes too.

_____


Two cannibals named Ectomy and Prost, all alone on a Desert island.


Prost was the strongest, so Prost ate Ectomy.

User
Posted 22 Jul 2020 at 18:32
Great news Mike, hope it stays that way

Good Luck

Cheers
Bill
User
Posted 22 Jul 2020 at 19:10

Very encouraging for a newcomer like myself. My husband is going for RALP on Monday. Thanks for sharing.

User
Posted 24 Jul 2020 at 00:56

Great to hear a triple positive on the PSA, incontinence and ED fronts


Fab news. Thanks for sharing


Clare

User
Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 14:01

So a quick update.


Got the results of my latest PSA check today- 51 weeks post op.


PSA undetectable ( sensitivity is 0.006) so really pleased. Next test will be in a years time.


No incontinence issues, no ED (stopped any viagra/cialis over 6 months ago) so really pleased with the outcome.


I know there are plenty of you having a tough time but thought I'd share a positive update


All the best everyone

User
Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 14:10
Great advert for traditional open prostatectomy
User
Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 15:30
Great update Mike
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 19:46

Great news Mike 👍🏼

User
Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 19:58

Excellent on every front. 

Dave

User
Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 20:37

Great news Mike.

Ido4

User
Posted 18 Mar 2021 at 09:51

My surgery (postponed due to Covid) is now on the 1st April so your post was timely.  Thanks!

User
Posted 19 Mar 2021 at 20:49

Thank you for sharing. The possible side effects sound dreadful. good to know that you made it through.

 
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