New Member

Hi All - The past month has been a challenging time. My family, faith, and reading the posts in this forum helped me handle much anxiety. I wish to thank everyone for the time they take to post, and for the thoughtfulness and enormous amount of faith and consideration that is underlying their efforts to post and encourage others. This forum was a blessing during a time I was struggling to keep it together.

Thank You

Hello Joseph, and I'll officially welcome you based on your recent RRP just a scant two weeks ago.

And by the way - BIG CONGRATS and so happy for your incredibly positive results!!!!!

Glad you've posted - now for the big favor, please stay around and help the newbies who will unfortunately follow in our steps.

Continued best to you.

Hello Joseph,

Welcome to the forum. And welcome to the other side.

Your post-op pathology looks good in your signature. How is your recovery going? (Bear in mind that it is really early yet and you'll have to be patient.)

Thanks for your replies.

I am 54 yo. My father died of prostate cancer at the age of 59 (20 years ago), so when I received the positive G8 biopsy results I was extremely anxious about my prognosis. Do to the family history when my PSA went from 1.6 to 2.2 my internist sent me to the urologist, and when the PSA subsequently went from 2.0 to 3.2 I knew I had to have a biopsy. The scary thing is the urologist was pushing the biopsy, but did not tell me it was absolutely necessary. As soon as I got the biopsy results I found an experienced surgeon and asked him, "how fast can you get me on the table?".

I first saw Dr. Benjamin Lee at Tulane University on October 9 and he completed the surgery on Oct 15; robotic radical prostatectomy. Nerve sparing was not an option due to the G8. Following my Oct 9 visit I underwent lab work, EKG, chest x-ray, abdominal CT scan with and without contrast, full body bone scan and got surgical clearance from my internist. The doctor worked me into his surgical schedule so the procedure began at 3PM and I woke up in recovery at approx. 7:30 PM. The procedure took approximately 4 hours. Dr. Lee has done hundreds of such procedures so I am convinced he took his time and did the surgery right absent any surgical errors, which is illustrated by the post sx pathology and current level of continence; however, I wrote to a friend several days ago who underwent RP in 2009 and told him when they removed the catheter (two weeks post op) for the first time in over 50 years I put on diapers. As you all know, whatever your personal situation, this is one hell of a journey. It is like being run over by an emotional and physical freight train. It is scary, creates anxiety and causes you to  instantaneously change the way you view life.

Currently I still have abdominal soreness and stiffness, although it is getting better. I am happy with the current level of continence and have control, however, the degree of control is variable and needs work.

Family, friends and reading posts on this forum helped me through some difficult days.

Welcome Joseph,  Sounds like you got a positive path report.  Continued good luck on your journey!

Mike

Sorry you had to travel down this road. Sounds like you're recovering. Before you know it this will be just a bad memory.

Hang in there and keep us updated on your progress.

Andrew

Joseph welcome and happy healing!

Hang in there Joseph, you will be feeling better each day in this journey. Yes, this forum is a blessing. I wish you well, keep us posted.


Don

Hi Jeff

I dropped you an email.

Hi Lapilot

I am just up the road from you. Where are you having surgery? Anything I can do to help, or if you have any questions let me know. I am going to send you an email.