HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/4/2014 4:03 PM (GMT -5)
I had a RALP on September 9. Next week I have an appointment for the first post-op PSA test. I'm assuming we will also discuss the post-op pathology report. I talked with the surgeon the day after the surgery and he said nerves were spared and there were not any complications.

What other type of information should I be sure that we cover in this appointment?

Post-Op Pathology Report - Same question, what type of information should I be sure is covered?

This is all new to me and I want to make sure all pertinant information is covered.

Caddie
Posted 11/4/2014 4:54 PM (GMT -5)
Caddie,

You should have very little to worry about...you had a very "classic" (meaning common) low-risk case, defined by low PSA (under 10), 3+3, and only 2 cores positive. Your main questions will likely focus on recovery, and no longer about the "cancer."

One thing to be aware of and not freak out over is that your clinical "T1C" staging will automatically move up to a T2-level, simply because you've now been operated on. It doesn't mean things got worse, but the T1-levels are only used pre-treatment. There's also a decent chance that in the more extensive pathology work done post-surgery they might have found some upgraded cells; 3+4 is quite common. If it goes higher than 3+4, you might have lingering concers to talk about, but otherwise focus on recovery from surgery.
Posted 11/4/2014 5:12 PM (GMT -5)
At this point, I'd mostly be concerned about the pathology report and the PSA. Likely they'll be fine. You want to know if they got it all or if there is any chance it escaped. Given what the surgeon already told you, there isn't much more to know other than the PSA - that is, did they get all the PC. Ask about how often you'll get a PSA test to monitor.

You'll want to follow up with any concerns you have about ED, incontinence or other parts of recovering from surgery.

Andrew
Posted 11/5/2014 12:57 PM (GMT -5)
I'm glad I have a "Classic" case of PCA with no complications. Thanks for the heads up on the possible upgrade from T1C. That may have stunned me a bit.

Hopefully I'll join the Zero Club in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for the information.


Caddie
Posted 11/5/2014 1:06 PM (GMT -5)
Caddie, I've per-approved your membership. Remember that the first round of virtual drinks is on you.

and a slight upgrade likely only means maybe a PSA test every three months for awhile rather than every six.

You're doing great.
Andrew
Posted 11/17/2014 10:05 PM (GMT -5)
My doctor's office called today with my PSA test results. PSA is less than .001 - I'm told that is undeteckable - I'm in the Zero Club! Drinks are on me!

Now I just need to work on the "Side Effects". I know, patience, patience ...

Thanks to everyone for all the support.

Caddie
Posted 11/18/2014 6:41 PM (GMT -5)
Great news and expected based on your biopsy results. The details of the pathology report will spell out exactly where you stand and it should be good news!
Bob
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply