5 Days Post-RALP

I am 5 days post RALP. From all indications, surgery was a success. Except for having a bag of urine following me everywhere, recovery is going smoothly. Cath comes out Monday.

I am still a bit tender and swollen, but I believe the bulk of the pain is behind me (no pun intended). Gassing out might have been the worst of the pain. Lower back and shoulder hurt more than the surgical area.

Spoke to the doctor today and learned that bladder neck and bilateral posterior base margins were not clear, so there's more to consider going forward.

I will say, if I were to do it again, I would have had surgery as soon as I learned I had cancer. If I had, there wouldn't be any involvement outside of the prostate. I read somewhere where it was said that short of a miracle, once you have cancer, it is not going away on its own. I was merely postponing the inevitable with Active Survellience.

I wish you well in your recovery. Denis

A-Aron
Congratulations! You're in the other side and are a couple of ounces lighter. Keep walking and drinking and don't forget about the bag hanging on your side - one of my biggest problems during recovery.

BTW, every time I see it your screen name it reminds of the clever Key and Peele skit Substitute Teacher .

Enjoy,
Jeff

I'm doing the same thing Man, just putting it off. I'm so sorry this is happening to you at such an early age. I'm 69 and I've seen the stats that over 30% of all RALP's require more surgery and it looks like your in that percentage, sorry and speedy recovery.

garyi said...
<<<I will say, if I were to do it again, I would have had surgery as soon as I learned I had cancer. If I had, there wouldn't be any involvement outside of the prostate>>>

I don't believe you can say that with complete certainty A-Aron, although it could be the case. I've had the same suspicion about my 16 month intervention postponement, and I know several other HW guys have the same suspicion.

My PCP told me that about 20 physician associates he knows went for surgery immediately upon their PCa diagnosis.

Food for thought and consideration for anyone dilly dallying, in self denial, or waiting for a heavenly message.

I know there is no way of knowing for certain. Given my progression I say that because my biopsies went from 0 cores to 1 core 20% Gleason 6 to 0 cores to 9 cores with a Gleason 8 over the course of 4 years. My cancer seemed to go from mellow to agressive quickly (within 1-2 years). Genetic testing projected slow growth and low chance of escaping capsule. Turned out to be just the opposite, so I am apparently the exception...

I can't dwell on the past though. I woud have preferred clear margins, but I'll deal with whatever comes now.

A-Aron
It's clear your humor gland was not located in your prostate!
K and P are brilliant. I'm glad you appreciate them.
Hopefully you're not "Sick, dead, or mute!" Now! Go to O Shag Hennesy's office!!!

My grandson's name is 'Seth'. We're thinking of calling him: "Ess EEf".

Relax and recover.
Jeff

Hey A-Aron, how's life without the leash?