Life after Da-Vinci robotic Surgery to remove prostate

Actually I was advised that radiotherapy is possible after surgery but not surgery in the same area after radiotherapy. I wasn't offered Brachytherapy else that would have been my choice. It was put on me too quickly and the surgery was to soon to really research private options.  

Hi again, yes understood. To be honest with you, I found it really difficult to make a decision, I just thought what I had seemed to be the answer with least side effects, but who knows what the right answer is, I wouldn’t beat yourself up over this, it may well be your long term outcome is better. I have side effects and have to go to the toilet a lot and even when I go I still feel the need to go for longer so it hurts a bit, then an hour later I am back again, and this week I have been up at least once in the night, and I don’t sleep that well anyway. I don’t have Erectlyle Disrunction issues however my sperm release has almost gone to nothing.  Hopefully you may get back to normality and at least your cancer has fully gone. I won’t know about mine for quite a while yet.. 

Hi and sorry about the side effects you are experiencing, for me the worst bit is not being able to get an erection spontaneously only with a vacuum pump. Also of course I cannot produce sperm without a prostate , the nerves spared at surgery allows me to have a dry orgasm but along with no control over the jets of pee !! 

Still grateful for what I do have .Although the cancer has spread to Lymph nodes so await the next step 

Hi again, yes, understood.. Let’s hope the lymph node issue is curable, I think quite a few people in here have had that issue, so maybe they will let you know how they went on..  Thanks for all your honesty, your comments will help others in their decision, but for many, they don’t get options and surgery does seem to happen a lot so is very common.. 

I agree . I know there are statistics, of cancers with RT but like you say things have changed, progress leaves old data and equipment in the dust. The MRIDIAN linic will only target the tumour, it won’t even work until it is precisely on target . It’s refined now a different world of treatment.  That’s why it’s so important to get a second opinion. 
I’m not saying surgery is wrong, but it is seemingly moving into an area that it could be deemed as brutal and unnecessary for some men. 

Hi Bobblejes,

I was diagnosed over Christmas(Gleason 8 tm3) and opted for the da Vinci robotic op.

After 2 days I was able to walk outside in the winter sun.

I have not suffered incontinence but it all feels different down there now so Ido not wait too long!.

I have just six tiny scars., pencil diameter and one on my belly button that's an inch long.

Now after two months all the discomfort is gone 

They had to take one of two seminal nerves so I do have erectile non function, but am confident that all will soon be as it was before.

Treatment for me still to be organised.

Obviously I cannot have another child but at 73 I really don't need to.

Hi my OH had the nerve sparing Da-vinca surgery 3 years ago and still has the ED problem and nothing we have tried has really helped to resolve this.   As he is now having to undergo HT and RT due to a recurrence the ED is unfortunately a continuing side effect.  

Hi, thank you for honest comment.

My husband has had a  radical prostatectomy two weeks ago, he was told the cancer was contained within the prostate. 

We were obviously shocked by his diagnosis, and decided to go home to think about his options, rather than make a decision there and then, although, we both knew what was the right thing to do, being told if he had radiotherapy, surgery, if needed later on wouldn't be possible. He is in his early sixties,  so we ruled that out.

The psychological impact is massive, not only finding out you have cancer, but, that you could be left incontinent of urine, and have erectile disfunction too, a triple whammy.

I am trying to support him as much as I can, and reassure him that things most likely will improve with time. If not, at least he will live, and be cancer free.

At the moment, he is struggling. I just hope he will adjust , and learn to live with the changes in his body, and enjoy life again.

Hello Lucy (Lucy lou) 

Thank you for your open and frank post - I am so sorry to read

Lucy lou said:

At the moment, he is struggling.

I am sure things will improve in time, in the meanwhile:

* Do you have a "Maggie's" near you. This is a cancer support charity where you can just drop in for a drink, chat and support - here's the link - Maggies

* Please do give our Support Line a call on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) who will be happy to help.

Best wishes - Brian.

Lucy lou , the impact on a sexually active man is massive and will take quite a while for him to accept it and he is fortunate to have you with him to support and reassure him that the difference does not lessen your love for him.

There are alternatives to help to enjoy a healthy sex life and the ED may be helped also. I was lucky to have nerve sparing surgery and 3 years down the line I do have a sex life albeit very different and use a pump for the ED , I know we are all different but he will work out the best course of action for him in time. Keep the faith in each other. and keep reaching out on here if you are in need.