Prostate Cancer

Hi Rudy

So you are having the prostate robotically removed tomorrow but you're wondering if that's the right thing to do  is that correct?

Steve 

Yes Steve...im in two minds about the whole thing

Hello RudyB 

I understand your situation - but I can't give you medical advice and the choice of treatment is 100% down to you and your team.

If you think the treatment choice is wrong, you did not discuss any other options or you just aren't sure - discuss it with your team this morning - once you are under the knife there's no going back.

Sorry i can't be more specific but it's down to you. Do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you Brian..ive yet to see or hear from my 'team'..we're on the way to hospital now...have a great weekend  

Hi Rudy, your post doesn’t state your age but not that that hugely matters. Having been faced with the 2 choices, prostatectomy or EBRT/HDR Brachy/HT, I did a lot of research. All I can say is that despite my team steering me towards removal, after extensive research, I chose not to. I had EBRT/HDR Brachy/HT. You should 100% discuss again if necessary your choices and carry out your research and weight up what feels right for you. As Brian said, there’s no going back once you’ve had the op. All I can safely say is that, without doubt, I’m relieved I chose my pathway 

Ok, well I see that you are on your way, I think just go ahead at this point, at least it gets it over with and could well sort it out.

If you don't go ahead imagine how much thinking you will be doing then and having to sort out something.else.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

All the best 

 Steve 

Hi ruby.   I’m guessing you’re done and dusted now and lay in bed with the catheter.   I had my op on aug20 and now 7 months on I’m glad I opted for surgery . I was Gleason 3+4  and decided on surgery as I wanted it “out”    I’ve been lucky that I was continent after TWOC due to the skill of my surgeon I believe     On my post op appointment after surgery 10 weeks later my psa was and still is undectable, but the surgeon told me that the tumour has started to invade my bladder neck which wasn’t picked up on the mri scan and I believe ( I might be wrong) was only found after the post histology report.   Luckily the surgeon managed to achieve negative margins    I believe ( again I might be wrong) the true extent of the tumour is only really know after removal.    My tumour was located in the tz zone and bladder neck invasion is a feature of tz zone cancer sometimes.   I’m not advising anyone to go for this option as it’s a personal choice but I’d just wanted to let you know my situation and my thoughts after surgery.   The 2 weeks with the  catheter will fly by and every day you’ll be able to become more mobile.      Good luck and best wishes.   Simon 

Hi Simon. What is your age if you don’t mind me asking and do you have sexual function?

Good evening guys...my name was called from reception at around 07.45...i was ushered into a room where I was pleasantly greeted by two of the recovery team who assured me that I will be well looked after. We had a few questions to answer (name,address, next of,was this my signature, etc) at this point I wanted to run,but I bit the bullet and stood up like a man!!!!

I had my calf measured for the stockings and was asked to change into the attire layed before me...two gowns, stockings,briefs a pair of brown socks (totes)...

There was a lot of small talk/banter as I find this to be MY coping mechanism..it. doesn't work with everyone, but works for me..

My belongings i wore were put into storage,but my overnight pack/phone/wallet went back to the car with my wife..

The anethesist came and explained what was about to occur and reassured me my safety. Then the understudy came and went over my notes and asked me to sign,as I did..all the while he was extremely pleasant and engaging. Last was my surgeon Dr Patel..(TOPMAN)!!!!

Came to say hello and again, reassured that they'll look after me..

08.30,myself, two other men and four ladies took the lift to the individual theatre waiting room where we are asked again about our DOBs addresses and what we were there for..

As it just turned 08.30,the radio stations news had just ended as we sat down in the waiting room. Sods law,the next tune was The Cutting Crew with their most famous hit,that Im not going to repeat visually here..

We went into our theatres and met our team of artists, I counted around £230 grands worth..and probably more..

So,I lay back,had my canula put in and prayed  

I woke up in the recovery room around 13.45 and was pain free..not that I was in pain before, but you know what I mean..I still had whatever they put in you,in my system, although I had six incisions around my abdomen. I was explaining to my wife all that I have just explained to you guys and general chit chat..

But I was sooooo hungry...she had brought up Haribos...(other sweets are readily available) and I wolfed them down..

The nurses came over introduced themselves and regularly took my obs and drained my catheter bag..

My wife left to go home around 19.00hrs...and at around 19.20hrs the understudy paid me a visit..

I asked the question 'How much of the prostate did they leave behind' 

They managed to get ALL THE PROSTATE,leaving ABSOLUTELY NO CANCER CELLS..with 100% NO OTHER ISSUES...minimal nerve damage...i am doing my pelvic floor exercises as I type and I think that helped massively..

I will have the catheter out in ten days,with the following up,plus appointments in 3 and I think 10 months...but WHAT A DAY,COMPLETE SUCCESS, MY HAT GOES OFF EVERY SINGLE TIME TO ALL DOCTORS AND NURSES AND THE NHS AND MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT...im going to get a bit of rest now its close to midnight and something evil's lurking by the door ( and its not the GRIM REAPER)

1. see you tomorrow, sleep well people 

Oh,also,I am black/british 58

A hgv driver ,had ten children 

five boys five girls 

Ex smoker,now vaper occasionally 

Ex drinker over the last 3-4 years (as in drink infrequently)

Asthmatic, 83kgs

Been married now for 12 days..

I hope that my story of being scared and doubtful helps someone. 

Only you can tread that board..

Don't listen to anyone else,LISTEN to your

logical MIND!!!!         Thanks Guys and Gals..