Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

I’m 50 and had surgery - not robotic.

There are side effects Ed but I was recovering well until I required chemo.  I was told at50 surgery was better option due to longer term risk of radiotherapy. The benefit for me was that the cancer if contained is removed, also surgery after radiotherapy is a lot harder and has more risks. Mine was nerve sparing and indeed prior to hormone and chemo I had some movement - no where near full function but getting there.

I was also no affected by incontinance, well after a little bit of recovery time anyway. All depends on where the cancer is how confident the surgeon is of nerve sparing and individual anatomy.  

due to position my NHS surgeon did the operation within a fortnight. 

Best wishes for your next steps

J

Thank you. I feel a bit like being on a roller coaster not knowing what’s ahead. I feel we have to fight our best fight so we know we gave our best. 

Hope you keep well on your journey and never stop fighting.

Thanks

Helen24

Hello

thanks for your post.

I have gleason 9.( 4+5) some areas 7 and 8.

The whole things was masked through prostatitis and finisteride

I am 69.

My bone test result is out wednesday  a pet Cholina.

If I understand you correctly you still  think surgery is best .

Was it done laparoscopically?

I am told my surgery should be done urgently,does that mean in weeks or a month.

I can get it done fast but am still wondering exactly where?

all the best

May you succeed .

Everyone always says prostate cancer is no problem nowadays,what nonsense!

all the very best

Troc

I guess when it’s not on your doorstep people don’t know what a horrible impact it really has on you and your family. It’s the most frightening journey I have been on. Hearing that you have cancer has such a hard impact. Working through the treatment options and risks of each is frightening.

Look after yourself and I hope you get through treatment and get to enjoy life again.

Thanks

Helen24

Troc you are correct my surgery was laparoscopic. There is a risk they might need to convert to open if there are complications.

Each man's anatomy and cancer is different. Fitness levels, pain thresholds also affect perspective of recovery. There are limited surgeons so some of it is luck of the draw.

At 69 your older than me so would think harder on your body. Doesn't mean should be discounted just questions for surgeon and specialist. I had one main wound below belly button two small in line either side and another just above pubic bone.

I would try and walk most days but until the catheter was removed was uncomfortable. Post surgery i built it up again. Start pelvic floor exercises before surgery then once catheter is removed.  I had the catheter for nearly three weeks due to difficulty of operation. I discovered i didn't need pad one day when i forgot to put it in. Confidence was required.

Good luck with whatever you choose. It's your body and your fight. We're all different so my experience will differ from yours.

J

Troc

Only found out my husbands bone scan was clear but consultant mentioned robotic prostratectomy. He is 57 Gleason 10. Would like to know what options available as surgery side effects sound bad but everything is a risk. 

Going to try to get more information about all possible treatments.

Look after yourself. It’s a horrible time for you. 

Thanks

Helen24

  quite wise to investigate all options. It's a bugger of a disease!

I choose surgery on the hope it would remove the bugger. Seems so long ago now. This is really an option when contained in the gland.

Brachiatherapy was discounted due to my age and potential  long term effects ie 30 years.

Radiotherapy has it's own sie effects plus surgery after radiotherapy is more tricky, salvage radiotherapy post surgery is an option.

It's a hard journey for  both you and your husband stay strong and spend time enjoying what you do have on a day to dsy basis. Cancer can comsume your life.

Thank you. I feel surgery to get rid of the cancer sounds best. My husband is 57 so long term radiotherapy would have its own problems. My husband is horrified by the thought of urinary incontinence but my view is as the add on TV states ‘a little bit of wee won’t stop me’. I know he is frightened and still getting used to the fact he has cancer. I believe you need to be strong and have the attitude that I am going to beat this.

Stay strong

Helen24

Hi Helen, my partner is 60 & had a radical robotic prostatectomy in November. He had a catheter for 10 days &:then wore lightweight pads for a couple of weeks following catheter removal. This was really a precaution rather than necessity  & 8 weeks post surgery he is completely dry. We  expected him to be sitting in a soggy heap in the corner & bought waterproof mattress  covers etc none of which have been needed! Surgery was definitely our best option & please dont be put off by some of the horror stories / worst case scenarios because every man is different xx