Prostate Cancer Newbie

I chose surgery  over radiotherapy  I had robotic  surgery,  it is important  to do the pelvic excerises before surgery to help control  the bladder. I came round from surgery with a catheter which I kept in for 2 weeks, when it was taken out I used pads I experienced  leaking if I done any lifting and long walks, 6 months on I have control  of my bladder no urgency to pee, still wear one pad each day for the occasional  leak, at night I am dry. This is my experience  hope this helps only all surgeons will warn you of incontinence. 

Thanks for that information Theodore, I am considering both options and was minded to go down the operation route but was put off a bit by the incontinence after effects I had read about. I am 68 years of age and the operation is a big step for me as I also have a heart condition. I was also thinking that even if I go down the radiotherapy route and got rid of the cancer I would still be left with the urination problems that I have at present which may still necessitate some other procedure to rectify it.

I'm also 68

I chose surgery over radiotherapy was that I read that if radiotherapy didn't work then it would be difficult to have surgery afterwards. Check that robotic surgery is available in your area ,  the nearest hospital for me was 58 miles away so my wife and I booked into a hotel nearby for 2 nights my surgery was day surgery I went on at 7.00 am and my wife collected me at 5.00 pm. Not sure what it's like with non robotic surgery.

Hello I had keyhole surgery May 7th in RUH Bath spent 2 nights in hospital due to slight complications of leakage into where the prostate gland was ! Discharged with catheter and drainage bag but felt ok , actually being kept in hospital helped as the nurses were great and showed me all the processes to managing the condition.  Once home I did have protective sheets on bed and did have a couple of wet nights once the catheter was removed but this was expected and within 2 weeks this stopped. Used lots of pads for 2 months now 4 months after I am a 2 pad a day man ! 

Overall glad I had surgery because the cancer has been removed and I am having regular psa tests to monitor it , last reading was 0.1 which was a rise from undetectable but not worried as I believe I am in good hands. The ED issues are my bugbear but the surgeon spared some nerves so I at least have feeling down there ! My story is on my profile if you want to know more.

Hope this helps and good luck going forward. 

Graeme. 

Hi Quaker

My experience was similar to Theodore, I had the operation, the operation could not have gone better I was in on Thursday afternoon and out Friday tea time the catheter was in for two weeks, that was six months ago, I am 70, I still suffer from incontinence and impotence. Urination problems have gone as far as volume of flow is concerned and urgency, I still get up twice during the night. The trouble is because of incontinence I dribble after urinating. I am an active 70-year old the leakage happens when I exercise mainly walking at the moment I wear one level two pad a day. If I stay in the house I do not leak. The incontinence is slowly getting better but I find it frustratingly slow. On the sexual side, one set of nerves was saved, (sometimes both nerve bundles can be saved depending on the cancer spread) my penis is smaller, and have so far only tried one type of viagra, my urologist says I must try at least three types before giving up. If my note has prompted you to ask further questions there are many people on this site who will be in exactly the same position as you. Just ask. Good luck with your journey. 

Hi Graeme

Thanks for your reply,I have been to see the oncologist today and he outlined the procedure if I went down the radiotherapy route.I would have to do about 6 months of hormone treatment as my prostate is quite large apparently and then 20 sessions of radiotherapy over 4 weeks. He said it was likely I wouldnt be able to get the protective gel spacers as my prostate may still be too large so that is something else to consider.

I am definitely leaning towards surgery now.

Hi Jan52021,

Thanks for your reply,like you I consider myself quite active for my age and reguarly go out walking etc but usually have to map out the toilet stops on the way!.

Good to hear your urination problems as far as volume of flow and urgency are concerned are gone.

Having spoken to the Oncologist today I am definitely leaning towards the surgery route.

I have been offered robotic surgery and it is quite local only about 4 miles away. I will take on board your advice about the pelvic floor exercises. Thanks

I chose surgery because the outcome seemed more certain and should it not then radiotherapy was still an option. Radiotherapy first made surgery afterwards very unlikely. 

Good advice about the pelvic floor exercises,  there are many different ways to perform this not just the ones outlined in the leaflet. My incontinence is under control now thanks to these and I will continue to do them always it doesn't have to be regimented with routine just do them whenever and wherever you are on a daily basis. 

Good luck going forward 

Graeme