Hi. Just saying hello and thank you for this forum. My husband 60 had a PSA test 5.5, PRADs 4. Biopsy multiple Gleason 3+3 in all parts of prostrate. He’s opted for robotic surgery. Op is in May.
I’m worried about post op complications. My husband has decided he doesn’t want anyone to know his diagnosis so we are keeping it from our adult children. Im grateful to have somewhere to turn for support.
Hello WifeWinnie Another warm welcome to the online Prostate Community from me. I am sorry to find you here.
I see you have already posted on another thread so you are already "at home" here. I can understand your husbands decision not to tell your adult children at present and I respect it it's his choice. On a personal note we have 4 adult children and once I had my diagnosis we made the choice to tell them everything. The support from them, their partners and grandchildren was epic and helped me through my journey to where I am today.
My only thought is - your children will find out at some point - why not confide in them now - if you have boys, they do need to know as they will be more at risk as it runs in families! - The more help you and your husband have - the better off you will be - but it's only my view.
We as a Community are here for your support - ask anything however trivial, you will get answers.
I wish you both well on this journey.
Best wishes - Brian.
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Hi Wife Winnie
Welcome to our prostate family it's great to meet you today.
I'm nearly into my 12mnts since diagnosis at the beginning my PSA was 1000+ and my outlook wasn't very good.
They put me onto Hormone Therapy (Injections and Tablets) and I have taken too them like a "Duck to Water"
My PSA is now down to 0.2 which is great news and everyone is shocked and surprised including my consultant.
I do hope that more of the other members will soon be in touch to share their many trials and tribulations!!!!
Please please let me know if there is anything else that I can help/support you with??
Prostate Worrier.
Hi I’ve got Gleason 3+4 and I have opted for the robotic surgery at the Christie. I’m worried about the side effects as they sound grim. I also have mild Crohn’s disease as well. I’m 63 so young compared to a lot. I hope he is getting his head round it and that you are too.
Hi WifeWinnie. I had a robotic prostatectomy 7 weeks ago and kept both my adult children (28,30) informed from MRI scan onwards. They were very supportive and made sure I stayed optimistic throughout the process whilst being aware of different potential outcomes.
I don’t know your family dynamic but if you are concerned with ‘worrying them’, you might find that they would rather be fully informed as you would want to be if the situation was reversed. You will probably need to tell them at some point and they may feel denied of the opportunity to offer help if you leave it until a later point in the process.
Hi WifeWinnie
I had the op last November and I recovered very quickly from the surgery. I don't remember having to resort to much pain relief. After 6 weeks I was back to being able to tackle normal tasks within reason. I've had 2 PSA tests since November and both were <0.01 so the cancer has gone and long may it remain so. After 6 months the only complication is that I am totally incontinent. However, I have appointments in line to discuss having an Artificial Urinary Sphincter fitted. My consultant wanted me to wait 12 months before he would countenance such a move but I persevered and forced the issue. Unbelievably, today was my first appointment with the Continence Clinic in order to get NHS support for getting pads on prescription (only 4 a day but it's something). My advice is to find out what's out there and be proactive in getting what you need. This Forum is a good place to start. Wishing your husband all the best and talking about it is vital to realising he's not alone. I've been surprised just how many of my friends have been through the same journey.
Hi Amnesiac. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. I really appreciate it. If it were me I’m pretty sure I’d tell family but my husband is adamant he doesn’t want them to know at the moment. He may change his mind further down the line. It’s encouraging to read that you felt up to taking a mini break after just 7 weeks. Wishing you all the best.
Hi Huffie. Sorry to read of your incontinence issues. I hope you get the support you need to improve this. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences so far. Your PSA results are very good news. I hope you get the support you need. :)
Hi
Just an update to say that my husband is currently in theatre having the robotic surgery. We considered running away but knew we’d have to face it at some point! I’m currently sat in a nearby cafe overloading on caffeine. We were told the op would be 3 to 4 hours and that his first night would be in ICU. We live in Spain so I don’t know if this is normal practice in the UK. I got very upset when I was told I should go home for the night so thankfully the staff are allowing me to stay. We have private health insurance but robotic surgery wasn’t covered so we had to pay for the op. I’ll try and update his progress as I know I found it helpful to read other peoples experiences.
hasta luego
WW
Hi WifeWinnie, thank you so much for the update, Wish i could offer advice on his surgery, but never had it myself, though i know many of the guys have and will hopefully reply soon. I can guess it's an anxious and worrying time for you, though fingers crossed everything goes well and you are home soon. Best wishes and hugs, take care
Eddie xx
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