Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in 3 weeks

Hi BW,

My stats are probably lower than some having surgery, especially anyone on NHS care - I am luckily private. However, as its early I think there isa  good chance to get the cancer completely removed so I can more on with my life.

I was steered away from radiology treatment a little, because I am relatively young and of course radiology can cause issues to bowls etc. later in life.. say 10 years+. 

PSA 3.8 in August 2025, 3.7 in January 2026
Gleason 3+4 = 7 in left targeted and left mid biopsies with 7 out of 25 cores positive

Another reason I am going ahead quickly, is that I have just been diagnosed with Ocular Myasthenia which often moves to move generalized Myasthenia Gravis in a couple of years. This autoimmune neuromuscular condition could make surgery more risky later on if it does progress.

I am 55, and my wife died just under 5 years ago when she was 51. So, I know life can be short and I intent to live it. I am also considering semi-retiring early in the next couple of years if not before.

Hi . Clovis 

Your stats are very low and you have private healthcare, you can easily hold back a few weeks if you have any concerns and that will give you time to discuss options out there . You could have a second opinion with a consultant that specialises in RT/ Brachytherapy and get their opinion. RT is very targeted now with a direct beam killing off the tumour and going nowhere near the Bowel. A totally non invasive procedure. Obviously a surgeon will advocate for surgery. You are in a position now that you have the time to book a second opinion and really see what’s out there. It’s a matter of weeks looking at options that you have time to do. You are young, you have a life ahead of you and opportunities to meet someone new. Either way what ever option you decide to go for this should be all behind you by next year. It would be handy to go ahead with no ED problems if you do have a new relationship and this is something you need to look at - under the knife VS a direct beam that also kills off the cancer.
You have lots of time to thoroughly research  this decision and feel 100% happy with going ahead. Just so you know. Literally everyone’s first reaction is cut it out. 
I really don’t want to put you off surgery but I do think you need to know you have a lot of time to think about it with your stats . 
Best wishes 

Hi Mickey how are you getting on a few weeks in now? I have my pre op booked for 20th Feb. Spoke to my surgeon who is very experienced. Not sure if anyone else has been asked but there's an study around the lymph glands and removing them. I've been asked if I want to take part.

Mike

Hi Mike 

It's now exactly 1 month since my op and I'm feeling almost back to my old self but still taking it easy. 

Constipation seems to have sorted itself out which is good. 

About a week ago I'd almost forgotten about the pain in my abdomen and twisted awkwardly which really hurt so I rested up for a few days and I'm all good again now. Not 100% but I'm much more mobile now and have very little pain.   Walking at least a mile a day, often more.

Had a little blood in my urine yesterday which is the first time for a couple of weeks but it's stopped again now.  I think it's just a case of internal scars healing so no bad thing.

Still a little incontinent, maybe a bit more than a few weeks ago even but I wear #2 tenamen pads as its only a few drops at a time and each pad lasts a whole day. 

I haven't driven since the op but I think I'll be ok with it now so I'm going to give it a go at the weekend. 

No news on my follow up appointment yet which I'm told would be 6-8 weeks after the op, so if I haven't heard by next Tuesday (5 weeks after op) I'll chase it. 

Overall I would say that my recovery is progressing, I'm doing more now and getting back to normal.  I did quite a bit of running pre op but I think I'll wait another month before I start light jogging just to make sure I'm fully healed. 

Before my op my surgeon phoned about the lymph gland trial but he'd forgotten that I'd been on HT for 3 months which meant I was ineligible. 

Keep us posted with how things go with your op. 

Mike 

Hi.    I had my op aug20    The worry before it is far worse than the op.  You are only in over night    When I got home I was a bit wiped out by it so spent a couple of days just in bed , sleeping off and on and being waited on by my better half.   After about 3 days I started moving around the house and by about a week was up and down my garden.  I then had a couple of trip to the shops nearby albeit with loose pant to cover the catheter.    At night I lay the night bag in a cat litter tray and was able to sleep on my side     I purchased some sterile wipes to do the injections with.   I had my catheter removed after 2 week but had to have a cystogram to make sure all was ok.    I was visited by a district nurse in the second week who removed my staples.   I have just had my results of my second post op psa and I am undetectable still which is good.   I was continent immediately after the catheter removal.   If you’ve any other questions I’m happy to try and help.    You will be fine !!   Cheers. Simon 

Hi Simon64 & Mickey Glad to hear your both doing well. Onwards and upwards. I'm in Scotland for a few days, on my way back from Edinburgh. Had a few pints and know I'll not be able to for some time.  Keep on with the recovery chaps. 

You ll be fine mate.  I had a drink about 6 weeks after surgery    Anything you need a bit of advice with drop us a line and will try and help.  

Hi, I thought I would give an update on my treatment.

I had the RARP just over a month ago and it all went to plan. The examined prostrate had clear margins, so my consultant said I should be cancer free, but PSA will obviously help to show that in a couple of weeks time. 

Having a catheter for a week is a pain. I was dribbling a little after it was removed, but its not very bad at all now.

Consultant prescribed me Tadalafil to take once a day and happy to said I can get an erection, its not as often/strong as before but confident it should improve. A dry orgasm is a little strange but OK.... and less messy :-)

I do still get pain often when I wee, particularly at the end.

Hello Clovis 

All good about the clear margins and I wish you a very low PSA test.

You need to have a word with your team and just let them know you still have a little pain at the end of a wee.

Best wishes - Brian.