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Posted 2/28/2011 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone.

I am brand new to this forum. Happy to have found it and have learned so much already.

I was diagnosed in January. Huge shock as I have always been very healthy and have no family history at all.

I have decided to be aggressive about it and consulted with an Oncologist, Radiologist, Robotic surgeon and open surgeon. Was hoping for the seeds but radiologist recommended surgery with 40% chance of external beam treatment after. Was pretty sure I was going to go with a well respected robotic surgeon here in Boston, but learned that with a nodule on the left side he would plan to do nerve sparing surgery only on the right side. The general surgeon, well experienced-over 3500 rps, convinced me that it was possible to save left nerves and by feeling around he would be able to make that determination at that point.

I know that there will be a somewhat longer recovery time but that is a secondary concern. Clear margins and quality of life are number 1 and 2 for us. Have surgery scheduled for 3/15, home on the 17th, my 56th birthday! Looking forward to getting past this and back to normal life. Thanks for listening.

Posted 2/28/2011 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Seeker,

Welcome to the forum and the knowledge and advice you will get in here. I was scheduled for Laproscopic surgery but it was converted to an open one due to complications and yes it takes longer to get over but i am happy with the outcome though, as long as you come out healthy at the end it does not matter how you get there,

Take care, Bob.
Posted 2/28/2011 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to a caring forum. I'm sure other guys will chime in with news of their Boston docs/experiences. My husband had his open rp in Boston last July. Your expectations are exactly what NEIrish's were: remove cancer completely, no diapers, retain sex life - in that order. So far, despite continuing ed, he has all 3. Wishing you the same!
Posted 2/28/2011 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Best to your choices, did you get pathology reviewed by a reknown expert like Bostwick, Oppenheimer or Epstein? Did you run nomograms and what did you think of that information? Can you inform us of whom the doctor is? I see the word 'possible' highlighted and the reference to 3500 rps, that is very unique for a new poster and usually never seen??????

Best to you.

Post Edited (zufus) : 2/28/2011 9:06:54 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/28/2011 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, seeker, cool name

Sounds like you have done all your homework, and came to a good decision for you. I had open surgery, and had no regrets about that part. I spent 4 1/2 days in hospital, but that was only due to some surgical complications. I hope you do well, and please ask any questions you wish.

We were both the same age when diagnosed and operated on, the best of luck.

David in SC
Posted 2/28/2011 4:11 PM (GMT 0)

Hi seeker 317I do'not like to say welcome ,I wish no one has to come here.

Seeker,you are in the right place and we are here to help you.

I myself are a G6,but after surgery is averything goes well with your pathology report,

you will not need any other treament.I think the surg can save both nerves good luck

and hang in there it will be fine. yeah

Posted 2/28/2011 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum, thanks for sharing your story with us. Keep us informed on your journey.
Posted 2/28/2011 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Seeker...The doctors all try to sell what they have to offer...Don't put to much faith in the "nerve sparing" talk, there is more to ED problems than that..Many important blood vessels get cut and tied off too, robotic or open. Most of the guys here have had ED problems after surgery...The docs tend to paint a rosy picture about the side effects...9 out of 12 means your cancer is fairly extensive and the chances for having a positive margin are pretty high. This is what will trigger the adjunct radiation treatment...

Today, radiation treatments success equals the success rate of surgery. Some radiation techniques may even do better..Generally speaking, the side-effects are less..So if radiation is in your future anyway, why subject yourself to the surgery? It's the age old question...So read a couple of books and make your choices wisely and take comfort in the fact that very few men die of Gleason 6 PC no matter what treatment protocol they choose...
Posted 2/28/2011 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks all for your quick and kind replies. To answer a couple of questions, I had biopsy done at Cape Cod Hospital and then reviewed/confirmed at Dana Farber in Boston. Dr. Jerome Richie will be doing the surgery at Brigham & Womens.  I guess they are affiliated. And my possible comment alluded to his indication that there are no guarantees. Anyway I feel like I've done my homework and will now put in into the hands of the experts. Thanks again!

Posted 2/28/2011 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Seeker, I have not had ED issues and I am 7 weeks out of surgery. I have also spoken to many others who have also not had significant ED issues. It all depends on your age, fitness level, and, frankly, your sexual functions prior to surgery.

yes, there are plenty who have ED issues and incontinence, but there are just as many who do great. So definitely go into this with a positive attitude. It depends on the factors mentioned above and in the skill of your surgeon.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Posted 2/28/2011 9:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Seeker,

Is your surgeon Dr. McGovern?

Posted 3/1/2011 1:05 AM (GMT 0)

Seeker,

Welcome to forum and good luck.

Lynn

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