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Update and count down to surgery

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 6/29/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)

Hello All,

Sorry it has taken so long to post again, but it's been busy and an emotional roller coaster.

The last post was about the new diagnosis and questions.

Here's the update.

- Confirmed the Path report - 2 of 12 cores, 10% is each, lower left apex and the outside mid section just above it, High Grade PIN in the section to the side of the mid section. GS 3+3 in both,

- Sent slides to Epstein who confirmed 2 cores, but no mention of the PIN

- Had endorectal MRI (geez) which confirmed left side PCa, potential also on outside mid section on right, but may be blood/damage remaining from biopsy.

- Bonus find was what appears to be a cyst on my left kidney, checked old med records and found it was there in 2007 (only smaller) when prepping for gallbladder surgery. I've been told it is nothing suspect, hopefully so.

- Met Dr. Moul and staff at Duke University, open RP is scheduled for 7/13/11

- Daily practicing kegels to build strength

- starting to gather supplies - baggy pants, pads, etc.

Any words of wisdom (which there is a lot here), check lists for supplies, tips of experience, etc. are more than welcome.

Everyone here is great, and a great support. Thanks for all the help.

Posted 6/29/2011 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Don't wear boxers when you get the cath taken out idea

Good luck and don't seat the wait too much.

Posted 6/29/2011 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Stool Softeners are your best friends--Im thinking and praying for you--its not a walk in the park but its do-able
Posted 6/29/2011 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
Couple of things come to mind. Get more than enough lube (*Surgilube) for the cath line and only get a lube recommend for use on Cath tubing. Unless you plan on walking around naked this stuff just seems to wear off into your clothing. Couple extra cath tube hold down tapes (*Cath-Secure).
The back of my trough was sore and still is a bit, after removal of the anesthesia equipment. What hit the spot for me were some Italian Ices. Ice pops would do the trick but they drip. Extra urine collection bags are good to have on hand, wash one, wear one type thing.
( *= I'm not endorsing the product or anything like that, these just happen to be the names I've found on the stuff I'm using. Do have any idea what it's like to explain what you need to a teen age'r in your local store? )
Nurse friend of my could not over emphasize the importance of keeping everything involved with the Foley and urine collection gear clean! She's recommended a couple of times a day! Use nothing but soap and warm water to do the cleaning.
Plan on walking every hour or so, sitting on your butt will not help get things back in order.
Like 91B4 said, it's doable and it sure beats a long term dirt nap!
Posted 6/29/2011 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hiya,

I had an open RP seven months ago and i know the guys in here will give loads of practical advice but i will keep it simple for you ........

After surgery listen to what your body is telling you as regards how much you can push yourself afterwards, be VERY!!!!! carefull picking things up, take your time on stairs and the biggest thing is ........... be patient with yourself. Recovery is not a race or a comparison to how others did or are doing. Its about you, your body, your recovery and your family support structure. But above all else, regardless of what happens, always retain a positive outlook and smile as much as you can.

I also found a word that got me through it .......... Faith ....... and i am not necessarily talking about religion, have faith in yourself, in your surgeon, in your hospital, in your family and in your recovery. I have a ring with "faith" engraved on it and i even wore while in surgery, they just taped over it.

Take care and know you are being sent hugs by the crazy English guy, Bob smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/30/2011 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
I'm right there with you. I go in on July 12th for my RP so I'm appreciating all the input as well. Let's keep our attitudes positive and I'm sure all will go well. I'll be thinking of you - best of luck!
Posted 6/30/2011 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
d-in-sc, windycitytiger,

Here is a link to our "really useful list" thread. It has a lot of questions, ideas, and thoughts about all phases of the journey. There are a lot of good prep items.

It used to be a sticky, and in theory still is, but it is a bear to find now.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1717641

Posted 6/30/2011 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, 142. I saved the link as one of my favorites.
Posted 6/30/2011 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, every one of us has had a ride on that roller coaster -- an important thing is to realize that you can't help your feelings, but you can talk to your self about them. Ask, "what an I feeling" and then "how do i feel about that"

Your partner is a big part of this whole process -- don't be so self-absorbed that you forget to communicate (I tend to, but then, I am a jerk)

Remember our mantra; walk, walk, walk; drink, drink,drink.

We will look for your reports from the other side.
Posted 6/30/2011 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
There's a lot of good stuff in that thread. Loose, comfortable clothes, lube for the catheter, a comfortable pillow and any other "comforts" you can find will really make a difference.

The biggest comfort may be a good attitude.

* Try to set aside your anxiety; chances are excellent you'll be fine.
* Try to take it a day at a time; the days will get better.
* Try to be patient about recovery; your body will recover on its own schedule no matter how impatient you become.
* Remember, if things get too uncomfortable or too frustrating, you can always come back here and b*tch about it. There are always people here to commiserate.

Good luck, and check in with us from the other side.
Posted 6/30/2011 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thought of something else, a pair of water proof shoes that you can slip off easily and wash.
And ALWAYS second check the drain tube lock on your urine collection units. Hence the need of the first item!

Couldn't agree more with English Bob's post. His words are full of wisdom that should be paid close attention to! Now where's my skateboard?
Posted 6/30/2011 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all info and support from everyone. It really helps.
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