After a Long Journey....Made my Decision on Treatment

Jitters are a normal and positive reaction. You can take that nervous energy and funnel it into two weeks of physical activity and preparaton. Lots of walking, some kegels, toning exercises for the abdomen, and you will approach the day of surgery confident that you have prepared yourself mentally and physical and with a great deal of confidence in a highly experienced and qualified surgeon. In 15 days the cancerous gland will be out of your body and you'll be on the road to recovery. Good luck, and keep posting.

Good luck krm, I just had my surgery last week 10/4 and everyone told me 2-3 days later I did not look like I had major surgery. You'll be amaed at he results. I felt like walking as much as I did prior to surgery but don't doit! Remember your outside will heal faster than the inside and needs time to repair itself.

I got my catheter removed after 6 days and glad to be unteathered. Depending on age, my doctor will remove the catheter 7-10 days but was impressed with my healing after 3 days we decided to go from 9 days to 6 days for removal.

It's natural to be nervous you just went through a major decision making process now relax, get prepared, think about what you want to do before surgery and what you will do to keep your mind busy through recovery. Keep us posted on your journey.

 

KRM - Congrats on a well researched decision. It is clear that you have made the right decision for you, and that's the key. I am 2 weeks post-DaVinci and I can tell you that the last two weeks have been just as scripted and hoped. Some pre- and post-procedure thoughts to ponder, many if not all of which I'm sure have been expressed here, but my consolidated thoughts nonetheless.

Pre-Op:
- Like all of us before you, we have "the list". The things we want to get done that we know we can't do for at least 6 months, or winter prep, or whatever. Prioritize and work your list, but be sure to leave a couple of days before surgery to cut back and rest a bit (I mean before the colon prep day before surgery, assuming you're doing that.)
- You sound like a healthy guy. While I didn't need to lost any weight, I felt the need to tighten my abs, although my Doc didn't suggest any prep physically. I didn't do anything crazy, but 3 or 4 ab exercises really helped. I was stronger physically, and maybe more importantly, mentally. Ideas on You Tube or On Demand TV.
- Take care of whoever is and will be taking care of you. This is as hard on them as it is and will be on you.
Post-Op:
- Walk when you can in the hospital as it helps get things moving (like many of us I had somewhat significant pain from the gas they put in you to inflate your abdomen. This takes time and patience. 2 weeks post op I'm still slightly bloated.
- While not my (or any male's) strong suit, be patient and take it slow once home. Get up and out of bed and walk often, BUT you will tire easily. Just listen to your body and don't over do it.

All the best, and keep us updated on your progress!

Best,
Steve (Seattle, WA area)

I just saw Dr. Tim last month myself, getting my regular checkup. (still at 0.10, not going up, but wish it was lower). City of Hope was definitely one of the better hospital experiences you can have.

For myself, in the weeks before surgery, I decided to enter a road race that was due to take place on the Saturday before my surgery, which was a Monday. So I spent my time training. The surgical experience was fine. I got pain meds to take home, but only needed them for one day. One thing I wish I had was a pillow to sit on for the ride home.

Good luck,

DJ