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34 days to RLP - anxious

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 9/25/2012 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
I am not sure I have made the right choice, but I have made a choice. Starting the countdown to surgery and I have to admit I am scared of the consequences.

Have had really bad prostatitis since biopsy over 8 weeks ago and it is finally subsided. Now I'm finally feeling Ok and can walk a bit and try to get strong and get ready.

I have told my boss and old friend who is owner of the company, but not many others outside of family. My 13 y.o. Daughter has told 3 of her best friends, my wife two of hers.

I am anxious, and anxious to get this over with. I feel I have a good surgeon and am in good hands. Still, this feels like a test I am not fully prepared for yet. I intend to spend the next month getting ready.

There's a gospel song that my wife and I like, with the refrain, "be ready." I want to be ready.

By thanksgiving, I hope to be on the other side of this, and truly give thanks, for life, love and the mostly good fortune I have had these 55 years.
Posted 9/25/2012 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
You've made your decision, if you are sure, then be comfortable with it and don't second guess or look back. One thing to look forward to- that prostatitis will soon be a thing of the past, and you probably will even be able to push the scent block half way up the back of the urinal from peeing so easily and strongly. devil Having that rotten prostate out of me did a world of good as far as feeling well again. I hope it will do the same for you. Check out the thread going now about what to get to prepare for the surgery.
Posted 9/25/2012 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Rider,

You made your choice and I'm sure it will be a good one. Looking forward to a positive report from you. Focus on each step as they come, and don't fret what you can't control. I know it is easier said than done, but you will get through this. Just realize some aspects may well take some time. Use the forum for information and support as needed, but live life to the fullest as well.

Explorer
Posted 9/25/2012 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Outlook for a long life with a Gleason 6 is excellent! You will do great; surgery just a
Memory in a few months. Best wishes!

NewspaperLover
Posted 9/26/2012 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
 

Rider800,

You have made your first step in beating this crap, you made your decision.

Now prepare like this is a heavy weight fight, because it is!!

I had my surgery 7/17/12. I worked out, ate better, found Healing Well 2 weeks before surgery and these brothers and sisters helped more than any PC book.     

If you need to loose a few lbs. work on it, start learning Kegels, stop Googling "Prostate Cancer". Keep your "eye on the prize". Cancer free!

If you decide to let others know about the surgery, sign up for Caringbridge.com. My wife and I kept everyone informed using this site. Posted photos, journal etc. daily, sometimes hourly. Saves time phone calling everyone. All my co-workers knew about the surgery and their support really help lift my spirts.

I also started keeping a journal after I decided on surgery which I still do today. It helps to write/type out your feelings and what you are going through now.

You mentioned the gospel song. Funny how certain songs take on a new meaning now, huh?

Good luck, you'll do great!! See you on the otherside!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill

 

Posted 9/26/2012 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
If your mind is made up, then surgery it is.  I think it is healthy to know that there is a strong chance of side effects straight on.  Your goal is to get stronger over time, and look at the side effects, both ED and incontinence, as getting better, SLOWLY, day by day.  I think a person going in with super high expectations will surely be let down, but not always.  With ED, the nerve(s) will need time to recover, and this takes TIME (often up to 2 years).  Incontinence often starts out pretty bad, but quickly turns for the better!  Try not to beat yourself up, and expect  your body to be where it was prior to surgery.  I can't stress enough...it takes time.  Think of yourself like the olympian with missing legs...wounded but not broken.

Your doctor should have you on a penile rehab protocol that will probably start with Viagra or Levitra.  They may not work, but don't get too frustrated.  They are deisgned to get the blood flowing (remember, this is rehab).  If they don't work, you may ask for something else, like trimix.  For us, Levitra did not work, but we kept with the rehab process with great persistance.  We moved to trimix with great results, BUT over time, Levitra started to work.  We are  now about 8 months post op, and hubby is about 90% without any meds at all.

Get super healthy.  Diet and exercise are now key.  Keep fighting, and remember it takes time!

Posted 9/26/2012 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
the adrenaline will kick in and you will be ready. It's like going to battle, a personal battle. In fact, this will sound absurd, but once it's all over that loss of "going into battle" feeling is something I and some others missed.
Posted 9/26/2012 10:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, all.
Good words of advice and support much appreciated.
One question: How did you know I need to lose some weight? wink

I know that others on this forum have been thru far worse.

Getting ready,
Geoffrey
Posted 9/26/2012 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
Rider, start getting healthier FROM TODAY and heed all the advice from above re keegels etc.
You will do fine and besides, you've got that big old bike ride as a target to aim for!
Good luck.
Posted 9/26/2012 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
Rider,

You have made the right choice as it was your choice and you are the one who will live with that choice. At least you found this forum before you made this choice and had a whole lot more information than those like me who find HW well after treatment choices are made.

Losing weight is always a good idea before surgery, I didn't follow this but have lost 22 lbs in the last 6 months and feel so much better. If I didn't have serious ED issues, I wouldn't even know I had a RALP last year, I feel that good now. From looking at your stats, I am surprised at the large amount of G6 tumor you have and do not be surprised if it gets upgraded after the post RP pathology. Hopefully you can look back a year from now and feel as great as I do now.

One last thing to remember we have a saying here for guys going into surgery "Do not return your prostate with a full tank"    If you do a search of HW you will find several threads on how to prepare for surgery and what to have on hand while you recover.Good luck as your date gets closer.

Terry

Posted 9/26/2012 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
All of the guys have given you great advice on how to "be ready". Physically, you will probably face two challenges, Continence problems and ED problems.

Kegels, walking and weight loss may help with the continence and a penile rehab program may help with ED. You may also want to look into dietary changes (less meat more veggies).

Being ready mentally differs with each guy. You already seem to have a good support group, and you seem to be doing your homework on what you are going to face (you are asking questions at this site), so I think you are getting ready mentally ... keep up the good work.

Best of luck in your fight against PCa.
Posted 9/26/2012 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rider,

The decision making process is not an easy task, so congratulations on navigating the mine field. The nice thing about surgery is that doctors can see what is really going on instead of basing their decisions on the DRE and the biopsy. DRE's are like a blind man feeling around and trying to describe an elephant, and biopsies are wrong 40% of the time. So don't be too surprised if your Gleason score goes up once the final pathology report comes in, and you find out how the ball really lies.

If you get no surprises, you really have reason to celebrate. Then you just wait six weeks for your first post-op PSA and start counting the zeros.

Best of luck with your surgery.

Nellie
Posted 9/26/2012 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
You will do well.
Heed the advice that you have read in response to your posting.
Work at getting into better shape. It will help going into surgery and certainly as you recover.
Wish you the best.
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