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Newbie, Doing the RALP Friday

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 4/1/2014 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hey folks,

I've been trolling the site for a few weeks and have learned a lot. Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. Was diagnosed 2/13 and have been studying this disease for a while. I have opted for RALP this Friday. I reviewed all options very carefully and given the progression of my older brothers disease I believe this is the best option for me. Wish me luck.
Posted 4/1/2014 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
You'll be fine! Let us know the results when you reach the other side.

Good luck,
Tom
Posted 4/1/2014 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ho steverino, Piece a cake , expect a total cure. Hows the brothers doing
Posted 4/1/2014 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
One brother had the RALP and is doing pretty well after about 4 months, the other two are still reviewing options. I'm ready to move on.
Posted 4/1/2014 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
with your stats that will be happening
Posted 4/1/2014 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW, sorry you need to be here.

Most of the time picking a treatment is the hardest part, glad you got past that.

I also have two older brothers who were DXed, all about the same stats but we all picked different treatments. I did beam radiation, one did the brachy seeds and another did surgery. So far we're all doing just fine.

Hang in there, surgery's no fun but you'll recover just fine I am sure.

Keep us updated on your progress and tell your brothers about us.

Andrew
Posted 4/1/2014 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
If you haven't read the thread "Really useful tips for Da Vinci and RT by HW members for HW members" I just bumped it to the front page today. It really helped me when I first read it 4 days before my surgery.

Sorry to hear about all of your brothers and yourself. Wow, hard to believe.

You will do well and will be welcomed into the Zero Club in 3 months.

Good luck and we will see you on the other side!

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 4/1/2014 7:06 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Steverino!
I'm a couple of weeks out of a RALP procedure and doing fine. I would imagine your brother is giving you sound advice from his experience so not much to add. Do read the thread mentioned above, good stuff with some humour thrown in. In regards to incontinence post surgery I truly believe that drinking large amounts of water (in my case 3-4 litres a day) while the catheter was in helped with my continence post catheter removal. Kegels another must before and after. (Not when catheter is in!) I've continued to drink lots of water in order to exercise the bladder as it is a muscle. The last thing I said to my surgeon was "have a good day", so far I guess he did! I hope your surgeon also has a good day and wish you a speedy recovery!

Cheers, Doug
Posted 4/1/2014 8:07 AM (GMT 0)
hi Steverino

All the best to your coming RALP....look f/w hearing from you at the "other side"

 

Posted 4/1/2014 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
You'll do fine. Good luck.
Posted 4/2/2014 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck, Steverino.. I had my surgery 2/27/14.. And feel better everyday.. After the catheter comes out, you'll feel like you're on the mend and begin to get your life back. The incontinence is easing up for me and I've felt the most improvement this week (4 weeks post cath). Was thinking of going back to work tomorrow, but I can work from home so might take a few more days.

I have a younger brother who has recently got his PSA tested, so he'll be proactive with his health now. I think my father had issues with his prostate but i don't know the extent.

Wish you well
Posted 4/2/2014 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks folks, will give you an update this weekend perhaps.
Posted 4/2/2014 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Steve. I wish you well with everything. Keep us posted with your recovery.

Don
Posted 4/3/2014 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Most hospitals have WiFi, bring your laptop! And a pair of baggy sweat-pants to come home in....Check in when you can!
Posted 4/3/2014 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Steverino-

Sorry you had to join the club, but you will be fine. Had my RALP in November and have not regretted my decision for one second. Just remember to be a "patient" patient and don't rush things. Fairwind had a good idea about the WIFI but personally they threw me out of the hospital 16 hours after the surgery!

One invaluable tip I learned from one of my "brothers" here was to get a recliner. For the first week or so, it was the most comfortable spot for me. Again, good luck and don't hesitate to you us here as a resource.
Posted 4/3/2014 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Steverino
Looking back the whole RALP experience is easier than the biopsy and stress around the diagnosis. Sure there is some discomfort the first week with the incisions and the catheter. You have received some very good advice here/ I'll echo some of it. After you get out, resting, walking and drinking are key. Make sure you have a recliner to layback in. Take extra care of the catheter hose. no tapping or tugging, you'll only do this once. Keep the tube clean and lubed. Get some depends to bring with you when you get the catheter removed. When you are in the hospital they will remove a drain from you, removing the catheter will feel similar to that. In other words nothing to fear.

There is a great bunch of people here that are pulling for you

Good luck, don't worry and see you on the other side

Pat
Posted 4/4/2014 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the thoughts, advice and suggestions folks. Surgery in ten hours or so. Will let you know how it goes.
Posted 4/4/2014 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
You'll do fine. See you one the other side.
Posted 4/5/2014 4:48 AM (GMT 0)

Steverino said...
Thanks for the thoughts, advice and suggestions folks. Surgery in ten hours or so. Will let you know how it goes.

You must be done by now, Steve! I hope you are doing great. Start walking as much as you can, and drink plenty of fluids and take your anti-constipation meds, you don't want to go there! I am 6 weeks ahead of you, going for 1st PSA and post-op checkup on Monday. God bless you, Bro!
Bill
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