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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 11/26/2014 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings, fellas!

I was diagnosed just over a year ago, with a Gleason of 3 + 3.  Two of twelve cores tested positive.

I did the AS gig, and my most recent biopsy revealed a 3 + 4.  My doc and I agreed that it's time for that bad boy to come out.

I'm scheduled for robotic surgery on 1/15.

As a very active 51 year old (weights, running, ice hockey) I have to confess that my biggest fear isn't incontinence or even a struggle with impotence.  Rather, the idea of not getting to the gym or missing my beer league games is what's a source of considerable angst.  Weird, no?  I'm a happily married man, mind you...just being honest about what worries me most.

My doc says I can expect to resume "normal" activities within 4 weeks.  Just curious to know what was encountered among the jocks out there who have battled this beast.

Oh, and I presume resumption of beer intake is ok, yes?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rangers94

Posted 11/26/2014 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
The beer intake concerns mostly fall under the heading of incontinence worries which you have decided to skip. I really, really hope that works out for you.

I'm not much of a jock but I got back to the gym pretty quickly. You should ask specifically about the gym. Four weeks sounds short to me. The figure we hear more here of the forum is six weeks.

Good luck.
Posted 11/26/2014 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, and while you are working your various muscle groups, don't forget your pelvic floor muscles. If you are a dedicated gym rat you probably don't use the machines much but I found that I could use the rest period between sets on the sit-down machines to work in a set of Kegels.
Posted 11/26/2014 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome G Man,

I can relate with your fears 100%. I was diagnosed about a year ago. Had the Disney Marathon scheduled last January putting off surgery to February not wanting to miss it.

I asked my doctor if I could go to the gym after surgery to walk on the treadmill, he told me not until after the healing 5 weeks are over. I went to the gym to walk 30 mins and had a very difficult and frustrating experience due to incontinence. I didn't feel comfortable doing anything more than walking and holding it until I got full control back. That being said I was finally 100% continent after 4 mos. and ran my first half marathon last month (8 mos post op) and ran my fastest time ever.
I blame my prostate for slowing me down before.

If you're an athlete before surgery you'll be an athlete after surgery.
The most important exercise you can do after your catheter is removed is kegels. Do them before surgery too.

I like my beer too .. But if you drink it while your incontinent you'll leak for sure.

Best of luck!
Posted 11/26/2014 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
G Man, I also had the same fear of incontinence, even feared that more than the Cancer itself. I was basically dry from the time the catheter came out. I had a light beer the night the catheter came out and haven't looked back since. It's all about the skill of the surgeon and doing your keagles. Just expect to "de-fuel" more often. Good luck!!

Cheers, Doug
Posted 11/26/2014 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
GMan: I just had my prostate removed on Oct 28/14. Catheter was in for 2 weeks. I am essentially 95% continent from the time the catheter came out. I did kegels everyday for 6 months and continue to do them. ED is an issue but I am only 4 weeks out. I resumed my job after 3 weeks and am walking 4 km a day right now. Pain was minimal. The catheter was something to get used to. Catheter removal was fine, it was uncomfortable for about 3 seconds

I still have abit of a leak if I cough or get out of the chair without thinking. but only a few drops.
Posted 11/26/2014 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
GMan: You're going to be fine. You might consume less beer for awhile but likely that is the main side effect. It's a major surgery and while you can start back at the gym after 4-6 weeks, I'd take it slower. Give your body a good three months before doing anything really strenuous. Start with just basics - walking and lite workouts. Give your body time to heal and ease back into your routine.

You're going to find your body set back for awhile, and you'll need to build back up. Don't rush it - listen to you body and before you know, you'll be fine. You might experience some stress incontinence during your early workouts so watch out for that (especially if lifting weights).

Andrew
Posted 11/26/2014 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
G Man,

I had the open surgery, and was starting back into all my normal fitness activities at 6 weeks. I took it easy and gradually got back to full steam within 3 months.
Posted 11/26/2014 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
G Man,

It a been 12 months since Mr. daVinci yanked my prostate out. I went into surgery around 2pm and went home the next morning around 10 am after eating a large breakfast. For the first couple of days I was sore only when I tried sitting down or up out of a chair. I did a lot of pacing for the 10 days while I had the catheter in.

My biggest fear was being totally incontinent. But luckily I was totally dry from the day the catheter was removed. I do have sporadic stress incontinence when lifting heavy object and only a couple of drops, not even enough to wet my pants. I also had no problems with ED, even while I had the catheter in I was experiencing nightly erections.

I have no regrets and would make the same decision again.

Being in great physical shape you should not have any problems. Of course your doctor will tell you there are no guarantees.
Posted 11/26/2014 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
G Man,

Click on my story in my profile for my journey ...everyone is different ...good luck.

.
Posted 11/27/2014 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
G Man,

I hear you. Tomorrow morning (Thanksgiving) I'm playing a basketball game(s) that I generally play 3 times a week, and I did an hour Crossfit this morning; and those will probably be some of my last workouts before my brachytherapy procedure Tuesday morning. (I'm going 'home' for the weekend so i'll walk track and workout with traditional weights Monday).

My second procedure is Dec. 16 so I'm hoping by Jan. 1 I'm at least running around a track or something. I told my trainer I'd be back then anyway. But I think I'll be good with all except the most intense workouts.

I don't want to start a big debate or suggest surgery isn't the way to go for you, but I'm curious why you haven't considered internal radiation or other treatments?

It's not my business for sure, but with similar worries the surgery was near last on my list.
Posted 11/27/2014 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I was an avid gym guy prior to surgery, and returned to my gym routine successfully after surgery. I was told to stay away from the gym until 6 weeks post-op, and no abs workouts or leg lifts until 8 weeks.

-Gedman
Posted 11/27/2014 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I had my surgery 18 months ago and within a few months I was back golfing, skiing, running, biking etc. You'll be back doing all your sports, just all in due time. Better to be slightly cautious than to push it too early.
Good luck...even though I hated the Rangers in 94.
Posted 11/27/2014 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
thats the true continence test, drink more than a few beers at a restaurant a decent drive from wherever you are staying. Thats what i did to celebrate cat gone. I made it home, but, of course when I finally found the target, It splayed all over, I may as well have just poised my pants and forget about it. I was continent from the git go and contribute it to years of distance running and core training. and an excellent surgeon. Never did a kegal ever, to my knowledge. Just did what I would do before surgery… hold it in.
Posted 11/27/2014 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
G Man,

I wish you all the best. Like others have said everyone is different! I am approaching 13 months post op and still very inconenent, and the ruins everything, no way to plan on the outcome it is what it is, we all make the best decision based on the facts that we have and hope for the best. But make sure you prepare for the worse. Many have gone back to life as normal before, but others, like myself, this has been a life changer, from work, to physical activities. Wish you all the best.
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