decision made

After consulting a few MDs and Cancer Researchers over the past several weeks as well as my wife and I conducting a lot of research. We decided to go with the surgery route - robotic prostatectomy. MRI scheduled for the week prior. Surgery scheduled for 11/21 which happens to be my wife's birthday and one day after my birthday, happy 45th to me. Sucks that I'll be somewhat out of it for Turkey Day and missing a few weeks of hunting season as well.

The Md's concurred given my age, health, biopsy and rate of PSA elevations over the past few years they concluded that removal was the best course for a cure and ability to recover. What was interesting, one MD indicated that I probably had PC earlier at age 42 based on the PSA levels at that time. He also indicated that my GP probably saved my life by ordering a regular PSA screening, which is not protocol for a man in early 40's without family history or race. Maybe Ben Stiller was right?

Truly not looking forward to the surgery and effects afterwards, but glad to know there is a place to go for support. Also happy to be proactively doing something vs pining away on the possibilities. Now back to my K exercises.

Age of Diagnosis: 44
10.7.16 Biopsy: 4 cores GC - 6, 1 core GC - 7 (3+4)
2014 PSA - 3.5
2016 PSA - 6.3
11/21 Scheduled Prostatectomy, DaVinci Robot

Congratulations! Deciding is often the hardest part.

Now, just get it done.

Andrew

Jr, here's a few suggestions for getting ready:

For the next few weeks, eat healthy, get as much exercise as you can. If you can, get your core strong. Learn how to do Kegals, and start doing them.
Get the following supplies:

Waterproof mattress pad to sleep on at least until the catheter comes out
Waterproof absorbent pads for your chair (the doggie training pads are the same thing and cheaper)
Baggy gym shorts
"Basketball pants" (sweat pants with snaps down the legs)-work really well with the catheter tube
A small table next to your recliner for your laptop, water cup, remote, etc.
A good supply of your favorite DVD's (daytime TV stinks!)
Dulcolax (stool softener)
A shower bench (I borrowed one)

Oh, one more thing to do: empty that prostate as often as possible between now and then.

Jr., please don't take this the wrong way but if my math is right you made a decision 11 days after your diagnosis. That's really quick and I just hope you completed your due diligence in that short time. That is - did you get your biopsy slides read by Epstein or Bostwick as that could make a difference in your treatment choice? And, did you take the time to meet with other specialists that can provide alternative curative treatments such as LDR Brachy, HDR Brachy and SBRT?

Of course none of this is REQUIRED before making a decision. It's just that most of us here, regardless of treatment chosen, suggest that men take these steps before finalizing their decision.

In any case I certainly wish you success and cure as you move forward.

Jim

Not questioning another man's decision, but "old timer" Tud brings up a good point, 11 days post dx. is a very short period of time to make what can be a life changing decision.

Long as you feel you checked all available options, and weighed out the risks and rewards of such a decision, you should do fine.

If you have second or last minute thoughts, don't be too proud to change your mind (not suggesting remotely that you do), as I told my daughter as I was walking her down the wedding aisle, if you want to back out and say no, it's fine by your mother and I, don't worry about the cost of the wedding, rather you back out then to make a huge mistake.

For the record, they are still happily married after 13 years this month. Just trying to make a point

Hey Miller. Did you get any other opinions? I ended up getting three different opinions from three complete different facilities. The doctor who found the cancer was kind of a clown and i didn't like his bed side manor and attitude. I ended up finding a more experienced surgeon who spent some significant time with me at a great facility. He made me feel that I looked at all of the options and I know I was getting the proper care. The journey took me a few months and I am glad I spent the time. My recovery has been great with a few minor bumps. Just food for thought. Good luck.

Jr, I had done so much research from the time that I got my elevated PSA result that I would have had surgery the day the biopsy confirmed what I suspected.

Thanks gedman. That is some great information.