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PC at 44

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Posted 12/14/2016 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Recently diagnosed with PC. PSA at 14, six of 12 positive on the right side only, Gleason 7, no evidence of Metastatic in bone scan or CT. Robotics scheduled for 30 Dec. Emotional roller coaster for sure, counting the days to take the next step.
Posted 12/14/2016 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry you have to be here, but welcome to a good place! Hope you have a year end success so you can bring in a fresh new 2017! -Ken
Posted 12/14/2016 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the well wishes Ken and Happy Holidays!
Posted 12/14/2016 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Rob72,

Just wanted to extend a handshake, from across the miles, and offer my support ...

You've found a caring corner of the world here --- members from all over the country --- all over the globe, in fact.

We're a BAND OF BROTHERS, so to speak --- a fraternity of fellows --- gathered here to support each other --- listen --- give advice when asked --- share treatment experiences, from a first-hand point-of-view --- to share insight on new treatments, medications, and research --- and to share HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT with one another.

Willing to join in ? We welcome you here, Rob72. I was also diagnosed with prostate cancer when I was in my 40s, as revealed in my treatment signature shown below.

With that being said, several of us have banded together and created a new thread for newly diagnosed fellows. We've ALL stood at the point where you now find yourself standing ... a whirlwind of emotions, questions, anxieties ...

To find the thread, go up to the top right-hand corner of your screen and find the SEARCH BOX. Type in this thread title for lots of insight that you will find helpful right now ... the thread is entitled "Letters To The Newly Diagnosed" ... you'll find it encouraging, insightful, helpful ... and HOPEFUL.

Just wanted to extend my support to you, Rob72. Thinking of you, from across the miles and wishing you the best as your treatments begin.

Handshake of support, from "one brother to another brother" ~
"Cyclone Team Fan" ~ Iowa State University
Posted 12/14/2016 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW, sorry you need to be here.

Surgery isn't fun, but you'll get through it.

This PC is as much a mental/emotional game as it is a physical one.

Hang in there and keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 12/14/2016 7:23 AM (GMT 0)
Rob,
Welcome to this site - I'm sorry you had this unusual diagnosis at such a young age. How did you come to be diagnosed?

BTW - It's a good idea to read the sticky for the newly diagnosed on the first page of this forum. Lots of good info there.
Posted 12/14/2016 8:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hey brother

From another 44yr old, welcome.

I had my RP done in Oct after pulling hair out with options. So far I'm glad I had it done. The side effects are not that big if a deal for me. I can still master bate, not fully erect and I do leak, but it's getting better slowly... and with my first born baby on the way I get to practice changing diapers on myself...

Stay positive!!! Good luck with ur surgery.


Zzarth
Posted 12/14/2016 10:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for the welcome. Very fortunate I found this now and have to thank my wife for saving my life. We share the same GP and had a physical a few weeks before me. At the appointment she asked the GP to add a PSA to my blood work. Wouldn't you know 11.2. Confirmed by a second at a different lab at 14.2. That's when all the fun began. More poking, proding, and seeing doctors than I think I have seen all my life. Fortunately to have my Uro be a friend of the family and get me in with an experienced surgeon in Syracuse. Thankful and praying things continue to get better from here.

Post Edited (Rob72) : 12/14/2016 9:49:04 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/14/2016 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
Rob, welcome. Sucks when we see a guy as young a you join our club. But as was stated, you've found a great place for education and support.
High likelihood that a year from now, probably less, you'll look back on the upcoming surgery as a bump in the road. Hard to believe now, but likely. Best of luck
Posted 12/14/2016 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Rob,
Glad you found this forum so soon. PCa is something many men will face during their lives.

You are fortunate to be diagnosed at this time. At 44, I don't think I was getting annual physicals and I'm sure there would have been no PSA test. As I understand, widespread PSA testing didn't exist before the 1990's, although I could be wrong.

Anyway, caught early, your cancer should be treatable in a variety of ways. Get the book by Walsh from J Hopkins about surviving prostate cancer. I found it a wonderful source of information.

I believe you mentioned having surgery at the end of the month. At your age, you should do well with that treatment.

There are a lot of people on this site willing to share their experiences and knowledge. Good luck.
Posted 12/14/2016 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Rob. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!
Posted 12/14/2016 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob72. I've found this site to be very helpful! I have a slightly different diagnosis but am also in my 40's. Pretty disturbing news for me. How did you decide on surgery over RT? I am in the process of making that decision now. Just had an RO appointment today and am scheduled for a 3T mpMRI to determine suitability for surgery vs RT. Tough choice. Best of luck, keep us updated!
Posted 12/14/2016 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Well, welcome to the fraternity so to speak. I too was quite overwhelmed with the findings and decision. I'm currently back at work nearly 3 weeks after my RP surgery. I too was diagnosed at 44 years of age and actually turned 45 the day before my surgery. Birthday gift of hopefully being cancer free.

Things that really helped, read the sticky threads. Get some really comfy shorts and sweat pants and shirts! Be patient - things will get better. Currently I'm still leaking a little but it's getting better each day. Haven't tried for an erection yet but will be working on that soon - waiting for Cialis to arrive but I'm pretty confident it'll happen. Be grateful that you caught it now vs 5 years from now.

Good luck and know this is great place for support.
Posted 12/14/2016 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Prior to the surgery, consider putting some sperm away in the freezer, just in case...
Posted 12/15/2016 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for welcoming me to the family. Robotguy-The decision for surgery was never something I labored with. I really just want it cut out of me...yes there are side effects that may need to be dealt with but I felt at my age I was in a good position for full recovery with regard to continence and erectile function.
Posted 12/15/2016 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Rob72,
I just want to say welcome to this very supportive forum. This club is one we didn't ask to join, but it does make us pay our dues. My surgery was this past spring and though I'm older than you, it now seems like a bump on the road in the rearview mirror. No pain with surgery, no problem with catheter. After 4 months I experience an occasional drip, and the sex life is fun again. Not as good as my younger years but I can't complain. Sorry that you are doing this at 44, but you are likely to do great because of your age and may have little or no SE's.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Mack
Posted 12/15/2016 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Rob -- "just wanting it out" is a common sentiment. I know I was there. I hope you've at least looked at other treatments. good luck to you!

ed
Posted 12/15/2016 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Rob ....welcome !....nothing more to add to the pack, but good luck ...and a New Years wish from me to you for a speedy recovery...David
Posted 12/15/2016 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Rob - you are in a good place for information and support.

I was first identified with risk in May and started looking at this site and others. I just formally joined and wish I had done so earlier.

Lots of great material here from people with all types of treatments and experience.

Best of luck with the surgery.
Posted 12/15/2016 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Rob72. I admire your conviction and clarity in selecting your treatment! I wish I had that ability to pick a treatment option and go for it. I hope to decide by early January. I'll be thinking of you on December 30, and wish you the best!
Posted 12/16/2016 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob,

Getting diagnosed with PCa at age 44 is very rare. (I was diagnosed and treated at age 41.)

Here are thoughts from my journey that may be helpful to you:
  • If you want to father more children, freeze sperm now. Fathering children after PCa surgery is medically possible but very hard, expensive and painful.
  • Your sexual abilities will be impaired by the surgery (I'm sure you know that already). I strongly recommend that you read Dr. Mulhall's book (link below) before your surgery so you know what to expect and what rehabilitation options exist.
  • If you are in the hands of a great surgeon, and the surgeon is able to spare the erectile nerves, a guy your age in good physical health has a strong chance of regaining most or all natural erectile function. But, it may take a long time. (For me, it was 2.5 years before getting full natural erections. During the 2.5 years I used injections and other techniques for getting erections for intimacy with my wife.)
  • After the surgery, get up and walk as much as your body can tolerate. (You will need help getting up and down from bed.) And drink as much as your body will tolerate. It will speed recovery. Start this as soon as your can while still in the hospital.
  • When you come home from the hospital, you may be inclined to "man up" and overdo it. Be smart - rest a lot, don't lift anything, and let your wife and friends take care of you. There is no "tough guy" award. At age 41, it took a lot of effort for me to allow other people to help take care of me.

You can read more about me and my surgery below, if you are interested.
If you want to reach me privately with any questions, click the envelope link to the left to send me an email.

Gedman
Posted 12/16/2016 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Rob, I can certainly understand your desire to have the cancer "cut out of you". But, you might be well served to consult with a radiation oncologist, as well. The stats coming out of SBRT (CyberKnife) treatments look promising regarding a very high cure rate and fewer side effects. Good Luck.

http://radonc.ucla.edu/prostate-cancer-sbrt
http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/news-releases/year-2016/april/sbrt-hannan.html
Posted 12/16/2016 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
I also wanted the cancer out. But I didn't want, or need to be cut. As AS says, the various radiation treatments effectively kill the cancer as certainly as excision attempts to remove it. Often the radiation is more effective as it kills a greater area than the surgeon can cut. And if the surgeon can not cut it all out you will also have to get radiated subjecting yourself to the worst situation for significant side effects.

Once radiated the cancer dies and is expelled from the body in the same way millions of dead cells are expelled every day. The big advantage of the radiation treatment is the lower side effects.
Posted 12/17/2016 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I`m siding in with ASA and JNF on the other possible treatments. I am going to post soon on my experience with radiation ...the old standard of , well, for me 45 fractions -81 grs......2 more fractions left and it has been almost mindblowing( I`m a 60`s guy)...how much of a NON-EVENT it was .....good luck and best wishes for wellness and PEACE ....David
Posted 1/10/2017 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Surgery went well and I came home the day after. Had the catheter removed yesterday and received my pathology report. Clear margins and lymph!!! Great news!

Now my right leg is swollen (same side as my cancer and where lymph nodes were removed). Dappled ultrasound showed no clots and I am having a CT this afternoon. Lymphedema possibly?
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