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Here we go...post RARP.

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 9/24/2017 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
I'm new to the forum but used it before the surgery trying to improve my knowledge. 54 yo with no history of PC in family.

I was diagnosed 4/17 after an annual blood test that showed a PSA of 9.2. Followed up with a Free PSA after 15 days of antibiotics. That resulted in a PSA of 12. Biopsy showed 1.5 of 4 lobes (T2B) with a Gleason of 7 an a prostate at approx 42 grams. 4 of 12 cores positive.

I decided on da Vinci and that was done on 9/15/17. Surgery took 5 hours and it seemed to be nominal. Dr said he "took his time to get it right" (? would he do otherwise 🤔) Nerves spared, no rectum interference, etc. Pathology came back with good margins (although the Dr said prostate was bigger than shown when biopsy done ...) no seminal vessel or lymph node intrusion.

Now the recovery...over the last week, only issues are BMs with some roses/brown discharge around the cath (no blood in urine bag). I got off the narcotics as soon as possible and upped the colace dose. It's been 8 days since surgery and I'm a little worried about the discharge. Not sure what my expectations should be but based on many post here, it seems it often happens. There is a little pain at the tip where the cath exits but this seems intermittent with movement. Cath is supposed to come out next Friday (9/29/17).

All sounds good but what I wasn't prepared for was the emotions (thank God for my wife). I guess the reality of PC all kind of hit me at once the first time I stood up after surgery. I'm ready to be done with this but I know it's a long road back.

Anyway, thanks to the group for all the information and being candid and willing to share you experiences. It's helped a lot. Let this journey begin...

Jerry
Posted 9/24/2017 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Jerry, I had RARP on 09/15/2016. The physical recovery was by far the easiest part to deal with, the emotional and mental recovery seemed to take forever with many highs and lows along the way and I am still working on those. Make use of those around you that offer help sometimes we are too stubborn, proud, or ashamed to ask for or accept help. Family, friends, medical staff, clergy, and forums like this can all be helpful, pick and use the ones that feel like a good fit for you. I recently had a two month check-up call from the cancer navigation center of the hospital group that did my SRT, it felt good to know they remembered me and were concerned about recovery, we had a long pleasant conversation with some useful suggestions and possible referrals. Best Wishes on your recovery. Dave
Posted 9/24/2017 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Jerry, the arc of recovery is complex. The physical side is the obvious one. You'll get through it, and when the catheter comes out it's a game changer. Take it easy over the next couple of months. Walk as much as you can. Climb stairs. Get a scrip for cialis to get the blood flowing. Keep us posted on your progress when it comes to continence and ED.

The emotional side is different. It comes and goes. Hang around here, share your experience with the new guys. Feel free to ask questions and we'll help as we can.
Posted 9/24/2017 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tiger, I'm glad you made it thru the surgery and hopefully your post-op pathology will be favorable. Be aware that many people face strong negative emotions upon returning home following major surgery. Part of it is that the anesthesia stays in your system for about three weeks and depresses your system (exhibit 'A' the typical bowel problems) but also there is the emotional shock of the scars on your body.

I don't know whether or not you've had surgery before, but I remember my first time how good I felt when I finally left the hospital, then when I got home and I was back in familiar surroundings, suddenly it hit me that this hadn't been 'just a dream' after all and that everything that had happened was real and also that it would last forever. The events leading up to surgery and then the initial recovery seem to be almost unreal, but going home it really sinks in.

There's really not much else I can say. It will eventually pass. Your activities will be restricted for a month or so, so I can't just say 'get out and do your normal stuff', as part of it is the fact that you really don't have much else to do other than lie around and ruminate on what has happened. If it is still a problem after a couple months, say by your three month check up, you should mention it to your surgeon. He likely will not be in a position to do anything about it, but having a referral could help get you on your way to an emotional recovery.

Statistics show that one third of cancer patients suffer from depression, yet only one in seven ever seek treatment for it. You may need to 'push' your doctor regarding the seriousness of your condition and how badly it is affecting you. You are not alone in this. Doctors are reluctant to start patients on medications as it can add a new variable to your treatment. But without help, it can also interfere with your recovery.

Good luck going forward!
Posted 9/25/2017 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the positive encouragement. I think I'm in a good place and my family is very supportive. I've never had surgery before so this has all been new to me. However, as one guy put it; "focus on the fact they caught it early with a great prognosis...and the rest seems small."

I guess the next thing to do is to just heal my body.
Posted 9/25/2017 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Rest, heal, walk as much as you can, and live life.

You'll be fine and before you know it, this will all just be a bad memory.

Andrew
Posted 9/25/2017 10:34 AM (GMT 0)
I found the emotional reaction to my surgery puzzling. Mostly I was fine but a couple of times without any warning I started sobbing -- once on a street in Manhattan as I waited for a car. One of my colleagues at work had undergone surgery for another kind of cancer and I found it very helpful to be able to talk to her. Cancer patients understand what you are going through better than anyone else, and it easier to talk to to them, and that can help with the emotional side of things.
Posted 9/25/2017 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
Having a little discharge around the catheter is normal when straining to move the bowels. Be prepared for 6-8 weeks after surgery to see more blood when the dissolvable sutures dissolve. That freaked me out.

Your surgeon's office should have PA's or nurses who can address any concerns over the phone.

Best wishes for a great recovery - it won't be as fast as you might wish for and it may be non linear but each month will be better than the last. And best wishes for a good path report and first PSA test.
Posted 9/25/2017 1:48 PM (GMT 0)

fiddlecanoe said...
..... Cancer patients understand what you are going through better than anyone else, and it easier to talk to to them, and that can help with the emotional side of things.


So true! Welcome to the other side brother! Just give it some time, you'll do well.
Posted 9/25/2017 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Tiger-

Welcome to the other side! You should do great!!

Bobby Mac
Posted 9/25/2017 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you are post surgery. Physically, my docs said I'd be feeling almost as good as new after 6 weeks, and despite some setbacks right after surgery, they were right. So take it easy, walk a lot- a doc friend of mine said walk outside - and just be patient.

I've also had some minor emotional episodes. It happens. If you feel depression might be settling in, seek some help. Otherwise, talk to people who have been through this before, and communicate well with your spouse.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted 9/29/2017 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Tiger
Soon you will forget you've ever had surgery - I had myne 5/26 and I ran my first 5k last weekend and swam my first mile today. I don't feel anything except sometimes a little leak here and there.
The only advise I can give is - dont lift anything heavy for 3 mos.
I've had my ups and downs on the mental side - I'm getting better but PSA test anxiety is something I have to yet conquer - it seems that I am living life 3 months at a time.
Wishing you see an undetectable !
Posted 9/29/2017 4:17 AM (GMT 0)
What a relief to get the effing Foley out. I hated that thing.
Posted 9/29/2017 9:43 AM (GMT 0)
What a great post, as someone who is int he throws of deciding when to do surgery, the more I know the better I will be prepared for whatever. Based on other things in my life, I know the secret is sharing what you are feeling and connecting with others who feel the same way. I suggest one day at a time and enjoy that day! I really appreciate learning from you all! Denis
Posted 9/29/2017 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Well today is my first post-op appointment with my Uro. I'm heading there in a few hours. I will be getting the staples removed for sure but not sure about the cath. I've had no real visible blood in my bag but I did/do leak a few drops (10-15) around the cath during a BM. I think that might be leakage around the balloon because of contractions of the sphincter muscle or bladder muscles during the BM. We'll see what the Dr says...
Posted 10/1/2017 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Tiger!

Every day you're going to feel a little better. You may plateau once in a while, and if so, don't be discouraged.

For me, the catheter was no big deal, but I was discharged with a drain and what a pita that was. Leaked all over the place. I wasn't allowed to eat anything solid until I passed gas. Normally, that would be about 6 minutes, but it took about 4 days. I was so sick of consume, ices, etc... I don't know about staples, they didn't put any in me.

All the advice you've been given is good. Walk. Rest. etc. You'll be back to your normal self in no time.
Posted 10/2/2017 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
I almost laughed out loud to hear the comment about the foley " I hate that effing thing" could not possibly agree more we went back 3 X to finally get it out . Our surgeon at Roswell, Dr Underwood was more than compassionate because he also had a RP. He totally understood the whole thing. Now that the foley has been out , life is easier but now the incontinence is the issue for him. All the suggestions and help with coping in this uncharted territory is so comforting. He is completely aghast at the thought of using clamp etc but I ll try. Great to hear you guys are going forward. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, issues, concerns.
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