Status update - surgery scheduled

Hi all,
Been lurking a bunch but haven't posted in a while.
The decision-making process was too intense and confusing and consuming to post anything of value.

Well, i'm scheduled for RALP on 2/25/20 with Dr. Christopher Amling at Oregon Health Science University.
Lots to say and think and feel but it is what it is....
My signature is up to date for the most part.
Thanks to all FBs and FSs. Your bravery, empathy and generosity is humbling.

Best to you all and a Happy Holidays to you and yours,
BD

mattam said...
Well, your situation is one that could be endlessly debated, but in the end you make the decision that makes you comfortable.

Good luck for a great outcome!

x2.

good luck man! happy holidays!

beaverduck - welcome back, decision made and now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the holidays and January. Next stop is pre-op physical then some prep for the hospital visit and return home in Feb.

I might suggest that you stay away from here and related websites until at least February when you may feel the need to review recommendations for surgery prep, recovery, etc. Absolutely no good can come from further study or analysis now. The month or so before my surgery was the best I had felt compared to the months prior to making the decision. Have a nice holiday.

BeaverDuck, good for you to have made a decision. My only suggestions from now till then:

Do everything you can to get in shape. Eat healthy, lose a few pounds (we all could stand to do that), exercise, particularly your core. Abdominal and pelvic musculature is important to recovery. Learn how to do Kegals, and start doing them....not a lot...5 sets of 10 reps 2 or 3 times a day will help.

Oh, and, um, have as much 'fun' as you can manage with your partner. There will be a break post surgery for a minimum of 4-6 weeks.

Do check in with us the last week or so, and ask for a list of supplies that might be useful.

BeaverD, if your like most, the simple, Er, maybe not so simple, act of having made a decision, must be a huge load off your shoulders. Wishing you the best of luck, and a good result that puts this behind you forever.

The biggest favor you can do for yourself, the best way to be kind to yourself now, is to try your best to enjoy the next two months and think about this stuff as little as possible, until the week or two leading up to your date with the robot. Not easy, but try.

Good luck man

Prato,
Yes, its true. I do feel better now that I've decided on a path forward. All those same doubts invade my mind from time to time but I know treating this now is the right path forward for me. I am happy that i had a good chunk of time since my Dx to work through the emotions and learning curve but my job now is to smile, breath and try and be the best patient i can be.
I'm touched by your caring advice on how to spend the next couple months. It is very much appreciated and apropos. Thanks.

Andrew,
Will do. I hope you're right. No other choice than to battle and get through this. Thanks for the encouragement.

BD

BD....caught your thread as I woke up to go to the bathroom. A common side effect of PCa ;-)

Sounds to me like you've got your 'stuff' together. Excellent advise above. No second guessing, no worries, enjoy the holidays, stay off cancer boards, and get it done. Actually it can be easy given your mental toughness. I have a feeling you're gonna do very well.

Saipan's suggestion is quite appropriate! He is a hose expert. Good luck....and good night!

Saipan,
Thanks for the reply and encouragement.

Garyi,
Yeah, after a couple years or more of frequent nocturnal urges, I know where you're coming from.
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. I hope i'm half as mentally tough as the rest of you guys/gals on this forum. If so, i can get through anything. Even this.

Hero,
Great tips and thanks for the kind words. I am concerned about constipation. I'm somewhat prone to it (mainly from dehydration, i think), which often leads to a hemorrhoid or two. I think that is where the "drink, drink, drink" comes from, eh? I will def try and get by on the least amount of pain meds as i can, in addition to talking to the docs and nurses about it.
Send your grappling son my best. BJJ is a huge part of my life (my 12 yo son is pretty die hard too). If he's ever in Portland, OR, he can call me and i'll take him to my gym for a roll.
Thanks again.

Happy Holidays to you all,
BD

I had single port robotic surgery 10 weeks ago, had one small 3/8" incision lower right ab and a 3/4" incision right below my navel for prostate removal....went home the same day, never had any pain, didn't need any medication at all. Practiced the kegels religiously prior to surgery. Didn't have any constipation after surgery. Had a few weeks of irritation between my nuts and ahole like I rode a bike 100 miles a day, was glad when that went away. Dealing with the catheter got a little frustrating switching back and forth between the large carry bag and the small leg strapped bag, especially for 12 days. No pain removing it at all. But the incontinence for a few weeks was very hard to deal with. Rather than pissing in a large pad all day long and going through several a day, I bought a Cunningham penile clamp on line and I tell you what, it was a salvation...had to shave the foam down a little to get a comfortable fit. You can go do what you want to do, hardly feel it, and release it when you go to the bathroom a few times a day...hardly used any pads. Now, after 10 weeks post op, I'm almost dry except when I exert myself like when I go to the gym.....I use the clamp when I go there with a small pad as backup in case. But other times I'm almost totally dry and just use a small pad which lasts all day or more. Erectile dysfunction is still an issue but at almost 73 I can go without for awhile til things come back, if they do. Uncle Sam is giving me 100% service connection for the PC for several months after determining I was herbicide exposed in Vietnam service so makes things a little better. Wishing you the best and have a Merry Christmas.