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Posted 10/26/2006 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
Just found out today. Biopsy confirmed 2 out of 8 samples are +ve at 3+4 and stage T1C. My PSA was 9.2. I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov. 28, 06. I live on the West Coast of Canada and da Vinci is not available here, so I'll have the 'manual' operation. I'm 70 years old, but have no family or closed friends. Any advice/encouragement from 'veterans' is highly appreciated. Am I scared/worried?......YES!!
Posted 10/26/2006 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Magaboo, welcome to a club where everyone starts out scared, shocked, petrified, you name it. We opted not to tell the majority of our friends or family and basically went through our cancer trip with our great new friends here at Healing Well. Everyone else will be along shortly to let you know that you aren't alone at all - in spirit.

You have a few weeks to go - that gives you time to up the exercise regimen, kegel, and stay healthy.

You'll find the best support here, anyway, because everyone knows exactly how you feel and what you'll be going through, now and during and after.
Posted 10/26/2006 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Magaboo! Welcome to this warm and friendly forum! Hubby & I have only been here for just over a week (when I stumbled upon the forum) and have already obtained good information and great comfort and solace in the words of fellow members.

You mention being on the west coast of Canada . . .we are in Alberta and were able to find a surgeon who does "laproscopic" prostate surgery and is so much less invasive than traditional surgery. Bob has 5 little marks on his stomach from this two of which are almost invisible. There were only 3 surgeons in our city who perform this surgery but we found one of them and are very glad for having done so.

Ask your urologist if there are any close to you who perform this. We didn't go with the first doctor that made our diagnosis, but asked him for a referral to a laproscopic man.

Your numbers are good for a contained cancer with full recovery . . . good luck to our new friend!
:o) Linda
Posted 10/26/2006 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Magaboo,

I would agree that a lap procedure is less invasive, and therefore would be easier for you post-op. As soon as you can tell the surgeon your circumstances, and see what post-op assistance the hospital can provide or recomend to you. It's likely you will only need a day time nursing aid for a few days at most, but getting it scheduled in advance will give you peace-of-mind.

So sit down with a pad & pencil and write out a game plan to prepare for the surgery (it will change as you ask questions and get answers). This active planning will help to allay some of your fears. We are all here to help in any way we can. Keep posting questions.

Glen
Posted 10/26/2006 3:57 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome magaboo,

I'm sorry you have to go through this process.  We know its not fun but its also not the end of the world or even the end of living as you know it......, once you get over the initial panic and shock!  The medical field has made great strides in this area and when PC is caught early, as it appears your is by the numbers you've given, a cure is very possible.

You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital at the very least as you will most likely be medicated.  Does Canada have any kind of Social Services that could help you?  At the hospitals in the USA there are Social Workers who can help arrange to have nurses come to your home everyday for a while and make sure your getting the care you need.  Is there anything like that at your hospital that you could ask for help?

You will not be totally disabled from the procedure Magaboo.  You will be able to walk around and they will show you how to take care of your catheter and things like that.  It is just nicer if there is someone there to help you but sometimes that is not always possible.  Make sure you get all the things you need before your surgery, such as pain medication, pads, comfortable clothing, easy meals, etc.

Lastly, know that you have found a great source of support at this forum.  The people are sincere and understand what you are going through because we have all been through it.  They are here whenever you need them.  Don't hesitate to ask questions and learn all you can.  You'll be just fine Magaboo.  I know thats hard to believe right now but you will.

Sincerely,

Posted 10/26/2006 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for you kind, helpful and compassionate replies. I'll try to stay as calm as possible and listen and learn from those that have traveled this road before me.
When people talk about pads, exactly what kind and where do you buy those?


Paul

Post Edited (Magaboo) : 10/26/2006 2:44:38 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/26/2006 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
That's the spirit Mag . . . .but another important thing to remember while reading all our advice and suggestions is that each person goes through this their own way. Someone who gains urinary control the first week shouldn't discourage you if yours takes longer . . . .when you read the stats, you'll realize that at the end of it all most men have reached the same result, just at their OWN pace. yeah
Posted 10/26/2006 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Magaboo. I want you to know it is going to be all right. We know the gammit of emotions you are going through and are here to help you get through it. remember this if God came down and asked you to pick a cancer besides skin cancer this is one of the best ones to pick. Many very positive advances for treatment at all levels made in just the last five years. You are going to do fine just hang around this forum and try to chill out as best you can. We are here.

Posted 10/26/2006 11:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Again Magaboo,

I was the one who mentioned pads.  Usually, when the catheter is removed, men more often than not experience loss of urinary control.  Some more than others.  Some regain control immediately, others like my husband, take a little longer. 

The pads I mentioned are to be worn in your undergarments to contain the leakeage you might have.  They usually sale them in a general store and usually by the pharmacy stuff.  There are many kinds of adult diaper like under garmets or there are just pads of different thicknesses that have an adhesive strip and stick to your underpants. My husband preferred the pads.  He uses "Serenity for Men" but there are many kinds and a lot of men use women's pads because they come in many different sizes and are sometimes cheaper.  I even ordered some of them from the internet at drugstore.com and had them delivered directly to our house.  It would be a good idea to take some with you when you go to have the catheter removed. 

You should also start right now practicing "kegel" exercises.  Try cutting off your urinary stream and holding it for 10 seconds, then let it go again.  This is to help strenghten the muscles you will need to regain urinary control, which you will!

Hope this helps answer your question and don't hesitate to ask more.

Sincerely,

Posted 10/28/2006 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ Paul *magaboo J   Welcome to a wonderful place where true feelings can be shared and understood.     Your journey with prostate cancer is just beginning and this path of stepping-stones is best traveled with friends.   So ~ Welcome New Friend….to Your New Family.   A family that will share our experiences and in sharing our journeys… this will help you to make the decision that is best for you.   Always know that the decision you make will be the right decision for you.   KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers FEAR!!!!!   You will be getting a lot of information coming at you…. so have a notebook handy.   Ask questions, get answers, and research as much as you can.   Copy and paste any posting that you think you might pull from…. This way you can go back and reflect on it.   You can us it or delete it if you find you don’t want it once your mind settles down from the initial shock.   Trying to find a specific posting after it’s moved on down the list is hard… so start early in keeping helpful information close by you.   Yes… it can be a scary road because the unknown is always scary.   But – as time goes on you “will learn” and you’ll realize that the wobbly stone isn’t quite as wobbly and it isn’t as slippery either. That will be when you realize I’m going to be okay ~ because I know what I’m dealing with and I have so many hands reaching out to me…. And I’m not afraid to ask for help. J   Paul ~ where on the West Coast do you live?   I lived in Kelowna when I was in my 20’s… and visited for the first time in August…now in my 50’s   Whewwww didn’t recognize the place with the growth that has taken place.   Can you give us a little background….   Do you exercise?   Do you have any other health issues?   This will help all of us ~ to know you!   Stay close to Linda *lawink because she’s in Edmonton and can maybe help guide you on certain paths with the health system there.   Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers. You “will” feel all of our prayers… and you’ll realize you have more strength to travel this journey because of them…   Take care new friend and know we all care! In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   As time permits… I invite you to visit our Thread: Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring   it is on page 2 or 3 at this time.   You may find a few areas of our journey that may make your journey a little smoother.   This is the reason we posted it.   It is just “1” journey out of many……to pull helpful information from.      "GOD Bless You"   It's a little prayer "GOD Bless You"... but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your way.                                   ~ author unknown ~  
Posted 10/28/2006 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for all your advice, comments, your welcome, your understanding and your compassion.
I am in good health otherwise, take no medications of any sort; I'm into exercise, I'm quite fit and not overweight.
I live in Chilliwack, B.C. and the 'open' surgery will be performed at Chilliwack General Hospital by Dr. Goodman.
Special thanks to 'bluebird', '56 pontiac' and all my other new friends.

Paul
Posted 10/28/2006 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like things are coming together nicely for you Paul! Do you have a surgery "date" yet?? We need to all mark our calendars so we can pull for you!
:o) Linda
Posted 10/28/2006 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
Yes. The date is 28 Nov., 06.
Btw.: I have been doing Kegels for the last 2 weeks. I want to be as ready as posible.
Posted 10/28/2006 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Paul *magaboo,   2:14 a.m. posting…….Okay early bird…… it seems to me that you not only caught the early worm, but you had time to sauté it with a nice plum sauce for breakfast.          This is wonderful news about no meds and fitness is good.   You should do just fine!!!!   And you’ve started….kegels .. so you are definitely in tune with what needs to be done. This definitely helps with regaining urinary control quicker and easier….. so start now……..   Okay!!!   And do stairs…. You need this sphincter muscle to strengthen and be ready to do its new full time job.   Follow your doctors orders completely…. And streach 6 weeks to 8 weeks recovery like we did and you will definitely be the better for it.      Something to remember ….. Stress and worry….. only brings you down mentally and physically.   So ~ your assignment for the waiting period before surgery is to not do either.   J   Okay!!!!   What hobbies do you have?   Buddy & I love to garden, read, and watch football, baseball, basketball, boxing, CSI Las Vegas, CSI Miami, and all Law & Order shows.    ** Treat yourself to a nice big TV screen if you don’t already have one.   This will make watching TV more enjoyable.   And since you’re going to have the time….. Just Do It J   We have a Panasonic LCD 40” and we love it!!!!!!!   So – if you take time to heal properly….. you will be up and about in no time.   Just make sure you “don’t” over-do it… because you don’t want setbacks.    Your stamina will be slow in getting back to where you are right now…. And with your age… you may never be back 100% to where you are right now.   And this is normal.   So ~ don’t let this affect your healing/recovery.   Take the time to heal!!!!!!   Buddy is 7 months post op and we think it will take at least another 6 months at least to be back up to at least 95% if that… but that’s okay!!!   We are cancer free and the little things that are different after surgery….. are part of the package.   The good thing that came out of this surgery is the fact that the urinary flow is soooo much better.    aaahhhhhhhhh   I noted that you were on at 2:14 a.m.   and this is good!!!!   It really helps to let your feelings flow when you need to… so don’t hesitate to let us know how you’re feeling.   Good, Bad, and/or Ugly….   It’s good to have a place you can vent/share…… it’s healthy        So my new friend….. stay with us and you’ll begin to feel the loving arms that surround you.   As we travel this journey with you.   Take care and as Wittler “Kate” would say”   STAY STRONG!   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   Personal Threads: If you pull 1 thing from our journey that helps you on your journey…… it will truly make our hearts happy!!!   Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring , A Special Note for Loved Ones (Wives, Partners, & Caregivers) , Give Yourself a Second Opinion, and Murphy ~ Our Special Helper.  
Posted 10/28/2006 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lee & buddy 53 * bluebird,
Thanks again for your kind, encouraging, and caring words. It helps a lot to know that someone that has been there cares and gives helpful advise. I already have a big screen and agree with you that makes watching TV a lot more enjoyable. I'm living in a two story townhouse and my hobby room is upstairs (14 stairs to climb), so I'm up and down those about 20 times a day. I have always walked, jogged, on a treadmill and outside, in addition to some strength exercises including some weights. So I think I'm in pretty good shape for an old guy.
The worrying bit is a bit harder to handle. It's a bit like telling someone with a head ache not to have one :-). However, I do try to occupy my mind with other things as much as I can.
So, thanks again. You guys are wonderful to have around.

Paul
Posted 10/30/2006 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Magaboo,

I had lap surgery and I have not had any incontinence at all and my doctor said it wa s partly due to the fact the I walk a lot and climb stairs also several times a day. Everyone is different but I had real good luck there. The walking and stair climbing are good things.

Good luck and kepp us posted we are all here and praying for you.

John
Posted 11/1/2006 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
  Hi ~ Paul *magaboo   Weekends are pretty busy for most folks ~ so waited ‘til now to touch base. I’d say you are doing just fine with the stairs J   14 x 2 = 28 x 20 = 560   whew I’m worn out just thinking about it.   Yes…… I’d say your sphincter muscle is ready!!!   But keep doing your kegels as well!!   You mentioned a hobby room upstairs…   I’d be interested to know exactly what you enjoy doing…   if you wish to share.   And it does sound like you on the young side of 70.   Met a gentleman at Nags Head who was 71 and looked 60 if that… so the exercise is a huge plus for getting you ready for surgery.   I’ve been thinking…..   Don’t they have an extended care facility near the hospitals.   I would check in to this.   If the opportunity allows you to be there for the period of time you need to be comfortable going home alone with Mr. Foley aka Hang   “catheter” J …. This may be just the thing.   You could manage as much as you possibly could there at that facility and this would reassure you that going home you’d have no concerns.   Just throwing out thoughts.   Excerpt from “Our Journey” I’m adding, “Worry???”… A member *Wicket J   asked why I hadn’t told her this before they had surgery… J … so… I thought I’d add it to “Our Journey”… because this is truly how we feel and felt.    Worry??????   Why???      Worry causes stress ~!@#$%^&*()_+@#$%^&*    Stress causes all sorts of bad stuff…    It gets you nowhere…    It drains you of strength… and    What’s going to happen is definitely going to happen whether you worry or you don’t worry…    So ~ No More Worrying.   Okay           Knowledge is Power    ~     Knowledge/Power takes away the fear.   Hope today was a good day for you!!!   Remember…. If you wake up in the morning…. That’s always a good day.   Stay with us friend…..   and hope to talk with you soon. In Friendship, Lee & her Buddy
Posted 11/1/2006 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Paul - it sounds like you are in great shape and will recover from surgery well. The emotional side is the hard part. Try and keep your mind on other things and when you start worrying, just tell yourself that it'll be OK and then move on. Think about all of us here who have been there....done that....and are now in different stages of recovery. Take it a step at a time and remember, there is no dumb question. take care, kat
Posted 11/4/2006 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi magaboo, im not quite a veteran but im having the same as you a couple of weeks after. wish u luck, will check you out after.
Posted 11/4/2006 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Magaboo,

Had my Da Vinci on Wednesday and have done a lot better then I expected post op. I believe that the walking that I did for the two months prior to the surgery made a difference. I was walking between 4 to 5 miles a day with a morning and evening stroll. I did this everyday. I was very apprehensive going into the surgery and when I woke up pain free and not groggy it really pumped me up. I do not want to send the wrong signal here as you will have discomfort and a sore abdomen but not to the degree that you will be expecting. At least that was my experience. This morning I woke up after a great night of sleep and was able to get out of bed with little tightness and soreness in the abdomen. It is remarkable how fast the incisions heal. I hope my experience provides some relief to your anxiety. Stay busy and try and keep your mind off of it as much as possible. During bowel prep day I must have worked 15 or 20 Soduko puzzles as I found that this helped me emotionally.

I look forward to hearing of your positive experience.

Tamu
Posted 11/12/2006 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ Paul,   * magaboo    Thinking of you and wanted to let you know!!   Your date is coming soon   November 28 th …   Hope things have fallen in to place for you. Please touch base as time permits.     Take care and know we care!!   In Friendship,   Lee & Buddy
Posted 11/12/2006 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Once again thanks to all for thinking about me and your encouraging comments. On Tuesday I'll have my pre-op lab and anesthetist appointment. I'm doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances; keeping busy with exercise and kegels. I'm also organizing some of the things that I'll probably need for after the operation. It sure is scary, but I'm hanging in there.

Paul

Posted 11/12/2006 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Magaboo, Hey you are in good shape which means fast recovery. You will be walking soon after surgery. I am 4 weeks RRP and am doing so much better than I thought. Even a week after you will be surprised how good you will be doing. Your numbers are good so I expect the very best! I am 59 fair shape 3 +3=6 T1c PSA 3.3 Pathology said totally clear. Get Psa dec13.  I find now that the more walking I do the faster I gain control.Stairs too.  All the Best Be Coool!  Shepla
Posted 11/12/2006 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
MEGABOO,   The most important thing I,ve found to keep me calm was the faith in my Doctor! If you have that you got it made.   Shepla

Posted 11/12/2006 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Magaboo,

It is easy for those of us on the other side to tell you how well you will do but those last two to three weeks before the surgery are going to be tough for you no matter what we say. This is especially true if you have never had surgery before which was my situation. As Shepla says faith in your surgeon will lighten some of the fears. I found reading the good results that men were reporting on this forum to be especially comforting. You will be surprised how well you do even with the open procedure.

Tamu
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