Feedback Needed

Hi:

First, Happy New Year to all of you.

I am so glad I found this site.  I am in Canada and I must admit that a site like this one is basically non existent, which is quite sad because I think it is very important for any man going through a radical prostatectomy to be able to share the experience with others. 

For the past few weeks, I have been reading many of the stories and realized very quickly that each situation is very different as far as recovery is concerned.  Some recovery stories are very encouraging while others leaves me with so many questions.

During my last visit at the surgeon, I was able to get a copy of the Surgical Pathology Report.  The Synoptic Report for Prostatic Carninoma on the Surgical Pathology Report states the following: «Tumour involves both lobes with focal extraprostatic extension (pT3a)».  My first PSA test is scheduled on February 11th and I will get the results from my Urologist on February 25.

Question:  When I was first diagnosed, the stage was T2a.  On the Surgical Pathology Report, it now refers to a "focal extraprostatic extension pT3a".  Has anyone had their stage T2a changed to pT3a after their radical prostatectomy and what were the results of their PSA tests?

You are all great and I must say that I have felt more positive since I discovered this site.  Thank you in advance,

Brunoboy  

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Biopsy on October 30, 2007

PSA: 3.4

Gleason Score:  (3 + 4)  7/10

Stage:  T2a

Radical prostatectomy and left pelvic lymph node dissertion done on Nov. 8, 2007

Still experiencing leakage on a daily basis.

Have not been able to get an erection yet.

 

Hi Brunoboy,

Happy New Year!!!!

Sorry for the reason you are here, but you are right this site is full of warm, truly caring people who are will to share their experiance with prostate cancer. I don't know what I would have done without it.

When my hubby was 1st dx he was T-1c, Gleason 8, after the surgery he was T3a, Gleason 9. Look at our signature line and it will show all of his PSA results since the surgery.

Give yourself time to heal and you will regain urinary control and hopefully be able go back to a normal life in time.

Diana 

Thank you mgl and thank you Diana for responding so quickly.

Diana, I have been told by my surgeon that my upcoming PSA test result must be "0" and if it not "0", then I will require radiation and/or other necessary treatments.   My surgeon, who has a very good reputation as being an excellent surgeon, is greatly lacking as far as bedside manners are concerned and it is very difficult to get answers and explanations from him so I greatly apreciate any feedback I can get.  It certainly makes me feel a little better and reduces my level of anxiety.

mgl indicates that he required radiation treatments because his psa 3 months later was .28.  Rick's PSA indicates 0.02, 0.02 and 0.03.  How come Rick is not getting radiation treatments and/or other treatments.  Do you know if there is there a minimum PSA level where radiation treatments are necessary?

Thank you again and have a wonderful day.

Brunoboy

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57 year old
Biopsy on October 30, 2007
PSA: 3.4
Gleason Score:  (3 + 4)  7/10
Stage:  T2a
Radical retropubic prostatectomy and left pelvic lymph node dissertion done on Nov. 8, 2007
Catheter removed November 29th, 2007
Still experiencing leakage on a daily basis.
Have not been able to get an erection yet.

Synoptic Report for Prostatic Carninoma on the Surgical Pathology Report states the following: «Tumour involves both lobes with focal extraprostatic extension (pT3a)».

First PSA test is scheduled on February 11th with results from my Urologist on February 25.

Bruno

As you can see by my signature, I also went from a stage T1 to T3.  Biopsies prior to surgery are not exact - the only way to really tell how much cancer you have is by removing it.  Even at 3 months, when my number was .01, my docs were discussing adjuvant radiation therapy, since I had the positive margins.  Two studies have shown that if RT is done within the first year following surgery for those with positive margins, the incidence of reoccurance is reduced.  After recording a .08 three months later, I went for the RT, together with hormone therapy as well.  (The hormones will weaken any pc cells, so the RT can kill them.)  Now I'm at 0 and hopeful that all the leftover cells are dead.  The only thing is that the RT probably destroyed any nerves that my surgeon sparred, but I'll take the 0's!!!  My insurance covered it all, so I'm happy about that. 

Hang in there!

Bruno,
Welcome to our site. I'm so glad you found this group of caring concerned people.
You can see from my husbands stats that his cancer had spread (unknown) prior to surgery. Because his cancer is systemic (spread to distant lymph nodes, not in the prostate bed) radiation was not an option for him. He's on hormone therapy (Lupron) which is doing it's job.

The waiting is very difficult but the best thing you can do is eat well, exercise and try to maintain a good attitude. I know it sounds simplistic but it does help and you do benefit in all ways. Educating yourself, as you are, gives you a better understanding and therefore control. You'll be better able to ask your physician questions and that will let him know you understand what's going on. Sometimes they need to know that - the respect works both ways, yes?

I wish you the best and please keep us posted...you can ask anything here.
Susan

Hi Mal:

Thank you very much for the details regarding your situation.  When it comes down to it, you are absolutely right ..... the treatments (radiation) are definitely better than the alternative.  So I guess I will have to see what the PSA test results are and take it from there.

Good luck with your treatments and please let me know how it is going.

Bruno

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57 year old
Biopsy on October 30, 2007
PSA: 3.4;  Gleason Score:  (3 + 4)  7/10;  Stage:  T2a
Radical retropubic prostatectomy and left pelvic lymph node dissertion

  done on Nov. 8, 2007
Catheter removed November 29th, 2007
Still experiencing leakage on a daily basis.
Have not been able to get an erection yet.

Synoptic Report for Prostatic Carninoma on the Surgical

  Pathology Report states the following: «Tumour involves both lobes

  with focal extraprostatic extension (pT3a)».

First PSA test is scheduled on February 11th with results from my Urologist

  on February 25

Hi kw:

My leakage is improving day by day. Yes, I am completely dry when I sit and sleep. For the first three weeks after surgery, I was doing the kegel exercise following my surgeon's recommendation, three times a day, 20 times each time for 10 seconds on and off. I found that I was in more trouble after three weeks. After reading other cases doing the kegel exercise, I found a few people indicating that sometimes, recommended kegel exercises can be too much so I reduced the number of times to twice a day, 10 times each time for 7 seconds on and off. Believe it or not, the improvement was almost immediate and the leakage started diminishing within the next couple of days. Conclusion: try to determine what works best for you since we all seem to respond differently to recommended kegel exercises.

It has now been 7 weeks since the surgery and I am down to one pad a day ... for perhaps a couple of small leakages per day while laughing or sneezing or lifting something.

Good luck and I will pray for you so you and your doctor can resolve your leakage situation.

Brunoboy

==============================
57 year old
Biopsy on October 30, 2007
PSA: 3.4
Gleason Score: (3 + 4) 7/10
Stage: T2a
Radical retropubic prostatectomy and left pelvic lymph node dissertion done on Nov. 8, 2007
Catheter removed November 29th, 2007
Still experiencing leakage on a daily basis.
Have not been able to get an erection yet.
Synoptic Report for Prostatic Carninoma on the Surgical Pathology Report states the following: «Tumour involves both lobes with focal extraprostatic extension (pT3a)».
First PSA test is scheduled on February 11th with results from my Urologist on February 25.