Just got home from the hospital from Surgery

Hello one and all, just now got home from the hospital.  Was in for 4 days and nights, about what dr. thought.  I will write more later when I am coherent, still a bit in the clouds.  The surgery took 3 1/2 hours, not counting 2 for prep and 2 for recovery.  Surgeon said it was a very difficult one, that I had a very narrow and deep pelvic bed, he couldn't remove all the lymph nodes he wanted because he couldn't get to them without risking paralyzing my legs.  The bad news, he was unable, to spare either set of nerves, so at age 56 that really disturbs me.  I go see him on Monday November 24th to have stiches and staples removed, and he said he should have the full post surgery pathology work to go over with me.  The earliest he said he can remove the cathedar bag is December 15, a lot longer then the 2 weeks he first said.  All for now, can hardly type or concentrate.   Tell you more later.  Peace be with you.

David in SC

Purgatory,

It is terrific to be on the back side of the surgery.  We'll keep our fingers crossed for the best possible pathology report.

As far as the nerve sparing - I too, out of the necessity of my biopsy, received a wider cut than the nerve sparing.  The main objective is to rid yourself of the monster.  There is still hope for ED recovery and I know right now it doesn't sound very pleasant but there is also injections (which really aren't that bad).  So hang in there!  Wishing you a smooth recovery.

RB
Age 61 (now 62)
Original data - pre-operation
PSA: 5.1
T1C clinical diagnosis, Needle biopsy - 10 cores, Gleason 7 = 3+4 in 1 core (40%), 7 cores Gleason 6 = 3+3 ranging from 5% to 12%
All scans negative
Lupron administered 4/9/2008 for 4 months (with idea I would undergo external beam radiation followed by seed implants - then I changed my mind).
Robotic DiVinci surgery - Dr. Fagin (Austin) May 19th
Post operative - pathology
pT2c NX MX
Gleason 3+4
Margins - negative
Extraprostatic extension - negative
seminal vesicle invasion - uninvolved
1st Post PSA <.04
2nd Post PSA <.1 10/30/2008

Thank you one and all, just up from a good lay down nap.  I have no ill feelings about losing both nerve bundles, I knew that risk up front, and my dr and I discussed it many times, he said in reality they were both even visibly in bad shape  His goal, was to remove the cancer.  For pain at home, I am on Loratab (not sure if spelled correct.).  every 40 hours, I feel like that edition of curious george where he got into the "ether" at the hospital    In the hospital they had me on dilaudid injected by needle, much more powerful, but overkill for home.  That kept me in an utter state of bliss.  Visitors, gee, almost too many for too long, though I am thankful for them all.  Thbe hospital has open  visitating, so there are no rules for when, where, or how.

I give my heart felt thanks to my surgeons, and all the staff, from the OR nurses, to the housekeeping staff and CNAs and regular nurse, they made me feel like family, and a few I singled out to managment for way above the call of duty in particular.  St Francis is no doubt the best hospital in SC, but I knew this before going there  Special thanks to Dr Ronald Smith, my urologist and primary surgeon, for a first class job.

Bye for now,

David in SC

Welcome Home Purgatory, I am glad your surgery is in the past and you can get on with getting well. Sorry to hear your surgery was a bit more involved than you had hoped for, but at least the prostate and cancer are gone. I sincerely hope your post op pathology is good news, the time will pass with the catheter, I just put on loose gym pants over the leg bag and got along pretty well. Even though your MD wasn't able to spare the nerve bundles, there is still hope for the future, just will require a little adjustment, but it is worth it. After 4 or 5 months, I was quite despondent with my ED, but along came injections. Time will take care of things for you, as it will all of us. My perspective and outlook on life in general has undergone a needed realignment, and that has taken the pressure off, because the important things are the ones that I don't have to medicate or inject for, and when we do, it seems even more special. Don't rush your recovery, take it easy and get well. Thanks for the update, and remember, we are all here for the same reason, don't be shy.

Randy

You've gone through a rough few days. I'm sorry to hear about the nerves but as you said it's a risk that comes with the surgery. You can just hope for the best and live with whatever happens dealing with this monster afterward. Your doctor had the right priorities

Hi David,

Now you get to healing well....pardon the pun.  We're glad to have you back and we're hoping all gets to working right.  Stay well and stay close.  Lots of experienced members to draw from.

Tony

Hey David,

Welcome to the "other side" and congratulations on getting on with your treatment plan. Now you have all the follow on treatments available in case thay are needed so no matter what you are covered. We need to keep all possible options open in this fight...

Jim

Thanks one and all for the replies and comments Feel right at home again, getting plenty of rest and lots of tlc one on one nursing care. Now I am in the healing zone, the next natural step in this process, as far as the next step, not going to worry about that till the time comes

David in SC

Thanks again for the support Actually feel worse today then yesterday when I came home from Hospital I guess my recovery will be a series of ups and downs. Been in bed more today, still can't go potty after 5 days, and pulled my stiches (staples) when I tried to lift my laptop Found out there are 27 staples just on the outside alone, those will be fun coming out.

David in sC

Its always good to be home. Take it easy healing takes time. best wishes for a speedy recovery.