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Posted 8/14/2010 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
And now the latest
I had a rash develop earlier in the week. My GP saw it tuesday looked like a heat rash he didn't' really check it out. Last night I could not sleep because of the pain and itching. I went to a local walk-in clinic this morning. The diagnoses ....SHINGLES. Doc said I needed to contact my urologist Monday and tell him since he might want to delay the surgery. If it is delayed then I think it's a sign to go the the radiation route.
The outbreak is on my right side parallel to the navel about 6" to the right of it.

Oh well just another bump in the road called life. Too bad there is no map.
Posted 8/14/2010 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Got back today-stayed thru Friday so that we could get Geoff's Path report.  Must say the whole experience was much better than we could have hoped for.  His biggest fear-the dreaded catheter-has turned out to not bother him at all; our son joking told him not to get too attached !  He carries it around in a blue bag they gave him at the hopital(like a grocery store cloth bag) that we jokingly call his "purse". Don't know what the people at the hotel we stayed in thought-might start a trend.  Good to be home, though we go back to Orlando on Monday for a cystogram and hopefully to get the cath out.  We have to stay overnight again as the doctor wants him to be close the first 24 hours.  As we were leaving the hotel this morning he took a pain pill-when I asked him why(as he hadn't taken any the day before), he said he would need it to stay calm with me driving on the turnpike for 2 hours!

Ed, so happy that things went well for you too.  You're right, we'll always be connected by our club membership!

Ger 42, I'm so sorry to hear about your shingles.

And Minn- well, I was just furious when I read your post!  As if dealing with prostate cancer isn't enough---please keep us posted on what's happening with you.

Hope the rest of the August club is doing well and that you all of you come out of this as well as Geoff and Ed.

Kind Regards, friends

Renee

 

Posted 8/14/2010 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
We're ready here for Monday after a lung scare. A lung biopsy (can highly recommend Dr. Manor Alshahrouri of Prevea in Green Bay) turned out to be negative, we are on course. What a rollercoaster ride.

Will be thinking of the rest of you. We are all in this together.

Mimi in Wisconsin
Posted 8/14/2010 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mimi,

So glad to hear that the lung scare turned out to be nothing-I'm sure that's the last thing you need to deal with! I just wanted to let you know that I'll be thinking of you on Monday( hopefully, my husband will be having his cath out that day) and to let you know that with luck all will go well. We-my husband and myself- found the whole experience to be much better than we had expected. We even went out to lunch in the hospital's cafe( very good, by the way) the day after surgery-also the day he was paroled.

I'll be sending positive thoughts your way on Monday and will be anxious to hear your husband's outcome. And it does feel very good to be in this together-Good luck!!!!

Renee
Posted 8/14/2010 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Ger42,

Don't want to sound like I am for/against either surgery or IGRT (had both), but having anything that is raw or bleeding between your waist and your knees will be a big negative thing for starting radiation. Radiation slows or stops healing in general wherever it hits (which is why they want as much time as practical between surgery and radiation).

My minor case of the 'roids was a big issue - had to adjust diet and the like to get them under control, then do everything possible to keep them that way before starting radiation.

They did ask in my preliminary sessions about rashes, sores, chicken pox, had I had shingles, the vaccination, and the like. In theory I am too young for the shingles vaccine, but if I had known I would have insisted they do it in all the pre-op stuff I did.

On the other hand, they nearly postponed my DaVinci because I had a cold early in the same week.

Just to say, it probably isn't a sign ....
Posted 8/15/2010 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Ger,I

I was thinking the same thing as 142 about your comment. Your primary treatment shouldn't have anything to do with 'sign'. If you are not 100% into your decision, then you should postpone it until you are sure. There is no re-set button in fighting prostate cancer. I too, have already had surgery and radiation, so been there on both of them. Both of them can have serious issues and side effects. So make sure this is what you really want to do. Perhaps you were just kidding in your remark.
Posted 8/15/2010 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Renee, so very glad to hear about the negative margins and the generally great post surgery pathology. I'm sure it's making you feel a lot happier.

Sorry Mimi, I've corrected the op date for your husband on the first post.

All the best to you and your husband! Glad to here that the other medical issue is sorted out.
I'm sure we will hear more from you on the other side of the op.

Praying for a speedy recovery,
An

Posted 8/15/2010 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

5 days to go.

Just a quick question about pre-surgery diet. My husband wants to make sure he is doing the right thing so what kind of diet should he be on? He has a "low residue diet" sheet from the hospital but he cannot remember when he is supposed to start on it.

Regards,
An
Posted 8/15/2010 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks An,

Yes, we were happy with the report-wish it had stayed a 3+3, but the surgeon was very happy with it and we knew it is often upgraded. Forgot to mention in my signature that both nerves were spared-another good thing!

Renee
Posted 8/15/2010 11:54 AM (GMT 0)

Oh, Renee that is such positive news!  Congratulations you and Geoff  for getting to the "other side"!  Good to hear both nerves were spared.  Wishing him a speedy recovery in all areas.  Any other bits of information that might be helpful?  I am wondering what needs you are meeting?

I am happy for Ed as well!

Oh my goodness, there is so much news going on here.  Ger42, what terrible news you have for us.  I know how painful shingles are, as my brother had them.  It took him 6 months to completely recuperate, although time varies as is with all illnesses. Then when he was starting to feel better, he tried to do too much, and needed more rest.  I wish you the very best as you try to figure out the next step.

Mimi, my thoughts are with you and your husband as the surgery date is almost here.  May he have the success that we are hearing from others.  It is good to hear Renee say, " We found the whole experience to be much better than we had expected."  May our husbands be so lucky!

An, my husband is starting with a very light diet today.  Soup, pancakes, Mac 'N Cheese - that sort of thing.  No real cooking on my part.  smilewinkgrin  

Prayers for all of you - those who are getting ready, and those who are on the "other side". 

Best regards,

Aimzee

Posted 8/15/2010 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
My comment about going to radiation was about the scheduling of the support I'll need. If this surgery has to postponed my son will not be available to help. There is no way my wife would be able to handle all of it herself. The only other family I have is a brother and he has so much trouble with his back my wife would be taking care of him along with me. We had discussed both options and leaned toward surgery. For me if something tips the scale in the direction of radiation that's fine. The second urologist I went to said either would get the job done but he was a surgeon so that's what he would recommend.
Monday I'll call the urologist and then call my GP and insist he see me at once. Before anything is decided I want my GP to confirm I have shingles. The good thing is it doesn't look like it's spreading but it sure burns,itches and hurts.
Counting the 3 I was prescribed yesterday, the antibiotic for the cystoscopy and my regular meds I'm taking 10 different drugs some twice a day.
All of this does not have me down. What ever comes my wife and I will get through it.
Posted 8/15/2010 2:16 PM (GMT 0)

Ger, I don't see the size of your prostate but if it is normal sized then brachytherapy might be a good choice for your case and age.  That would virtually eliminate the issue re after-care.  I can't recall if you saw a radiation oncologist as part of your decision process but, if not, that might be a good step at this time.

Tudpock (Jim)

Posted 8/15/2010 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Ger, if you have a typical da vinci RP you may be over-estimating the help you will need. If things go right, you will be mostly sitting in a recliner with a catheter so the urinary care is not that much. At night same thing except you won't have to get up to pee. A lot of people just leave the big bag on the whole 7-10 days but I changed to the leg bag sometimes. If you just leave the big bag on you never have to clean it and the leg bag as you would if you choose to swap bags. You should feel pretty good after you get home. For us, nearly all my wife had to do extra for me was worry and drive me home and back for the cath removal. Just a tip about the drive home, if you have a two hour drive I would keep the big bag on. They put a leg bag on me and with all the iv fluids starting to come out, we had to stop two times to empty the bag ( only about 500ml) as it looked like the bag was going to explode. Sorry to hear about the possilbe delay. Maybe you can reschedule some months later? sometimes this is done with the use of horomes to stop or slow down the tumor growth. I would hate to choose anonther treatment after agonizing over the choices and finally making a decision.
Posted 8/15/2010 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Aimzee,

The one bit of advice I can give is not to over-think things. Geoff and I worried about the cath-what kind of pants, how to take care of it ect. He's worn nothing but shorts, the nurse at the hospital teaches you everything you need to know-it's all quite simple. Hopefully, Ron will breeze thru it-if so, you'll find that everything will fall into place and nothing is complicated or difficult. Geoff surgery was on Monday and he says he already feels great. He had a little pain from the incisions-took pain meds a couple of days. They have you up and walking the day of surgery and he's been walking ever since-they told him a mile a day, broken up. He didn't have his first bowel movement till Sat., which freaked him out a bit, but all is well now. We really are thankful it's been easier than we expected and hope that it is for Ron also. We'll be thinking of you both on Wed. and sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Renee
Posted 8/15/2010 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi An,

My husband was told to start on a light diet on Sat. -fish, chicken, fruits and veggies, nothing heavy or greasy. Geoff laughed, because that's how we eat all the time. Sunday it was a liquid diet-only things you could see thru and nothing with red dye-yummy stuff like chicken broth, lime jello, white grape juice, tea. Don't know if it's the same diet your husband was given but probably pretty similar. After midnight on Sunday-nothing-not even a drink of water.

Renee
Posted 8/15/2010 6:50 PM (GMT 0)

Renee, thank you for the additional advice!  I am printing it up.  At this point, I am probably more nervous than he is.  That book has helped a lot.  Your replies and that of others are honest, and well appreciated. 

knotreel, I am also printing up your advice.  My husband can not read the small print on the computer, so this helps so much. 

Mimi, you and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers.  Good luck, tomorrow!

This is the right combination of wives along with a compliment of gents which has made this thread so worthwhile.  It means so much to me.

Peace,

Aimzee

Posted 8/15/2010 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mimi,

Just wanted to wish you and your husband all the best tommorrow-will be thinking about you-See you on the "other side"!!


Kind regards,

Renee
Posted 8/15/2010 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Ger,

I agree with knotrell-I think we all over estimate how much care will be needed-my husband and I were surprised at how easy the cath care is and if you keep the big bag on you empty it occasionly-that's it. I remember a couple of guys on the forum who were single and took care of themselves. One said he cooked meals ahead of time but really didn't need to as he could have done it after the surgery. My husband and I met a couple in his surgeons office on Friday (he had surgery the same day as my husband) and the wife told me she took 3 weeks off to care for him. She said after a couple of days he didn't need any help and she was ready to go back to work. Unless you and your wife are frail you'll find things won't be much different-you'll have a cath and you won't be able to lift much. You'll empty your cath occasionlly, eat, walk around the house and rest-that it.

Good luck!

Renee
Posted 8/16/2010 1:56 AM (GMT 0)

After printing up some of these comments, Ron is doing the HAPPY DANCE! turn

He is going into this with a positive attitude.  Anything unusual coming up?  We'll get through this! yeah

Thanks!

Aimzee

Posted 8/16/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
One extra post-op house rule, unless the patient has a reach/grabber tool, what ends up on the floor stays there for a few days or until someone else picks it up - don't try to bend over to pick anything up, hurts like the dickens, or at least it did for me the one time I made that error.

Hope all goes well for everyone!
Posted 8/16/2010 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
I stopped at my GPs office this morning to see if I could see him about the shingles. He was at the hospital making rounds but I showed his wife, she runs the office, and she said you need to see him today. I have a 4:00 appointment. The urologist is right next door but his office was empty just 2 clerks.
The biggest problem we will have when I get home will be handling our 2 60 lb dogs. The current plan is to kennel them the day before the surgery and pick them up 5 days after. My son was going to be here when my wife picked them up and stay for 12 days at which time my wife would take a few weeks off. If I am delayed my son will not be able to come so I am going to look for a dog walker who can come twice a day and give them some exercise. If they only run around our small yard they will be too hyper for me to handle in the house.

I can't imagine me having shingles and the operation. I cannot sleep with the burning and itching. When my shirt touches it I get a stinging pain. Like a bunch of needles poking me. It's tough to sit here and not scratch but if I do it will just hurt worse.
Posted 8/16/2010 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Day 5 post op and everything is going ok.  I did make a call to the uro to ask a question.  During bowle movements I have an overwhelming urge to pee along side the cath.  I want to know if it ok to let it go or if I need to pinch it off.  It would feel so good to let it pour out but I dont know yet.  There has been a slight bit of blood alongside the cath but they say that is normal.

  The pain in my shoulders has finally gone away and I must say that was the worst pain of it all.  My back is a little sore but I think that is from sleeping in the recliner to many days.  I might try my bed tonight.

  I have an appointment on Thurs to get the cath out...HOPEFULLY.  I am really looking forward to that.  Even with the cath I do have the urge to pee.

Wush everyone the best.

Ed

Posted 8/16/2010 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Ed,

Prior to getting the catheter removed, I also had the urge to pee during a BM and urine leaked around the catheter. It was considered normal.

Dan
Posted 8/16/2010 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Ed,

Same here - I had a lot of leakage around the cath, with some blood. Makes sense - that is where the reconnection of the urethra was made, and it is trying to heal.

It was a real pain trying to keep toliet paper around the cath to keep from spraying in all directions. Had I known what was coming I would have changed the toliet seat before surgery.
Posted 8/17/2010 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Renee, An, Aimzee and everyone else. My husband's surgery was, in the words of his urologist, clean with minimal bleeding. It is believed the PC was contained to the prostate. No lymph node involvement. So far, that's what we know. He did have two units of blood, because his hemoglobin was down. He has been diagnosed with anemia in the past, but has not taken anything for it for a while. He's out of bed today, in a chair, but sent me home for a nap and lunch. I'll go back in a few hours.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers.

This stupid PC does bring us together.

Mimi
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