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I'm scheduled for Surgery this Wednesday, May 09

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 5/6/2012 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Well after all the research, all the meetings, all the discussions - I'm finally scheduled for surgery. I'm having the open RP performed by Dr. Catalona.

Just to recap - 49 years old, great health. I have a Gleason 9 (Hopkins says 9 (4+5) and Northwestern said 8 (3+5)) - either way, there's a 5 in there. One core positive out of 13. PSA 3.56 at biopsy (long term propecia use, so PSA artificially low).
Bone and CT Scans both Negative. MRI to the pelvis appears to show it's all contained and early, fingers crossed.

I've been debating all my options since dx on 3/16 and sort of wanted a different answer, but it all just keeps coming back to surgery.

Catalona says surgery is my best bet. Second opinion at MD Anderson this past week and met with a very straight forward Doctor - he said there's a lot of talk in the press about over treatment of PC - and he said, "your not who they are talking about" you have an aggressive cancer and you need to have it removed. He also said that's my best shot at a cure. Just get it out. I knew it in my mind, but it was just comforting to hear so black and white. MD Anderson said it wasn't even gray, just have the surgery.

So, while I'm nervous about it, I think I'm in good hands with Catalona and I'm looking forward to getting this behind me.

I hope to be back on-line within days after surgery!

Thanks for all the support and advice!
Posted 5/6/2012 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
My best wishes and prayers for a successful surgery. Great to hear that the scans are negative. I agree with your surgeons - if they think it is contained, surgery is the best choice. With a 5 in there, you may be in for radiation after surgery anyway, but hopefully you can wait until after you regain continence. Gleason 8 / 9 is nothing to mess around with. Hope the surgery is your cure.
Jeff
Posted 5/7/2012 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Good Luck with the surgery. I had the radical retropubic on January 10 of this year. I was up and walking within a day. I had the catheter out after two weeks  - you feel much better when it is out. Since the surgery I have returned to work as a high school teacher.  Try to walk and be as active as your body will allow - it makes a huge difference. The post surgery biopsy said mine was all contained and removed and I am in the 0 club and will be monitored. Don't try to do to much but do not do too little either.
Posted 5/7/2012 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Gadget,

It sounds like you made a thoughtful and informed treatment choice, so don't bother second-guessing yourself. Best of luck with your treatment.

I had open RP and, while surgery is never a picnic, it wasn't bad. Very little pain. The drugs will control the pain very effectively, and you won't need them after a few days. The catheter is a drag, but you'll live through it.

If you haven't already read it, I recommend the "Really Useful List for HW People by HW People" thread:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1717641

It contains lots of practical tips on what to expect with surgery and how to make it more comfortable. Highly recommended.

Give us a shout when you're on the other side, and let us know how you're doing.

Jonathan
Posted 5/7/2012 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Gadget,
Sounds like you have been very thorough. Wishing the very best with your surgery, recovery and a great pathology report. See you back here when you are able with your update.
Terry
Posted 5/7/2012 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
You are in good hands.
I opted for the open surgery and do not have any regrets, not a one.
Will pray for you.
All the best.
Posted 5/7/2012 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Gadget,

I had open surgery. You will do great. It will be a bit of slog through recovery but it won't be long before you will be on your way to back to normal activities. See you on the other side!

Posted 5/7/2012 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Best of luck to you. Sounds like you are prepared for the surgery.
Posted 5/7/2012 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Gadget,

My case was not too dissimilar to your except my Gleason score was lower. I also opted for the open procedure with Dr. Catalona. Northwestern hospital does a great job with terrific nurses and surprisingly good food:) Catalona has done so many of these over the years that he has the entire procedure down to a science. While he's not the most interactive of doctors, he will be there if necessary and his team, including residents and fellows, all are top notch.

The key to success with the entire process is to be patient, persistent and diligent in following the prescribed protocols. The first few days kinda suck, but things improve quickly.

Overall, I think you'll be quite pleased with Catalona and Northwestern. Just remember to speak up for yourself.

Best of luck.
Posted 5/7/2012 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Making the choice is the hard part. You'll do fine.

Send us updates as you can.

Prayers and all the best to you.
Andrew
Posted 5/7/2012 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
I personally think you made a wise, and well thought out treatment choice. I too, was an open-surgeon guy, and due to unforseen complications, it was a good thing that I was.

I wish you the very best, and look forward to when you appear on the 'other side", and then we can cheer on your reovery.

My best to you,

David in SC
Posted 5/7/2012 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
    I just had the surgery on the 25th am doing fine you will do well. I would reccomend the stool softeners after surgery though. The only severe pain I had was the 1st bowel movement . very very painful . other than that a breeze.  Good luck and always look on the bright side of life
Posted 5/7/2012 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you have done all the homework. I also had open and was very surprised and how quickly I recovered.

Best wishes will be waiting for a report from the other side.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 5/7/2012 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Gadget,

You decision making process seems very sound. I also like the tone of your doctors through your comments, who seem to care about your situation and want the best outcome.

Wishing you the very best of outcomes!

Barry
Posted 5/7/2012 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
All the best for a successful surgery and a smooth quick recovery. You are in my prayers.
Posted 5/7/2012 6:40 AM (GMT 0)
Gadget,

Wishing you complete success with your upcoming surgery and a smooth and swift recovery.

Sounds like you have done your homework and made a sound treatment  choice.

I had an open RP in February 2004 at age 65 and was back in the Gym after about 8 weeks --- and was back to my full weights workouts in another 6 weeks.

Also, PSA has remained undetectable as of 12/13/2011.

Good thoughts and prayers from New Jersey.

Godspeed,

Bob

 

Posted 5/7/2012 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
Gadget,

Wow, what a team you have! Not sure they come any better. So while some nerves are understandable, you can take comfort that whatever happens, they will be able to handle it. Best wishes to you and please keep the board up to date from the other side.

Regards,
Bobbie
Posted 5/7/2012 12:54 PM (GMT 0)
I found a peace with everything once surgery day came. With being inundated with information alot of which I didn't understand at the time, surgery day changed everything from being intangible to tangible concentrating on recovery from then on. And other than the odd day of worrying every now and then, I feel great. I wish you all the best, and will be following your progress.
Posted 5/7/2012 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! Tooyoung4this - sorry to see you were so young, but it's a HUGE comfort to know someone else that was young and a 9 and your in the ZERO club! That's what I'm aiming for and it's great to see it can be done :)

I am comfortable with my decision and feel I've got a great surgeon in Catalona - he's not chatty, but I'm not planning on going out for drinks with him :) I get the impression that he's old school, Doctors back in the day were just different. He actually spent almost an hour with me when we had our consultation and answered anything I asked.
Posted 5/7/2012 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, G9 with one core out of 13. That's tough, but early detection, gonna be interesting to see the final path report on that. In the meantime, good luck, check out the list link that Jazzman posted, and see ya on the other side. Once you get there, remember the mantra, walk, water, repeat often and in increasing doses... tongue
Posted 5/7/2012 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
gadget, surgery was a non-eventful for me,I had a great nap.On the other hand my wife didn't want anyone with her in the waiting room luckly they send in the clowns.No BS they had a volunteer dressed like a clown to keep people occupied.
Posted 5/7/2012 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Gadget, you bet it can be done. Power of positive thinking!
Remember... it's only a number. Don't get too caught up with other peoples path or choices.
Posted 5/7/2012 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Best of luck to you. I hope your surgery and recovery are "routine" and you have the best result possible.
Posted 5/7/2012 4:57 PM (GMT 0)

the best to you. You have a great doctor.

Will be thinking of you. (We are down in central Illinois)

Jim and Marie

Posted 5/7/2012 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
good luck. sounds like you are in great hands.
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