Post RALP PSA - dodged bullet (for now)

Got ultrasensitive results back. It has been exactly six weeks.

result: < .01

I know with positive margins, it may not last, but I'll take it for now.

Had to have doc explain again how one can have capsule-contained, but pos. margins. He gave me same story as Walsh's book -- possibilities are: cutting across last few Pca cells; capsule damaged during hand-off from doc to nurse to pathologist, so it's not really "positive margin" in sense of cancer remaining in bed; and, finally, possibly just a false artifact. Well, ok, we'll see.

Almost 100% continent, had normal sex last week (may need to up the Levitra or double dose myself next time, but it was good enough to complete), general discomfort is fading rapidly now since I am ramping up aerobic and dumbbells now.

Another great thing is he also removed a thrombosed vein sitting near prostate--had general discomfort for last year but no doc could tell me why. Serendipity.

I know I am so lucky. Am going to work on being a better person and being more thankful (really, Lord, I mean it this time...). And praising my wife for her patience and support. Having been through cancer with two family members recently, was afraid this was going to be her "straw that broke..." and felt so bad to put her through it again. Sometimes a person is stronger than it seems, or can rise to the occasion (yet again). Lesson learned for me.

Thanks to all who post here. I would never have gotten this far by myself.

Bobbie

Bobbiesan,

Congrats. on your numbers, continence and no ED. That's fantastic!
My husband hasn't been as lucky as his PSA never was undetable post RP but we are staying positive and hoping his HT keeps working.
Stay strong and keep positive with the love of your wife as I am a wife and I too , you will get through this.

BOOGEE

Grats on the good news! And remember: just because the path report showed a positive margin, it doesn't mean that the cells left behind are viable. Epstein at Johns Hopkins, one of the experts on the topic, said that 50% of positive margins cells die because of lack of blood or surgery damage. With a 3+4 = 7, your chances of otherwise having recurrence are also down. So celebrate!

Nellie

Post Edited (Riviere) : 5/18/2012 10:11:58 AM (GMT-6)