JoSal's Page :)

So we all have a little history ~ on this Thread…. Here are 3 of 5 postings by JoSal   (direct links ~ just click on the title!   Reminder to click on the REFRESH icon once there) KW’s Thread: walking and leaking? 11-24-2006 Hello, we are JoSal.  I was diagnosed right before Labor Day after progressive elevated PSA readings and a prostate biopsy was positive in 1 out of 12 samples taken.  The next month was a whirlwind of anxiety and emotions for both of us.  The recommended treatment for someone of my age with early stage prostate cancer was surgery, and we had pretty much decided right from the get-go that was our treatment of choice.  We wanted the cancerous prostate OUT.  We were referred to a urologist in Rochester, NY who performs DaVinci robotic laproscopic prostatectomies and had a consult with him 2 weeks after initial diagnosis.  Things moved fast and had the surgery 3 weeks later, catheter removed 10/20.  Physically am doing fine, surgery was relatively easy with little real pain, more discomfort from the catheter.  When catheter was removed, some leakage at first, but as activity has increased, so has the leakage, and at times, it is discouraging.  Your symptoms and concerns are similar to mine.  I am pretty much dry at night (thank goodness), maybe a few drops on the pad in the morning, and very minor leakage when I'm sitting down.  My leakage is worse later in the day and it's frustrating even though I know and accept the fact that this will take weeks, if not months to get better.  I do not regret having the surgery.  I returned to work this past Monday for a short work week, and found that due to leakage, I could not perform my job (I am a heavy machine mechanic in a manufacturing facility).  My employer has been understanding and put me on light duty work where I am not on my feet all day.  My doctor did tell me that my leakage may tend to be worse because I am not a slim man and gravity works against me.  So, just wanted to let you know that I share similar concerns and frustrations as you, but my prognosis is good, and for that, we are greatful.     54 year old robust male Latest PSA pre-biopsy 6.7, next PSA due 1/07 Gleason 3 + 3 Stage T1a DaVinci robotic laproscopic prostatectomy 10/11/06 post surgery pathology:  malagnancy in less than 1% of samples    JoSal’s Thread:   Depression Following Prostate Cancer Surgery 12-26-2006 I've been reading the posts and haven't seen anything mentioned regarding depression.  My husband had robotic surgery in mid-October and has had moderate incontinence problems since the cath removal.  In these past 2 months, there has been improvement as far as number of pads being used has decreased, able to walk around now without leaking and not afraid to go out in public, able to cough, sneeze, and stand up now without leaking, and is able to remain almost, if not completely dry during the night.  The worst part is his job as a machine mechanic - requires alot of bending, squatting, lifting, pulling, which triggers most of the incontinence.  He returned to work 6 weeks post-surgery, and for the first several days, found he could not perform his normal duties because of the incontinence.  We both realize he has made improvement, but for him, it is not quick enough and is dragging on too long.  He gets frustrated and discouraged that this process is taking so long and that he cannot perform some functions as he did pre-surgery.  We realize that the healing process is different for every man, but I'm looking for some feedback from men in similar situations that could help boost his morale.  He is mid 50's, robust build, a heavy machine mechanic in a manufacturing environment.  His prostate cancer was early stage, and his pathology report prognosis is excellent.  Awaiting first post-surgery PSA test in a few weeks.  Thanks in advance for any experiences you can share.   JoSal’s Thread:   Depression Following Prostate Cancer Surgery 2-2-2007 Hello to all, especially to "bluebird" cause we know from your recent posts that you've been looking for us.  Since our last post in Dec. 06, things have greatly improved on their own, I feel mainly from more healing time for the body and more kegals.  Hubby's incontinence has greatly improved since Xmas.  He has been using a much lighter weight pad that is changed twice a day, not because they are greatly soiled, but more for freshness sake after bathing.  Pads only contain a few dribbles.  His activity level has pretty much returned to pre-surgery level and he is able to perform all his job duties.  He is quite amazed at how much better he is able to pee; said he feels like a 20 year old in that regard.  Best news of all was 3 month post-op checkup Jan. 07 - first post surgery PSA reading was undetectable.  Doctor told him his continence recovery was well within the normal range at the 3 month point.  As a wife speaking for her husband, I can say that the incontinence does get better over time, but when you're living with it day in and day out, it seems like an eternity, and sometimes it takes your significant other to objectively point out the improvements they've noticed.  In our years together, my husband has always been the patient one, never losing his temper, but this prostate cancer experience I think has brought him to his knees and brought out a side of him that I didn't know existed.  We feel he has made the slow climb to the top of the mountain, and is now on the downside of the bad time.  Hang in there to all of you.  54 year old robust male  PSA pre-biopsy 6.7  Gleason 3 + 3  Stage T1a  DaVinci robotic laproscopic prostatectomy 10/11/06  post surgery pathology:  malignancy in less than 1% of samples   first post-op PSA 1/07 undetectable