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Posted 4/6/2007 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
My Dr. has told me I need to lose 35 to 40 pounds before open surgery.  He says I have a 10% chance of not being able to get to the prostate, and if can't get to it he could take out the lymph nodes.  I talked to a surgeon about robotic surgery at the same hospital and he told me I was not a candidate for it because I have sleep apnea.  And has anyone had surgery by Dr. Moul at Duke Hospital?
Posted 4/6/2007 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~   mvesr    &   Loved Ones,           A    “Special”   Warm Welcome   to   You!        We know ~ we can “all” make “Your Journey” smoother just by being here for you!   This is truly a great forum!!! ~ You have joined!  You are now part our forum family ~ a group of wonderful individuals who are so willing to share...   It helps “all of us” ~ to help you ~ if we know where you are on your path. So ~ Please stay with us and take our hand when you need it!   Keep posting.... OKAY!!     KNOWLEDGE     IS     POWER   ...   and   POWER conquers   fear   YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS… YOU HAVE OPTIONS… ~ and ~ Your decision will be the right decision for you!!!   We invite you to visit our personal thread “Our Journey” in the signature line below. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you continue to move forward with your decision.   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   “God Bless You” It's a little prayer   ~   "God Bless You" ...but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your   way.   (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open!   Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there) Helpful Hints ~ & ~ Direct Links to Important Topic Threads ~ Hope this helps you!! :)  
Posted 4/6/2007 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ mvesr,   We are thrilled you took the time to post.        Now… we need a little more information ~ okay!! Age, PSA, Gleason, and any other information that you would like to share.     This will allow “all of us” to know where you are on your journey.     Take time to read as many Threads on this forum as possible…   The Helpful Hints page will direct you to a “few” threads/topics but each Thread has important information.   Very important that you check out the Kegel threads.... see Helpful Hints to get you there....   Start now!!!!   Stay with us ~ This Journey is best traveled with Friends….. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.  In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 4/6/2007 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
Bluebird.  I am 54 and my psa was 4.3 then went to 6.3 and got retested and it came down to 4.3. My Gleason was a 7, 3+4.  I am also from NC and I think you said your Dr. was Staley.  Is he in Asheville? if he is in Asheville I saw another Dr. in the same practice that I was not comfortable with so I sought out another opinion.  I have a friend from Waynesville who had robotic survery at Duke with Dr Albala.  I made an appointment with Dr Albala and he said I was not a candidate for robotic because I had sleep apnea and he immediatly made a call to another Dr. who saw me without an appointment.  She told me she did perineal surgery and I was not a good candidate for that type of surgery because of my weight, so she made a call to her boss Dr. Moul the head of Urology at Duke.  He was not in town at the time.  His office called me the next day and tried to see me,but I could not get back to Durham to make the appointment.  I saw him and week later and he told me he had a 10% chance of doing the surgery because of my weight, 5'11 and 284 lbs at the time.  He wanted me to lose 35 to 40 lbs.  I had been dieting since I found out I had cancer in Feb and as of yesterday I was down to 264 lbs.  I am going to see Dr. Mould next friday and hope we can move foreward to do the surgery.  I retired from one job in October 2002 and found nothing to really do.  Found out it takes money to travel and her honey lists did not pay very well so I went back to work full time in Feb of 2003.  We are expecting our first grandchild in August of this year and are thinking of retiring at that time and moving to be closer to our son and his family.  I would like to hear from men who have had a problem with their weight before surgery.  I thought with a knife the Dr could cut away what he needed to get the prostate out.  By the way from your post you said you lived an hour away from the Hospital.  If the Hospital was Memorial Mission in Asheville, I live about 30 minutes away from Asheville.  Thanks to you and everyone on this list with your help.

Posted 4/6/2007 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
     Hi ~ mvesr,   We are on the same side of the mountain!!!!   Beautiful part of the country we live in ~ for sure!!!   You are the same age as Buddy… and yes ~ we went to Asheville Urological and Dr. Staley was our urologist for the open surgery.   The surgery was performed at St. Joseph’s.   Our recover/healing process was carefully thought out and we feel strongly that we recovered extremely well because of it.   Buddy was retired at the time of surgery so this did help with having the extra time to heal and recover.   We just celebrated our 1 st Year Anniversary from surgery…on April 3 rd , 2006.     continuing to take One-Day-At-A-Time.   This is really great news about your weight loss… keep it going down...right up to surgery!!!   And start those kegels and stairs.   Did you locate the Thread: Kegel Help??   In the Helpful Hints Thread??   Let me know….   We along with many on this forum recommend Dr. Walsh’s book.   It has information that will prepare you as to what will be taking place…. And we are all strong believers that......   Knowledge     is     Power   I liked the comment about retiring in 2002 and finding nothing to really do.   Obviously mama didn’t have that Honey Do List going…..      Between now and August… I bet she finds time to make that list…   Good timing with grandbaby and retiring!!!!   GO for it!!! If at all possible…     Now about that knife cutting away to get to the prostate…   are you hinting at a little tummy tuck while you’re under…   Hmmmm that would be nice.         I don’t think this is going to happen…   Keep up the exercise and diet… this will truly help you in the long run!      It’s nice to know we have so many options for treatment/surgery, doctors, and places to choose to have them performed.   We look forward to hearing from you once you’ve had your consultation.   We will keep you and your family close in thoughts and prayer. In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy  
Posted 4/7/2007 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
It just hit me.  You met my wife and sister at the YMCA the other day.  Is that right?

Posted 4/8/2007 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
mvesr, I would like to welcome you to this club. The one that nobody wants to belong to, but that everyone here is lucky it exist, or this forum would not. My husband was diagnosised the last week of Jan with PCa. And thanks to all the wonderful people here, we are very lucky to say that we are now on the other side. Surgery was 3 weeks ago, robotic. My husband is not over weight, so I can't offer too much assistance on that, other than the on line live surgery I watched did mention that it was a much harder surgery when having to cut through the "extra weight". You have a new grandchild to prepare for so get to walking. The more you walk now, the better your outcomes will be with your surgery. Stairs are also great. They help work the muscles you will need to regain urinary control following surgery. Kurt is down to 1 pad per day with little to no leaking except when he sneezes. He is constantly going up and down the stairs in our house. (Our boys think that he is their personal waiter. HAHA) Keep your head up. Losing the extra weight will make it a lot easier to pull your "granddaddy" duties with the little one do soon!! They like to keep you on your toes. And if it is a boy, poppop is always the favorite!! Good luck to you. Courtney
Posted 4/8/2007 7:20 AM (GMT 0)
When I went for my appointment to see the surgeon I eventually chose (Dr. Reiter, UCLA),when he walked in he said that he was a bit concerned reading my weight (250) on the paperwork before seeing that I was also 6'5" and not particularly fat (though I'd like to be 230). It was clear to me that he preferred patients for robotic to not be overweight.

I also have sleep apnea, which I mentioned, but no one made a big deal of it.
Posted 4/8/2007 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Kurt also has sleep apnea, but very mild. Not a thing was mentioned about it, but he didn's have a problem with weight. MVESR, you have to keep your growing family in your head now. Walk, change eating patterns, what ever you have to do. We have always eaten pretty healthy, but before Kurt's surgery, his cholestorol was over 300. I made a few simple changes, healthy heart bread and OJ, land O lakes eggs, etc... and dropped his number to below normal in less than one month. The doctors were amazed. We all have hurdles to cross, just find your way to cross it. I don't think that I mentioned this before, but my dad died of PCa 10 years ago. All he wanted was a grandchild. None of us gave that to him. Today, I sat and watched my moms boyfriend hold and play with my nephews. They call him papa. It is bitter sweet. I am so glad that they have papa, just wished they could have papa bruce. Do what ever it takes to be there for that little one who you have yet to meet. All the cutting back or dieting will pay off in great dividends. Courtney
Posted 4/9/2007 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks you for your support.  I very much want to see my grandson born and grow up knowing who I am.  I have lost 28 pounds since I found out about my PC.  I have an appointment with my surgeon this friday and hope we can schedule my surgery.  Please kep me in your prayers.

Posted 4/9/2007 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
mvesr, I am also in the process of scheduling robotic surgery. I am about 35 lbs overweight and have mild sleep apnea. I saw Dr last week and specifically asked about both. He was not concerned, although he agreed that over the next six weeks before surgery, I should try to lose 10+ lbs and get back to the gym to tone up. In reading the many posts in this forum over the last month, I have not run into any comments about weight or sleep apnea as preventing either open or robotic surgery. Perhaps others have different experiences, but I'm kinda surprised by your dr's reaction. Of course, it's always good to get the weight down anyway -- congratulations on your progess so far. I hope I'm as successful!
Posted 4/9/2007 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ mvesr,   You are definitely in our thoughts and prayers as you move forward on Your Journey toward being cancer free.      Y ou’ve done a wonderful job with losing 28lbs… and still have time to lose more.     Yes ~ I met your wife and sister at the Y!   It truly is a small world.   A lady I’ve talked with over the past several months about this forum ….. come to find out….her husband works with Dr. Staley in Asheville.   She spoke with your wife and sister and they in turn swam up to me and asked me about Buddy’s surgery and we all had a wonderful conversation.   I’m so glad we shared this website with her to give to you!   And was thrilled to see you posting so soon!!!!!   Take time to read as many threads to help give you a visual of what to expect… and please continue to share with all of us.   We are “all” here for you!     This journey is best traveled with friends…. So stay close~    In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 4/12/2007 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Dear friends.   I am off to Duke tomorrow for and appointment with Dr. Moul on friday morning.  I hope I have lost enought weight to go ahead and do the surgery.  Keep me in your prayers.

Posted 4/19/2007 3:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi mvesr,
I hope you'll post your recent info here.... so we can continue to follow you in one location! It really helps us to see the whole picture.
I'll wait to post when you get it here!!! 41lbs... FANTASTIC....

Post Edited (bluebird) : 6/5/2007 1:16:20 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/20/2007 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

Sorry about the mistake, I learned about computers and software by trial and error, mostly error. Anyway if this is the right way, Saw my personal Dr. the other day and he says I am anemic again and he wants me to have an upper and lower GI done. I am going to that Dr. tomorrow, and hope there is nothing else wrong. 

Thanks to all and God Bless

mvesr

Posted 4/20/2007 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
     Hi ~ mvesr,   Truly ..... This is not an error at all!!!!.... just helping to guide you!!!   Please ~ continue to do what feels right for you!   I will copy and paste your message here..   That 41 lb weight loss is important for others to see that it can be done!!!   And the anemia is important info too!   J Mama Bluebird   Quote from Thread: Back to the doctor....Started by mvesr  4-18-07 Hi gang, I went to my personal Dr. today for a follow up for some of my meds and found out I have lost 41 pounds since December.  But the bad new is that I am anemic again, no blood in my stool but it is time for an upper and lower GI (age 55 in another month) so I am trying to get it done before prostate surgery.   Keep the faith-mvesr   Edited to delete signature line only Post Edited (bluebird) : 6/5/2007 1:19:14 AM (GMT-6)
Posted 4/20/2007 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ mvesr,   Thank you for the continued update.   You’ve started on a Journey and you’re allowing us to walk with you!!   And ~ each posting is important for Newbies to see.   The 41 lb weight loss is “fantastic”…. Good job!!   You must physically feel better already.    We’ve had several members have the GI before surgery…   The best shape you can be in will truly benefit you in the long run.   Don’t forget to start your Kegels……    You may hear this from time-to-time but it truly is important.   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   Edited to delete signature line only Post Edited (bluebird) : 6/5/2007 1:18:38 AM (GMT-6)
Posted 4/22/2007 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
I have sleep apena all of my life, and have been on C-Pap for the last 18 yrs. I also had

robotic surgery in NYC on April 3. While I did lose 25 lbs from 220 to 195, at no time did any

of the Drs. who I saw before surgery say anything about sleep apena. Now weight thats a

different matter....

 

Posted 4/22/2007 2:14 AM (GMT 0)

Sirius.  Thanks for the information about the sleep apnea.  My Dr. told me I could use my bipap machine in recovery and later in my room after surgery.  I am so comfortable with it that I can't sleep without it.  I take a marine battery with me on camping trips and the battery came in handy for me this week when we had high winds and the power went out.  I am still working on the weight and getting at least 30 minutes walking and some weight machines at the YMCA several times a week.

Take care, mvesr

Posted 4/22/2007 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi mvesr!

Have read your posts and you'e doing a good job on the weight.
It's amazing the way things work out, isn't it? Who would imagine your wife meeting Mama Bluebird! This forum is truly a Godsend for many.

Just wanted you to know you're wished the best and we'll be looking for your updates.
Susan
Posted 4/22/2007 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Mvesr,

When is your surgery? Keep on losing weight! In Dr. Pat Walsh's book "surviving prostate

cancer" he addresses the issure of weight...good book....please tell me about the marine

battery for C-Pap...while we are the same age, I did not have children until my mid-40's..

I have two girls 9 & 12, would love to go camping with them and have also asked people about

some sort of battery for the C-Pap to no avail...would appreciate any information.

Posted 4/22/2007 10:45 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Sirius.  My surgery is scheduled for June 4th at Duke University Hospital in Durham NC.  Dr. Moul is my urologist.  My BIPAP machine will operate on both 110 house current and 13.5 volt DC battery current.  I tried a marine battery, the same type used for trolling motors which is a deep cycle type.  The one I have is very heavy and would not be good for backpacking,  but if you use a tent or camper it is perfect.  Dependiong on the type battery it will last several nights.

Good luck to you-mvesr

Posted 4/23/2007 11:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hi gang, just sitting here reading old funny posts and after having a real bad day at work it brightens my day.  It also reminds me of the time I had my gallbladder removed and the nurse came and took me to have an ultrasound.  I told the nurse, I had a gallbladder attack and I am not having a baby.  Now back to PC.  After my biopsy I went by my old work that I retired from and hung out too long and by the time I got home the old seat was starting to hurt.  So I found a bottle of oxycodone I had when I broke my are in two places last June and took a couple so I could rest.  After an hour or so turning up the TV my wife wanted to know what was wrong.  I told her I think the oxycodone affected my hearing.  My wife said no more dope for you buddy so we went to bed and I slept like a baby.

mvesr

Posted 4/27/2007 12:06 AM (GMT 0)

Went tuesday to have the gastro procedures done.  I got the lower but not the upper, because the Dr. said I didn't need it.  Well, I had one pollup and the Dr said see you in 5 years.  Boy that was a relief.  Don't need any more problems.  Still counting down to June 4th.

Take care everyone

mvesr

Posted 5/6/2007 9:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all.  Got the results of the colonoscopy in the mail yesterday and the small pollup was benign.  thank goodness for that.  I don't need any more problems. We will be heading out for Duke University Hospital tomorrow for the pre-op stuff on tuesday.  Stilll feeling good and really wanting to get this overwith.  I keep running into guys with the same problem.  I saw a friend and co-worker of my Dad yesterday and he told me he had prostate surgery a few years ago, and said it was a breeeze.  So we shall see.  Everyone have a good week coming up.

mvesr

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