Thank you for that last it is very helpful. I am trying (and I emphasize trying) to adopt the philosophy of "you are born and then you die, worrying in the middle usually doesn't change the outcome."...
I am three years post surgery and I have noticed a recent surge in my erections. Prior I was getting to 80-85% and now on occasion I can hit 95%. Not sure why other than it takes the nerves time to...
This is a tough one. I waited to tell my (late teen) kids until i decided to opt for surgery. I was hoping I would be on active surveillance for 10 years but that didn't work out. I really emphasized...
Initially it made me way more anxious about my health. I kept waiting for the next cancer or a recurrence which is no way to live. I am now (nearly 3 years post surgery) gaining some insight that...
I lasted on AS for just over a year. I hate the uncertainty of things so opted for surgery. AS just didn't fit my personality and I am glad I elected for surgery because knowing what I was dealing...
kegels, kegels, kegels But is sounds like you are doing fine. I did achieve full control but is was 5-6 months post surgery....
I am already on the annual plan even only after 2.5 years after my surgery. My URO said I could test more often if it made me feel better but didn't think it was necessary....
2 years before I could achieve 100% with meds however was enough for some form of intercourse after 6 months...
Oh great!...
It takes time, be patient. The pump is a great idea just to get blood back in that area...
Still undetectable!!!...
I just had my blood drawn for my annual PSA blood test. Instead of worrying about it and being anxious I decided to have a "screw it" attitude. I don't want the worry about a BCA or rising PSA to...
I would follow the standard protocol. If done, the risk of AS is very low. I was also low risk G6 only 1 core of 54 samples and that core only had 2%, oncotype very low risk and ended up with a G7....
BBQDUDE, I think in my situation my G6 didn't progress to a G7. Instead the biopsies kept missing the small amount of G7 I had. My dx biopsy only found 2% of G6 in one sample largely because my PCA...
Thats funny, yes undetectable and I suppose undeniable. Thanks everyone...
Well its been 2 years today since my surgery. PCA has changed my life, for the good and some for the bad. It has unearthed some anxieties I never knew I had. However, it has also helped me become...
I understand your anxiety about "what if?" That was my biggest hurdle on active surveillance: what if there is more that they haven't found yet. I had 3 biopsies with 50 or 60's samples taken. I...
Great post. Thank you. I can relate to many of the things you said. I dont want to think about it everyday but haven’t figured out how to do that yet. I have decided to somehow increase joy at the...
A great reminder of our choice to where we focus our attention...
Sounds like you have the info you need. My only advice is follow the AS protocol which includes keeping an eye on your PSA. It took a while to find my cancer (over 60 samples) only to find 2% of one...
It’s been about a year and a half for me. With 20mg of Viagra my erections are up to 90% or so. The surgery and early recovery is touch no doubt. The interesting thing for me and my wife is we both...
I was initially diagnosed with G6, 2% of one sample out of 53 taken over the course of 3 biopsies. I stayed on active survelance for 14 months and after my PSA cont to rise decided on surgery. For me...
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It makes me feel that’s its OK to have emotions about PCA....
I think this is a relevant topic for many of us. Although my pathology report was very good and I am doing well post surgery, I still worry and it pisses me off. I don't want to worry about this but...
It would be great info to have but hard to come by because PCA is so variable. A lot depends on grade and containment in the prostate. The Sloan Memorial...
Weirdly I may experiences a squirt at night if I am maying on my back...
Definitely brings back memories. The degree of incontinence was a surprise for me. I loaded up on pads and emptied my bladder nearly every hour. I was really consistent with the kegel exercises and...
Trust in the Kegels! I wasn't seeing much improvement for the first month or so and was getting discouraged. But I cont to do my kegels a few times a day and then about week 6 or 7 I started to...
I hated when I was in your position, I didn't like the uncertainty of it all. I was on active surveillance for 14 months before I decided to have the surgery. My gleason was upgraded at that point to...
DMV1990, I have heard for some if not most regaining an erection can take time. I am just over a year out and I can get 90% erection with Viagra and 65% without. My wife and I have figure out ways of...
Managing the anxiety felt like a full time job for me at time. I hate uncertainty but learned through this experience that life is full of unavoidable uncertainty. The forum helped me tremendously....
Thank you... Things seems to be getting on track physically also-- I am now continent and around 70% erection without Viagra and 90% with. If my PSA was <.05 does that mean I did not get the ultra...
Just got my 2nd PSA following RALP and it was reported as <.05. I have not seen the results reported like this before. I know you are wanting things to be under .03 so it being reported this way is...
Seems like there are conflicting info whether pumps or useful. Anyone have personal experience of pumps working for them?...
I thought I should start a new post rather than include this in a previous post. I am 2.5 months out from my RALP. I have take 3 Viagra (100mg) without much success. I get about a 15% erection at...
Thank for all the info.. I am 2.5 months out from my RALP. I have taken a couple of Viagra with not much happening. I get a about 15% erection at random times. Do you think its reasonable to try a...
Wow Viagra is expensive! Has anyone found a way around the expense of ED meds. My insurance pays a little but the copay is still pretty high and they only give me 6 a month. Thanks in advance....
Good morning Nick, Has your uro suggested a more extensive biopsy with many more samples taken?...
I found boxer briefs work only if I wear compression shorts over them. Add the support I need to keep the pad in place...
Of course I wouldnt expect less. Your virtual drink is now available :)...
Not sure if this even matters at this point or if I am over thinking things but based on my pathology report would I be considered intermediate favorable or unfavorable. Thanks....
Just received by post RALP PSA and it was 0.00. I am so happy and relieved. I know my journey is not over but this is a major milestone. Thank you for all your support through all of this!...
Barfly, I was back to work 11 days after the surgery but I sit for a lifting, only having to walk short distances. I am dry when sitting and short walks I am able to contract my kegel and also remain...
Barfly, It was also hard for me to come out to others especially my kids. What I focused on was that indeed I had cancer but it was very treatable and likely curable. I actually felt relief to have...
I have a potentially silly question but wanted to check it out with you guys. I am assuming that sex (having an orgasm) does not have an impact on PSA readings post RALP as it does when one has a...
I would encourage you to be patient. I have found that if I dont consistently do my kegels I start leaking more. I also struggle most with standing and longer walks. On short walks I can contract my...
Barfy, I am 8 weeks out- glad I had the surgery. Recovery is slow so be patient. ED and incontinence is part of that so be prepared. I would agree with the advice of start doing your kegels now. With...
Rest, rest and rest. I underestimated the surgery and thought I could do more sooner. I was wrong. Its a big surgery and your body needs lots of TLC....
I keep hearing doing kegels consistently an time helps. The progress I have seen has been slow but it is progress. Someone posted something about a month ago that included two videos explaining the...
The biopsies only sample a small amount of the prostate. So, yes it is possible that the biopsy did not sample the entire cancer. However, I would not jump ahead and instead get ready for the surgery...