I don't like this

Some know I wrote an Op a while back about a high PSA count. Well, it turns out it is cancer and involves 90% of my prostate, so I'm scheduled for surgery on November 1st.
Through this whole process of Dr visits and a battery of MRIs, CT scans and the like, I haven't worried or even given it much thought. Just wanted to get it done and over, so I can get on with my life. I was tying a line on one of my fishing rods the other day and my wife mentioned an appointment. Distracted by what I was doing, I said "What for ?" She said " because you have cancer, remember ? "
My reply, was "oh...right ".

Well, the surgery has me worried now. More irritated than worried really.
Actually, the surgery itself doesn't bother me, it's the side effects.
There's a pretty good chance of impotence which can be helped by Cialis or Viagra, but damn, I'm only 58 and don't have twin outdoor bathtubs, so that's a bust.
Next fun fact is that they have to separate the urethra from the bladder to remove the prostate [ think slipping a ring off a stick ] then sew it back, so I get to have a catheter with a bag attached to my leg for a couple weeks till it heals and even then, I may be wearing an adult diaper for a while till everything gets back to normal. Doc says possibly a few months. [ oh joy ]

I can't do anything strenuous for 4 - 6 weeks after the surgery, so there goes building furniture.....or fishing...or anything fun.

The flip side is : Do nothing, the cancer spreads and a whole new can of worms gets opened.
So surgery it is and since there's really no alternative, I'm just gonna roll with it and hope for the best.

In the meantime, it's almost daylight and I got fishin' to do while I can.

You folks have a good day.

Hey David,

I feel for you brother. I had cancer, pancreas and left kidney. I lost half my pancreas and they were able to save the kidney. Metal staples from breast plate all the way past my belly button to keep my organs from falling out.

The whole time no pain medication because I had no pain. This too should be your goal.

My recommendation, I found prayer helped more than I can explain.

Double blind studies were made concerning prayer...numrrous patients with exact same illness divided into two groups. One group did not pray and the other group prayed.

Results; The group that prayed used less pain medication, no complications and recovery was much faster.

Good luck

youtube.com...

a reply to: DAVID64

a reply to: DAVID64

I wish you well for your surgery David , my thoughts are with you.

a reply to: DAVID64
Hey Good Luck David-are you getting the multi armed robot operation?

My Dad just had that-and although he was scared beforehand,I am proud of how well he has come through it all.
He was out of hospital 4 days after the op,and on day 5 he quitted taking the codiene as he wasn't needing it.
I totally expected him to be a lot worse for wear for a lot longer afterwards-
But although he was in pain for the first week,he could still walk and manage steps slowly.

Now its approx 4-5 months later and hes moving normaly,no pain and he reports everything seems to be working and most importantly no more cancer according to follow up tests.

If my dad had such good results,that bodes well for you as my Dad is late 70's,and a commited life long excersise avoider/alcohol enthusiast/pro smoker-before and since the operation!

My Dads overall verdict was: "It wasn't half as bad as I was expecting."

Best of Luck

I’m so sorry to hear this …. I will send healing energy and prayers your way . If you’re interested , There are several Facebook cancer groups that talk about herbs, etc , they have used to help with all kinds of cancers …. Yeah I know , it’s Facebook …. And yeah I know , herbal tonics are bit proven ….. BUT … there is some good advice on there , with dealing with cancer …. I’m not saying to NOT listen to your doctor ,… Always seek professional help ….. I’m just saying you may want read up on some other perspectives or personal journeys ,either on Facebook , Blogs, or Chinese herbalist ,.. …you may find something to help you after surgery . It could be physical , emotional or mental advice that could
Help … your not alone , many people are going through this and are writing about it …..By the way, organic Ginger root juice , drank a few times a day , has done wonders with shrinking tumors.
Again, you should always go by your doctor advice , but while your sitting around and can’t do anything for weeks , there’s plenty of time to read ….. I will be thinking of you and sending healing energy your way .

a reply to: DAVID64

Hang in there. We'll be thinking about you and praying.

My mom just got through a bout with colon cancer. They did adjuvant therapy first, so she started with chemo and radiation to shrink her tumor before they did surgery.

Her surgery was projected to take two hours, but she had complications not related to the cancer. Seems she had some kind of infection when she was younger that left her with a bunch of scarring and adhesions in her abdominal cavity. She had the same issues with her hysterectomy when they went after her endometrial cancer.

Long story short, she ended up with a temporary colostomy. She hated it!

But, she recently got through that and had it reversed, and yes, there is a healing and adjustment period. But you can get through it, and in the grand scheme of things, take this from a loved one of someone going through a similar situation, we'd rather have you with us.

I will also add that with both surgeries, she did very well, and she went home sooner than projected.

Lastly, I will link this. It's the website of the group I work for. It's bare bones, but we're nonprofit. There is all kinds of information there. I sent you to the cancer specific section. The home page is broader based connections - treatment facilities, clinical trial info, etc. Anyhow, I don't know if it will help, but you never know.

a reply to: DAVID64

Are you interested in alternative treatment at all?

I, personally, am very interested in it so I have looked online for courageous (because that's what it takes) whistleblowers who share information gleaned at the grassroots level around the world.

One of these whistleblowers is Jim Humble. I have his book MMS Health Recovery Guidebook, Revised Edition by Jim Humble with Cari Lloyd, Copyright 2016, 2019. The book talks about "health restoration protocols" (HRP). Cancer is included.

[MMS = Master Mineral Solution (formerly Miracle Mineral Solution) = chlorine dioxide]

Hi David: I had Gleason 9 Stage 4 Prostatic Ca.
This is a bit long but I can’t say this in a short message.
I am writing this as both someone who has been there. Seriously so, and also as a Registered Nurse who had taken care of men in the past with the exact same problem. I am now retired.
First, since they are going to do an anastamosis of the urethra, might I assume they are doing robotic surgery? In re: to that part of the procedure, I personally have had problems with stricture. But it has not changed my life much.

I had Gleason 9 stage 4 which is about the most serious you can get.
They first did a TURP, and was found to have the above. At that point the Dr I had then abruptly walked Into the exam room a week later and told me I was going to die, and as such told me after I asked about options, said I should do nothing. What a jerk.

I got a referral to a good surgeon. That Dr said “hang on a sec. And said before doing anything we should get a full body scan to discover any metastasis. None.
I had people praying all over the world for me, but none prayed more loudly than I did. Anyway the surgery.
This was a radical prostate robotic surgery. I actually downloaded the entire procedure in video and took the time to watch it. Then I knew what I was up against. Wasn’t as bad as an open procedure for sure. Don’t do this unless you have a strong reserve to watch it.

All this said. The full body scan was negative for metastasis. You should have this done [full body scan] before your surgery for sure.

After procedure:
I had a foley for 3 weeks. Was not painful but it was annoying. I used a larger bed bag at night and switched to a leg bag during the day. You should be sure they provide both for you post op for at home and show you clearly how to switch between them safely. That way you can go out during the day and no one will see a bag. [a better life choice]
Side effects: If you still need to work, this may help you get back to it. If not it will help either way.

The pain was only severe day one and two. Then moderate for a few days and mild thereafter. My Dr did order pain meds but be careful with them and don’t drink at all while you have that cath in.
Make absolutely sure you have bed protection, even with a cath in. Sometimes you have bladder spasms which can hurt and also pass urine around the tube. And stay clean in the area around the insertion area of the catheter. [get some washable underpads as disposable ones may not stay underneath you at night]
WARNING:
The Drs do not know how to address incontinence. The Nurses do but still most do not know how to really handle it in a home setting.
1. When the foley is removed, either in the Dr office, or in radiology, you will be incontinent. Wear protection when you go to have it out or both you and the table under you..well you get it. Either wear or take a brief with you.

Incontinence will not wait for you to get back home, and they most likely will not address this. You will be wet almost immediately. Until incontinence improves be prepared.

I am now three years post op. Still 90% incontinent. This is rare. Most men get at least half their control back or more. Some after just a few months. But just in case you do not.
5. After three years I have learned that I didn’t know a tittle about Incontinent briefs.
PRIDE IS YOUR ENEMY
So, here in the US. We are proud. We get embarrassed just talking about “briefs” which are just exactly what they are. Diapers. But lets call them briefs for prides sake.

6. So talk about protection.
If you get most of your control back a pull up will be all you need. They are expensive though and the cheapies are just exactly that. Leaking crappy cheapies. Even some depend brands are just so.
If you don’t ever, never, totally want to have a leak day or night use common sense. I learned the hard way so I will maybe tell you what I learned that even as an RN I didn’t know.

There are no leak proof briefs. There are only better ones that limit the possibility.
When one sleeps at night, most people do sleep on their sides from time to time. Get it?
Now in the US our pride has the better of us and all you can find at Walgreens or CVS or anywhere but the most expensive medical supply houses are “breathable” briefs. They breathe. And anything air goes through, so can water. Get it?

I will watch this thread and if you wish will provide links where I purchase my briefs as when you search you will get some of the most outlandish things showing up. I will provide direct links to what I use. Indeed you will need a heavy one when that foley cath first comes out. Be prepared.

The good:
I am still here, and recovery is the most likely outcome. I am now Living a normal life and doing fine with a below 0 psa three years post op.
I am back on my road bike and I am now riding 20-40 miles a day and still doing well.
As a retired RN I tell you. The surgery does work and is not as invasive as years past.
Recovery is faster, pain is less, and side effects save for the urethral anastomosis stricture and incontinence are remote.

The stricture if severe can be addressed with a minor procedure later on. The incontinence once managed will not change your life much. I even travel hundreds of miles with no problem.
I did go through 43 radiation treatments after 8 months post op. That made me weak, an didn’t help side effects, but I am now 3 years post op, cancer free, and alive living well.. So you see,
sometimes our pride can be our biggest problem. Was for me. In fact pride was my enemy.

As a christian I will pray for you. I don’t get on here often but if you need to talk message me and I will try to check more often. If all you need is info on briefs. I will provide to you the most effective.
I can put the links simply in a reply but no time to do so right now Good Luck David. O yea, my name is also ... David.Still here, beautiful wife of 34 years and happy.
this does not need to bring you down
Prayers your way and God Bless.
DavidsHope

a reply to: DAVID64

Friend? Don't dwell on the procedure, instead focus just on Day 1 afterwards. Healing should be uncomplicated with advances.

Let me ask you. What have you planned for the rest of your life when you awake "fixed"? Go for it, ask docs n nurses to help you stay comfortable w meds.

God bless you in the next stage of your life. Peace....

a reply to: DAVID64
I have an uncle who went through this some years back. He said it was a little rough the first month or so, but after that it smoothed out. He's doing great now. You will too. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

a reply to: DAVID64

I'm sorry to hear that you do have cancer. It's good news that it hasn't spread. I hope the surgery will go well and you will have a quick recovery.

originally posted by: DevotedResearcher
a reply to: DAVID64

Are you interested in alternative treatment at all?

I, personally, am very interested in it so I have looked online for courageous (because that's what it takes) whistleblowers who share information gleaned at the grassroots level around the world.

One of these whistleblowers is Jim Humble. I have his book MMS Health Recovery Guidebook, Revised Edition by Jim Humble with Cari Lloyd, Copyright 2016, 2019. The book talks about "health restoration protocols" (HRP). Cancer is included.

[MMS = Master Mineral Solution (formerly Miracle Mineral Solution) = chlorine dioxide]

This is cancer he is talking about. If I knew of any herbs, spices, or other foods that have been shown to cure it, I'd advise him to seek an alternative medicine practitioner, but I don't. Why don't you read up on how things went for Steve jobs. 

a reply to: DAVID64

You will be in my thoughts and prayers, David. Best wishes for a speedy, full recovery! My FIL managed to enjoy another 40+ years after prostrate surgery and passed at 95.

How is your sister doing with her cancer ordeal?

David, I wish you well. I hope your surgery is swift, and successful.

You are doing the best thing possible by keeping your spirits up and not letting this change your life or undermine your mental state. Stick with it, and in a few months you should be back to casting your rod, just make sure to keep your tackle box equipped with some of the little blue lures.

a reply to: DAVID64
My thought are with you David. I've had and do have a lot of friends who have had cancer and are fighting it now. A good thought is prostrate cancer has a very high success rate for curing. Yes there are some side effects which I suffer from, yes you have to live with them, but the alternative??????? Good luck and keep positive.

I'm sending prayers and positive thoughts your way!

As soon as hit reply I will say a prayer for you.

Always enjoy our interactions.

May you be blessed by the highest God.

a reply to: DAVID64

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

I just had a PSA test not two weeks ago, by coincidence. I'll be hitting 65 in few months and doctor said "It's time".

Test showed result of 0.88, so I'm "normal" . For now.

Must admit, I never really paid much attention to this topic in the past.

You've opened my eyes, Thank You, sincerely.

a reply to: DAVID64

Good luck! Mushrooms might be worth looking in to, like Reishi and Turkey tail, some studies have shown it does good for the immune system, get a better appetite, reduce fatigue and stuff like that.


i have been experimenting with them for years, and they definetly do something, not at all like taking a vitamin pill.

a reply to: DAVID64

My father had to get his prostate removed not too long ago and it only took him a few weeks to recover but I wouldn't want to go through it myself, the catheter would drive me insane, I'd much prefer just to wear an adult diaper, but I'm not sure if they will allow that.

Also, you say there isn't any alternatives, but that isn't really true. There is an ultrasound procedure which is fairly quick and painless and has way lower chances of adverse side effects. But it's still relatively new and experimental, and most doctors will tell you that.

They'll probably try to caution you away from the ultrasound treatment, but as far as I can tell it's quite a safe and effective procedure, the main downfall is the price since the government and insurance companies are unlikely to help pay for it.

That's the main reason my dad went with the traditional treatment but I think he'd probably make a different choice if he could go back in time because you can't really put a price on your manhood. The traditional treatment is outdated and archaic imo.