Post Diagnosis - The Next Chapter

you will probably go through this over and over in your head until May 21st, so every time you think of a question you might want to ask or just something you are not sure of write it down. If you have someone to go with you to that consultation meeting who can prompt you if necessary that would be good or you could consider asking the consultant if you can record the conversation so you can play it back to yourself if necessary. It is a big decision so you want to be confident that you have got it right in your own mind.

As far as someome having surgery at Eastbourne is concerned I am afraid I can't help you there but the Da Vinci machine is robotic and it pretty much does what it is programmed or guided to do. Maybe one or two of the men already responding to you can share their experience of the procedure if that might help.

all the very best

xx

Mo

Thank you again Mo for your sound and valuable advice and support as always. I am fully aware that the decision I make is a big one. I have spent a lot of time recently gathering all the info together that I can, including reading the experiences of others on this wonderful site. The reason I'm favouring DaVinci is because - of the two options I have, it seems to me that the hormone therapy plus radio therapy are going to take over my life considerably more with many visits to hospitals etc. and then of course there are the possible and likely side effects to go with that. Whereas with DaVinci - which I know will also provide side and after effects - it seems to me that if all goes well, I will have a bit more  freedom to get on with the rest of my life. I am lucky to be a  fit and ,I'm told by my Consultant, "young" 70 year old - but 70 is 70 and therefore I want to try and make the most of however many years are left. I am also aware that being an "older" guy there is more chance of continence problems following an op and I will keep that in mind. Whatever happens next Thursday at the meeting with my Consultant, I will continue to try and weigh up all the pros and cons of everything before finally deciding. I will have someone with me so I won't be alone.

To be continued next week.

Thank You Again

Cobbles ( a real name variation by a very young goddaughter which became a permanent nickname )

I am 71 years old and last July I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer following a scan and a biopsy. I was given all the options and discussed it with a number of urology experts. Their advice was to chose the specialist first and then follow his advice and that's what did. I was determined to get the cancer out of my body before it spread and went for the traditional operation rather than the robotic method. I had the operation in September and everything went well.I hated the 7 days I had the catheter and being incontinent for about 6 months. I have now improved and only have problems when lifting or coughing or sneezing.In the meantime my cousin has passed away because it was not diagnosed early enough so we are all lucky to get it diagnosed and have the option of treatment. very lucky indeed.. So my message and advice is "Get it right out of your body asap" I hope this helps you

I have, since last posting, been back for the meeting with my Consultant to discuss the latest PSA and what action is to be taken.

The PSA was 15, the same as last time, and of the options I had, I have chosen to go ahead with Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.

The wheels are now in motion and so I now await the date for this to be carried out. 

I thought long and hard about my options and now I've decided which path to take, feel positive about it.

I'll be back when I know more.

Cobbles

Hello Cobbles,

Also my choice, and I have no regrets. Dry except when very tired but still able to control it. EF is good and improving 2 years on.

Now is the time to plan your hospital bag contents, with all the kit and bits and bobs you may need will welcome during and after your stay.

It's been a while since I was in but I do remember briefs/pants instead of my usual attire boxer shorts. Maybe consider pads for your journey home in case the hospital do not give you enough? Some give loads, others 1 or 2. Baggy tracksuit bottoms for the catheter and bag? Find out from your Local NHS Trust if they will provide pads for when you get home. Will a nurse call on you? The follow up care from a nurse is somewhat haphazard as far as I am aware, I had no support, others have had brilliant support. PAYG mobile for use when you are confined, not an expensive smart phone, an option?

Start your PFE s now of you have not already. Did not work for me, but seems to work for the majority. Any weight loss or increase in fitness apparently helps with the robotic option, I am told.

atb to you and your support network.

dave

PS - if you do not already play golf, start, you should do well if SF2 is anything to go by!  ;-)

Edited by member 26 May 2015 at 21:58  | Reason: Not specified

Cobbles, on page 10 of the publications page there is something called The Surgery Support Pack.

"Quote: These packs will help men prepare for surgery, and any problems leaking urine after their catheter is removed. It includes information about the operation, what side effects to expect and how to cope with them, as well as a supply of male incontinence pads for initial containment, disposable sanitary bags and cleansing wipes. Men can order their own pack by speaking to a Specialist Nurse on our confidential Helpline."

Before we opted for Brachytherapy and I was browsing the publications section I came across this on the list and ticked the box. It was very useful to have. I was surprised that it was free of charge, including P&P so I did, in fact, send a donation for all the publications as they are brilliant, but they were free

Anyway, This pack would give you different samples to try. There is even a little storage bag to put a supply in to take out.
Hope that helps
Good luck with the op and the aftermath.

Best Wishes
Sandra

Thank You Paul. That's very encouraging to know.

"Not doing badly" ? Pretty Good, I'd say - keep up the good work.

All the very best for your continuing recovery.

Cobbles

Thank You Luther for your encouraging post too. It seems when thinking about "Incontinence" that everyone experiences it in different ways and for different lengths of time. I'll just have to deal with whatever happens -the same with ED.I will just be so pleased to have this op and then deal with whatever comes my way.

With very best wishes to you Luther and your continued recovery.

Cobbles

Following posting the above, I have just received a phone call from the Bladder and Bowel Clinic. I have an appointment to see them on Tuesday, June 9th.
The new journey has started.
Cobbles