I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

<12

Gleeson 3+3, PSA 10, RT or Da Vinci

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 00:49

Toad, just to be clear - whether or not the op is nerve-sparing depends on you and your diagnostic results NOT the hospital or surgeon. My husband chose open RP because although it meant a slightly longer stay in hospital and longer off work, it was thought to be the best option for him. Some men can't have robotic because of previous abdominal surgery (he had his appendix removed some years ago), heart problems (you get tipped head down feet up in robotic RP which is no good for weak hearts), because of where the prostate is laid, and some other reasons.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 21:49

Urologist did send a letter to the oncology department, and also made an appointment for urine flow measurment. Today I got the letter about the flow measurment, 3 weeks! No idea how long it will be to see oncologist.

Is it possible/ok to get a refferal for a second opinion while waiting for the first one to be made? It might just be quicker or is it just not done.

User
Posted 09 Jun 2016 at 10:13
Hi Paul

If you are looking at the QE in Birmingham contact me and I can give you information if needed.

Roy
User
Posted 09 Jun 2016 at 19:22

QE would be my choice Roy. Any info would be appreciated. Probably best if you send a private message.
Just read your profile, sounds like you been through the mill and back again. Good luck.

User
Posted 15 Jun 2016 at 15:05
Hi,

My choice was to whip out the offending organ. I didn't want open surgery and robotic wasn't offered. I had key hole last year. All well now. Scars not visible unless I really look for then,being hairy helps ( except for my head)
Feel free to check out my profile and good luck in making your final decision.

Paul
THE CHILD HAS GROWN, THE DREAM HAS GONE
User
Posted 15 Jun 2016 at 19:04
Hi Paul

Sent you a message hope you received it

Roy
User
Posted 16 Jun 2016 at 10:18
Hi Roy,

No message received I have sent one to you to see if you get it.

Paul
THE CHILD HAS GROWN, THE DREAM HAS GONE
User
Posted 16 Jun 2016 at 12:58
Hi Paul

The message I sent was to Paul AKA toadoftoadhall, regarding the QE at Birmingham, sorry for the confusion

Roy
User
Posted 16 Jun 2016 at 14:05
Too many Pauls pal.
THE CHILD HAS GROWN, THE DREAM HAS GONE
User
Posted 16 Jun 2016 at 20:10

Hi Toad,


I was diagnosed Oct last year after having psa tests every 6 months for the last 4/5 years.


I had the choice of RT or surgery, I decided on surgery as I couldn't be arsed with RT (to long), I thought if I was going have the op, I'd have it the summer to take in the sunshine!!


Had an appointment with the surgeon at New Cross Wolverhampton, 10 week waiting list, went in on 31/5 for robotic surgery one night stay, out on the 01/6, a bit sore but not to bad, had the catheter out on Sunday, pretty well dry straight away.


Got to get the results next month, but I can't recommend New Cross highly enough, first class care, can't do enough for you.


Regards


Alan    

User
Posted 17 Jun 2016 at 17:49

Sound like things went really well for you Alan. If there were more results like yours reported, I wouldnt be so worried about surgery. Instead I am leaning towards brachytherapy or HIFU,

User
Posted 17 Jun 2016 at 20:11

Hi Toad,
I was diagnosed in 2011 aged 55 with PSA 11.25 and, after biopsy, Gleason 4+3. Initial diagnosis suggested the tumour was contained. I opted for the da Vinci treatment on the grounds of age and that I have a very young family (daughter at that time not born and son aged 4 - now daughter 4 and son 7). I and my wife felt it would be better to cut it out and I can say I have no regrets whatsoever. The post-op biopsy showed that the cancer was confined to a tiny tumour of 0.6cc in one lobe with a 0.07cc intrusion into the seminal vesicle thus taking the stage to 3a from 1. That was scary.
The post-operative risk is incontinence and erectile dysfunction and we decided that we could cope with the former if I was a diligent and energetic kegel exerciser and with the latter by using all the help at our disposal - cialis, viagra, pump and lots of love.
After the operation I was up and out of hospital after 3 days and back home. Incontinence was not a problem and I only had a couple of 'events' before settling down and not having any issues at all. The absolute (childish) joy of being able to do a high-velocity pee over about 3 meters was, in itself, one of the greatest feelings after the years of standing for 10 minutes in a public loo waiting for anything to come out and feeling as though people might think you are some kind of pervert:).  The ED is another story and needed lots of patience. We have a comfortable and happy relationship and ED has not been a significant issue for us. It takes time.
I have the occasional emotional 'wobble' - most significantly about a year after the operation when I went into a very dark place. With support from the Macmillan nurses at the local hospital and my GP I managed to work my way through it all. Since then I have the occasional freak out when I am feeling achy or tired but now, at the age of 60, I think I can expect aches, pains and tiredness especially with a young and demanding family. I am now down to one PSA review a year. I dealt with that transition myself because the doc must have decided he didn't need to keep reminding me!! The last one was in December 2015 and the result was undetectable at <0.01.
I was told sometime soon after the operation that I was 'to all intents and purposes' cured. I didn't really believe it and I would really rather not. Cancer is a life changer and it's best to remember that lifestyle changes are needed. If you start to get slack on that front you never know what will happen and it's best to stick with the changes you make to your life.
Get everything you can out of your life. Remember how precious every little detail is but don't stop living to the full. Good luck. Geraint

Edited by member 17 Jun 2016 at 20:15  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 17 Jun 2016 at 20:29

Great post Geraint - positive but also realistic. I think the wobble about a year after is quite common.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 22 Jun 2016 at 10:22

seen oncologist at Worcester hospital.


Start hormone tablets today,


IMRT in September.


Fingers crossed.

User
Posted 22 Jun 2016 at 19:20

reading all the side effects with hormone therapy, putting me off IMRT. Reading the notes that come with doctor, says about 1 in 10 have heart problems/ heart attack!  Really 1 in 10.  I am a bit of a gambler, but that doesnt look good odds to me. Better off with AS!.


Plus the ED for 6 months and more.


 


Does Brachytherapy usually come with hormone treatment, or is it just RT.  

User
Posted 22 Jun 2016 at 19:42

At 48 yrs old , I was offered 2 yrs HT with Bracchy at 3 months after start , and then 35 RT afterwards. I ended up having to have surgery-my choice being removed. I think we are ALL looking for a treatment that solves the problem and leaves no side effects , but it seems that just isn't possible at all. In some ways I agree with your AS approach , but at the end of the day you may only be putting off the inevitable unless you're lucky.


If life gives you lemons , then make lemonade
User
Posted 06 Jul 2016 at 18:27

Up to date, been taking Bicalutamide for 2 weeks, had Zoladex implant today, Will continue the Bicalutamide for another 2 weeks. We will see what the side effects are.
Anyone want to share experience of Zoladex, for first 3 months?

User
Posted 12 Jul 2016 at 14:41

QE in Birmingham isn't doing robotic surgery at the moment & have gone back to 'traditional' methods.  I'm awaiting a date for my RP there.  Reasons cited are that traditional methods have as good (if not better) results & more operations can be done in a day (so less waiting time).

User
Posted 26 Jul 2016 at 18:36

Hi all,

I have just been diagnosed and waiting for a bone scan, nobody has suggested Cyber Knife surgery, seems to be the way to go, only a few hospitals do it but from what I have found out it is non invasive with hardly any side effects,

best wishes to you all

Paul

 
Forum Jump  
<12
Email this conversation Print this conversation

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.




MenuTop ▲
©2025 Prostate Cancer UK