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

Notification

Error

<12

Robotic Prostatectomy and other options

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 09:28

Like I have said, my question might appear silly but they are helping me prepair for more accurate questions later when I see the Oncologist. I am not a medically qualified. 

I ask this question as I hear that some men have had a RP to then find that the cancer has spread...well, it makes sense to me to that more detailed and targeted tests be taken before you have such a life changing operation. It might not make sense to you Chris, but it makes perfect sense to me. 

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 10:42

Chris

Not a silly question but I  don't think we have the readily available and reliable technology to do what you are asking. In years to come if we are still removing prostates there will be minature microscopes capable of seeing cancer cells as the surgeon is operating. 

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 11:12

Thanks Chris, that makes perfect sense to me. 

For the last week I have consistently held the view that if after my appointment with Dr **** I feel he is confident that I stand to have a good outcome, I will most likely proceed with him operating on me. That is IF he can guarantee me that he himself will operate. 

I feel confidant by what I have seen and read about the surgeon. If I was only able to have a lesser experienced surgeon I would lean more towards radiotherapy options. 

 

 

Edited by moderator 09 Mar 2019 at 12:32  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 11:46
You need to edit your post - we are not allowed to name medics on here.

I am still not sure why you are seeing an oncologist to discuss surgery.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 11:50

OK thank you Lyn. 

I shall let you know when I know. 

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 13:05

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I ask this question as I hear that some men have had a RP to then find that the cancer has spread...well, it makes sense to me to that more detailed and targeted tests be taken before you have such a life changing operation. It might not make sense to you Chris, but it makes perfect sense to me. 

Just to clarify, Chris - I didn't say that your question didn't make sense, but that I didn't understand what you were asking, which is a shortcoming on my part, not yours https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/Scripts/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-smile.gif.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 13:34

Thanks Chris. 

I have autism (high functioning autism) so it can be  difficult for me to process and respond to information at times.

I have a couple of more questions:

 

⚫ Could the prostatectomy make the cancer spread faster if it is not all caught? If this is a real possibility I would possibly lean towards RT

⚫ After a prostatectomy could I expect to be free of having to be so overly cautious about not having to drink too much water and always be near a toilet? It would be nice to think that in some aspect the operation might actually enhance my life alongside prolonging it. 

 

 

 

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 15:52
Chris,

There is a tiny risk of any invasive procedure releasing cancer cells into the blood or lymph systems which could then spread elsewhere, but this has to be balanced against the enormously higher risk of allowing the cancer to grow untreated. There are no certainties, I'm afraid. Any cancer cells that do get into the bloodstream find themselves in a very hostile environment in which they're likely to be attacked by the body's immune system, so the chance of cancer spreading elsewhere via this route is tiny.

If you're having difficulty urinating due to enlargement of the prostate, an RP will probably make things better for you.

All the best,

Chris

User
Posted 09 Mar 2019 at 19:53

Chris

Unfortunately incontinence and erectile dysfunction and the two most common adverse effects of RP and also RT. Both adverse effects can vary in there severity. Some guys are dry from day one of catheter removal, others are not so lucky. Pelvic floor exercises may aid early continence recovery. Recovery from ED can take a couple of months or several years or never but there are  various solutions to the problem. If you have not already done so download the toolkit or at least have a look through the information provided on this site regarding different treatments and thier outcomes. 

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 12 Mar 2019 at 22:38

I am exactly in the same position as u and after studying an talking to people who have had the robotic prostatectomy I have decided to go with that surgery

 

User
Posted 13 Mar 2019 at 11:05

Thanks Hughie

Let me know how you get on with the whole process. 

I'm seeing the surgeon on Monday next and will come back here and let you know exactly what he said. 

Go well until then. 

Chris 

 
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