How much short term disability to seek for robotic prostatectomy?

I was out at clients offices, working on their computers four days after my robotic surgery. Not strenuous work. But mostly on my feet. You probably won’t need more than two weeks to totally recover, 2 weeks is around the time when they removed the catheter. After a week you will probably be fully mobile.

Your worry that radiation damage may be too much. If they say they can do it with radiation you are better off than having a prostatectomy. Radiation has become much more effective and targeted in the last few years. Listen to your doctors advice. There is always a danger that when they do the surgery that they can leave something that can cause problems in the future, and you usually can’t get an erection after surgery.

You don’t mention if the cancer has spread out past the prostate. Did they tell you if you were a T2 or T2c T3?

Have they talked to you about putting you on ADT right away. That can stop your cancer from growing while you are making this decision, it can also reduce the size of the metastasis.

a week will probably be more than enough The urine bad is manageable but an unpleasant thing to get used to but remember, some people have that for a long time, not just a week Good luck, relax, you’ll find that it is easier than you anticipated

I really appreciate the prompt and helpful response. In response to your questions:
-They are fairly confident it is T2 but as a precaution I will get a PET Scan in about 1 week the day before I consult with a Mayo Radiation and Robotic Surgery Specialist.
-They have not discussed ADT, I suspect because I told them I expect to make a treatment decision within a week of the PET Scan and consultations and they indicated treatment or surgery can be schedule a month or so after that. Of course this could change based on the PET Scan,

I am really impressed with the Mayo Phoenix medical team. They have shared so much more information than the non-Mayo Urologist/Surgeon, Oncologist and Radiation specialist I consulted with before going to Mayo did. I think they all had great intentions but seemed to lack the time and resources to dive deep into details . . . and the details make a huge difference.

My disability insurance in Canada didn't kick in for 2 or 3 months — I guess that means it was long-term only.

They gave me 6 weeks to full activity. I would say time it about one or two days after your catheter removal. Just to give yourself a little rest. There is a small amount of bleeding when they remove the catheter. This also doesnt mean you will be continent. That is a risk with removal. I have no experience whether radiation affects continence.

Yes, radiation can cause incontinence too. It's somewhat uncommon, can start months or years after the radiation finishes, and usually heals on its own.

In my case, I had mild damage to the bottom of my bladder that manifested a year after radiation, with some blood in my urine, UTIs. and dysuria. It took me about 6–7 months to sort it out completely.

Going to a place like Mayo gives you so many more options because they have multiple people to review what your situation is and to make decisions about what works best. They also have a real depth of knowledge, more than individual offices and many groups.

Mayo in Rochester is going to be getting a woman to lead the PC group that is just fantastic. One of the best in the country. They really try to have the best you can get.

Good luck with the PET scan results. Hopefully it hasn’t spread at all. With a 4+3 and a T2 radiation would work quite well, but let them tell you what is best for you.

As others have said, it varies; but barring any surgical complications 2-3 weeks should be plenty.
I was a full time dentist so they advised 3 weeks - they did not want me sitting for too long. Even when I returned to work I tried to stand as much as possible so your job standing at a bench is probably ideal for a smooth recovery.
If you choose radiation your work schedule - aside from treatment sessions- should not be impacted at all. Best with whatever you decide.

Prostatectomy is still a major surgery. What will your Dr certify as "recovery time".
At 72, I had an excellent recovery from surgery and actually played golf 6 wks postop, but I had some fatigue throughout the recovery period and needed to care for myself with rest and mild walking.
Radiation as a primary treatment is often accompanied by ADT therapy (I had persistent PSA postop and needed salvage treatment of radiation and short-term ADT). Point is that the ADT particularly may mess with your stamina and focus on your work.
I am very satisfied with my choices, and would choose surgery again; no regrets whatsoever.
Best wishes for your choices and a good result.

I agree with this. I went on ADT immediately and, four months later, have just finished my 28 x IMRT. I'm really happy with the outcome but I shudder when I hear the effects of surgery. Feel like I dodged a bullet because one doctor was really pushing RRP (until he switched - strange).

The IMRT was mostly about the logistics of getting to the hospital on time, every time, day after day. The side effects for me have be pretty limited. Manageable difficulty peeing and some severe fatigue in the last few days. Both of these should clear up withing 4 weeks.