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I'm 6 weeks post-op RARP. I was told by 9 different doctors that they recommended RARP over radiation at my age (54) because the side effects of radiation might impact me before the end of my natural life. I have no regrets, I'm fully continent and no ED. That's not everyone's history with RARP, but it is mine. With a couple months to prepare, you could start working your pelvic floor and core muscles to better improve your recovery and even prevention of both incontinence and ED.
Radiation has some appeal, as do alternative treatments, because the side effects are often less, but you never know the true scope of your cancer until they remove it and analyze it.
If you haven't talked to multiple doctors, you should do so now. Nobody here is qualified to tell you which path you should take, but your doctors absolutely are. The best we can do is tell you how it went for us - and remember that most of the people here, me excluded, are here because they either are new and have questions - like yourself - or they continue to have issues. The success stories have no reason to stick around, but there are plenty of RARP success stories out there, I had a hell of a time finding them because they don't participate in these types of forums anymore so I'm trying to stick around to sprinkle some good news over all the bad that comes with this terrible disease.
Replies to "I'm 6 weeks post-op RARP. I was told by 9 different doctors that they recommended RARP..."
Yes!! My husband had his surgery on 2/28….he was very swollen after surgery but as far as incontinence, the pelvic floor exercises have helped immensely!! That and a very positive attitude!! I tell my husband every day how proud I am of him for being such a trooper through this whole thing…
@survivor5280
Glad to hear you are doing so well. I cannot urge enough to get multiple opinions, (like you suggested). Also, please check out doctors before going with anyone! This includes ANY doctor or facility! Most states have a ‘Physicians Review Board” that basically “polices” the doctors! Please look and see your doctors “Track” record. You just might be surprised! I sure was!
On Biopsy’s, I urge those that can, stay away from the TRUS Method. There are far better methods out now that are not as dangerous and invasion far more accurate!
☮️ Dingus
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I appreciate your time. You are totally correct about success. I use Yelp everyday for dining. I have never posted how good the service is. I had throat cancer in 23. 7 weeks of radiation and chemo. I successfully completed and everything except my saliva is back to normal. I recently went in for a Vasectomy and found out my PSA was 6.1, then MRI & biopsy showed 2 areas with lesions. Gleason 6 (3+3) and a 7 (3+4). At Mayo they said because of my age and condition surgery is the best bath. I'm leaning heavily that way. The radiologist that worked on my throat claims the tech is so much better now. Could treat me in a week and be done with it. Not a fan of radiation. Scott Cheney is the MD at Mayo has done 100s of RARP. I'm very confident with his abilities. I just want a better understanding of life after. I'm very young in mind and want to enjoy time with my partner with no complications - No ED. I've been working my Kegel and pelvic floor exercises. I appreciate everything that you shared. Very encouraging. Did you have a catheter for 10 days? After were you able to go back to your normal activities. I go to the gym 4-5days a week. Sounds like the recovery period is short. Todd