Golf and prostate cancer

@golf2026 re: catheter.

It wasn't the catheter that was painful, it was the wounds from the incisions that kept me on painkillers and sitting on an icebag for several days. It was hard to change positions from sitting to lying down etc.

For me, the catheter required constant awareness of what you're doing and the possibility of catching the tube or bag on something. And you have to be aware off where things are at night when you get up so you dont trip or pull the bag/tube. Walking around is encouraged. I found it easiest to use a walker while sitting or walking around - so as to hang the bag on it, and carry other things like a drink, a book, remote control etc. It was easiest for me to just stay in boxers around the house.

Laying on back in bed was easiest as you dont want to pinch the tube by rolling on to it. My friend just slept in a recliner to be comfortable.

@golf2026
Perineural invasion It is so common it is found in almost every biopsy. National Cancer Institute says to ignore it. It is not an aggressive issue.

16 years ago when I had my diagnosis that was also included.

I played 18 6 weeks post RP.
I was fortunate not to have urinary control issues post-op .
I do recommend pelvic floor PT both before and after surgery (after catheter removal).
Catheter - no problem. Wore gym shorts and stayed in the house (by choice), but started walking day 2. Only had the larger night urine bag, and kept it in a 2 gal plastic wash bucket and carried it around when I walked in the house and otherwise. Pretty easy 10 days for me.
Best wishes.

I had my prostate removed (RALP) three and a half years ago. I started playing golf again about three months later. All of my playing partners are my age and knew about my surgery and I was very open about needing pads at that point in my recovery. My incontinence was stress related, due to physical activities. I changed pads (maximum ones) in the mid-course bathrooms and at the turn and never had an obvious leakage, though my comfort level could have been a lot higher. As time wore on, and physical therapy improved my incontinence, my pad changing became reduced and I made it through the whole round on one pad. That happened about 10 months after surgery. A year and a half ago I got a urinary sling implanted and that took care of what little incontinence I still had. So technically I can play without a pad, but I still use a mini one just in case I swing too hard or take a big divot. Which unfortunately is not unusual with my game. I found having a sense of humor helped, along with guys who were very understanding. Good luck.

I too am an avid golfer. Golf is hard, and even harder with prostrate cancer treatments. The loss of muscle strength forces us to change every club distance and shot selection. The brain fog is a disaster for focus and especially putting. I shot 75 before treatments and now struggle to break 90. But I focus on the long run - I’m getting exercise and sun. I’m laughing with my buddies. It’s another ego setback, but 25 months into this life path, at 68 I am getting used to it.

Good luck. Keep charging and enjoy every day!

@golf2026
It’s very manageable. Yes, sweat pants are best or loose slacks for going out. No pain on insertion or removal - it’s the visual that strikes our nerve. And yes, lots of downtime but you can certainly work. No golf.

Thanks to everyone for comments. As I do my research and reading, I am missing a fundamental concept. With all the radiation options now, it is encouraging for treatment of the cancer. But I started this journey due to common urinary symptoms (weak flow, urgency, frequency, etc). IF RADIATION IS SELECTED AS THE TREATMENT OPTION, WILL THIS ALSO RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO THE URINARY ISSUES (since the prostate will still be there).

@golf2026
If you only have radiation, it shrinks the prostate to about 40% of its normal size. If you had urinary problems before that, you may have them after. Some doctors want to resolve those problems before they do the radiation. Maybe having a turp, Which is like a Roto router of the prostate, To open it up so that the radiation won’t cause more problems. This is something you need to discuss with a urologist and a radiation oncologist. Your particular case may be different from somebody else.

I started chipping at 4 weeks. I started at the range the following week, starting with short to medium irons and then progressing. The next week I played 9 holes twice and after that I resumed playing 18 2x/week. Wear pull-ups or pads and you should be fine.

I golf (walk) 18 holes 2X/week. 20,000 steps. It hugely helpful for my exercise needs.