Prostatectomy soon: Any suggestions for being prepared?

Welcome to Connect, @jogger01. I'm tagging several members, like @ch665296f @steve_b @palevsky @predictable @alanr @markhouldsworth who have first hand experience with a prostatectomy, in the hopes that they will join you in this discussion and offer suggestions for being prepared.

You may also be interested in reviewing this discussion on Connect:
- Prospects After Prostatectomy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prospects-after-prostatectomy/

Jogger, will you be having robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?

The plan is for a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. My Gleeson score was 7 and PSA 35.7. A bone scan did not reveal any spread of the cancer. I am 54 and very active with excercise and have a healthy diet. No family history of the disease. Surgery seems to be best option after review my situation. Thanks.

Hi jogger, my husband is nearly 3 years out from surgery identical to yours. He is doing better than ever. The only advice I can give is to get as many opinions as you can to make an informed decision. We went to Chicago to see Dr Cattalona, MD Anderson and San Antonio for consults. But the surgeon we felt was the best is right here in Tulsa. Best of luck to you!

Find the most experienced surgeon, preferably one trained in nerve-sparing procedures. Donate blood to yourself in case. Good luck.

I had mined done three years ago.(nerve-sparing). At the mayo clinic in AZ. By Dr.Swanson. I checked in on Wednesday afternoon.Had the surgery done Thursday morning. Spent the night in the hospital. Friday morning they get you up and walking checkout of the hospital at 4 pm, back to the hotel. They want you to spent the night before you leave for home to make sure that you are not having any problems. The following week went back for my checkup and to have the tube removed. I had incontinent for 16 weeks before everything was back to normal, I had ED for nine months before it returned to normal. PSA was less than zero. Some pain and soreness the first two weeks. The nurses follow up on me.Here at home to make sure everything was going OK. I get checked once a year. (PSA) no problem.

Hi,
I’m 72 and had the RPA surgery when I was 49 at Mayo Rochester, and I am still cancer free. If you experience post surgical long term effects (impotence, inconvenience etc.) there are many things they can assist to return you to an acceptable quality of life. They were there for us and we look back with no regrets. Good luck

A helpful resource is Dr. Patrick Walsh's book "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer". It answers many questions and is very comprehensive about the journey before, during, and afterwards. I had the robotic radical prostatectomy at Mayo Rochester 3 years ago at age 68. I'm feeling better than ever and am grateful for the surgical team at Mayo. Best wishes!

I had the procedure in 2004. I’m alive and well today! That said, I would advise at least one second opinion from a non-surgeon. Once cut......! I’m 72 now, ED pretty much rules our physical sex life. I have recurring thoughts that I pulled the surgical trigger too quickly. I’m sure things have improved over the last 14 years but cancer won’t kill you overnight so do your research first.

I had my prostate cancer surgery 12 years ago at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale by Dr. Ferrigni . Recovery was about six weeks.
Just a overnight in hospital, I had the DaVinci method and would recommend if possible.

I had prostate cancer and did seed implant with 30 days radiation in 2005. ED came within a couple of years. I used to do Caverject for ED and worked every time but was $70 a dose. Now do prostaglandin and for $5 dose it works fine. I am a candidate for colon removal and bladder removal due to radiation but guy who had that done still uses the prostaglandin, Wedgewood Pharmacy, NJ and it works for him. This is different meds. Injection in penis and works every time. No, it is like mosquito bite at most and 2-4 hours of guaranteed erection. Love that stuff. It is made by compounding pharmacy such as Wedgewood. Only once every 24 hours can be used. LOL