Prostatectomy soon: Any suggestions for being prepared?

Posted by jogger01 @jogger01, Dec 8, 2018

Greetings. I recently learned of my prostate cancer and am scheduled for prostatectomy in January. Would appreciate feedback from others who have gone thru process. Any suggestions for being prepared? Thanks!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

dandl48 Dave | @dandl48 | Feb 23, 2020

In reply to @jpatt2020 "How do you find a dr that is trained in the nerve-sparing prostatectomy procedure?" + (show)

@jpatt2020 It's my understanding that the best surgeons use a robotic device called a Di Vinci to hopefully spare the nerves . Most large hospital's should have it. If you are close to any of the Mayo Clinic's I would start looking there. Would make sure that he/she has done 100's if not 1,000's of robotic surgery's. Good luck

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Feb 23, 2020

@jpatt2020, @dandl48, Good evening. Hi neighbors. I am just visiting this prostate group tonight. My life partner is the recipient of my caregiving for his prostate journey. Together we experienced the search for a surgeon. He chose Dr. R. Houston Thompson, MD, in Rochester for the fact that the surgery would be robotic and Dr. Thompson would lead the team for pre-surgery, the actual radical prostatectomy, and post-surgery care. He spent more than considerable time with us in two pre-surgery visits. He has done more than 1,000 of this type of surgery.

During the surgery, two of the staff nurses called me every 30 minutes to give me an update. The surgery did last a bit longer because of the bladder margins which had to be removed one layer at a time and tested immediately for cancer before the team could proceed.

As soon as the surgery was over, one of the nurses told me that Dr. Thompson wanted to talk to me. We sat quietly in a corner and he took me through the surgery and explained what he had encountered. He answered all of my questions as if he had all day. I felt supported and trusted to give appropriate care.

I think it might be interesting for you if I close with this comment. On Sunday night about 9:00, my partner experienced swelling and we were quite concerned. We had been given a number to call if we encountered anything we couldn't handle. I called the number and guess what, a member of our team answered the phone. No waiting, no callback....right there!

I wish you good luck and a safe journey with your prostate care. May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering. Chris

john57 | @john57 | Feb 23, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @john57, I strongly encourage you to start a new discussion about lack of sex drive...." + (show)

Hi collen I did thanks for the advice

jpatt2020 | @jpatt2020 | Feb 26, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "@jpatt2020, @dandl48, Good evening. Hi neighbors. I am just visiting this prostate group tonight. My life..." + (show)

Thanks for the reply...
But still wondering how do you find the surgeon? Did you google? If so, what did you google for specifically?
Just wish there was a list of Drs that provide this surgery & how many surgeries they’ve performed...

ken82 | @ken82 | Feb 26, 2020

Often the Clinic Departments will have a record of the education, residencies, awards, papers and even specialties of the various medical doctors on staff ... a good place to start is to investigate the Medical University in your state.. However depending upon the state you really might get better results in more populated locales.. Boston General, NYC Sloan-Kettering, Mayo MN, FL, AZ, Cleveland Clinic, Denver, etc...

dmadi61 | @dmadi61 | Feb 26, 2020

I was first diagnosed by my Urologist. I really liked him, and still do. He wanted me in surgery ASAP. Diagnosed me as Stage 1. I went to Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida. First saw a Urologist - he said it was inoperable stage 3. He called in a radiation oncologist who then called in a radiation oncologist that was more specialized. My though is if you are a urologist - you are a surgeon. You will do surgeries - that is how you make money. I went to Moffitt. The doctors there seemed to more interested in doing what was best for me. They have more than enough patients. If I were you I would try an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center. https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find Best of Luck.

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Feb 26, 2020

In reply to @jpatt2020 "Thanks for the reply... But still wondering how do you find the surgeon? Did you google?..." + (show)

Good morning jpatt2020. We asked for a referral from a local urologist. He only did about 4 surgeries a month and they were not robotic. He did the MRI and knew what was necessary. He wanted the best for his patient. Remember that at Mayo Clinic, clinicians are salaried. There is no reason for competition. In addition, your team is always your team for any treatment or procedure. They get to know you and you as the patient get to trust them. The education and accomplishments of everyone are available for you. You can find the list of surgeons on mayoclinic.org. Use the filter for radical prostatectomy. There will be a biographical summary, conditions treated, procedures performed and research interest. Have some joy today. Chris