Looking for men who recently had a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Your doing great. My PSA was 4.2 and Gleason scores: 6 were 3+4 and 6 were 3+3. I had 8 lymph-node biopsies: 7 no cancer and 1 with a trace (Ugh).
Mayo suggested 39 radiation treatments plus 24 months of hormone shots. My wife and I discussed this and prayed about it. Instead, I went on active surveillance with PSA testing every three months and embracing the Mediterranean Diet. What this diet does is bring your testosterone (fertilizer for cancer) down, which is what hormone therapy does, only without the nasty side effects. So far, this has worked! Starting next January, I’ll get my PSA tested every 6 month, and hopefully with the same results.

I had a 4.2 PSA in March ‘22 army primary said to check it in 3 mos to see if it went down. In June it was 3.8 so he just said it went down and I left it at that. March ‘23 it was 6.3. By then I did some research and was updated on the numbers etc. I should hkame been referred to urology in ‘22. I had. A Pet scan, bone scan and CT scan, all clear. A few days before the surgery they ordered an MRI. Must be the MRI showed something because 2 minutes before I went to surgery he took of me he was cutting wide and he took 9 lymph nodes. So I think he wanted me to have 5 weeks of radiation regardless but then someone else said radiation if it was in my lymph nodes. I don’t go back to the surgeon until 9/14. It’s one of those I want to know but I don’t want to know.

So did you have the radiation and not the hormone treatments or neither. I. What’s hoping to have. Other surgery and be doe with it but I guess I still have a long road. I may be interested in the Mediterranean diet. I’m a picky eater and Dr eat many fruits or vegetables but I’ll have to look into it.

My name is Bill and I live in Binghamton, NY. I hope we can keep in contact!

Hi Bill,
I’m Jerry. There are some similarities between us. I had an MRI the day before my surgery. I went to the Phoenix Mayo Clinic. I live in small town Cheyenne, Wyoming. I could had my surgery here; however, the doctor didn’t do laparoscopic surgery. I wanted the best doctors so I chose to use Mayo. Actually, it was quite convenient. My medical records were FAXed there, and I did a Zoom meeting. I met my doctor just before I was taken to the operating room. The surgery went well; I was released in the afternoon. I received a phone call about three days later informing me of the cancer in a lymph node.
I month later I had a Zoom meeting with a radiation doctor. The oncologist setup an appointment too. However, the doctor said she wanted to see me in person and refused to do a Zoom meeting. I said okay; however, I wasn’t coming for another month because of a spike in COVID-19 and I had no bladder control! I met the doctor and we agreed to an active surveillance plan.
I’ve never had radiation and/or hormone shots. My last PSA was 0.3. She also had my testosterone tested. I guess it was okay; I never heard anything about the result. Not to brag, but I have felt good with plenty of energy. I ran in the Tokyo Marathon in March and two others since my surgery. I hope this help. I have lots of empathy for people with prostrate cancer. I hope this discussion helps you. Jerry

Hi Jerry! The discussion definitely helps. Good to know I’m not alone. So even though you had it in your lymph node you still didn’t have radiation? I’m hoping I don’t have to but if he wants me to I’m going to get a second opinion. Of course I was told I have a 40% chance of it returning. It’s unbelievable how many people have Cancer in the world. They say 1 in 3 will have it. All the crap and preservatives in what we eat and drink, it’s no wonder. Does Prostate Cancer run in your family? My dad has 6 brothers and none of them had it. It’s the last Cancer I ever thought I’d have.

I am 58 btw and work at a sales job. Went back to work p/t at 9 days post op. I figured I felt pretty good and sitting around the house getting depressed and peeing my pants, I could go to work and pee my pants and at least focus on something else and it definitely helps. When was your surgery again?

Bill, you've seen in the above that there is great reason for hope to regain continence. But everybody is different. That's me too.
By 14-months post RARP and all the Kegels and trying didn't stop the flow, no luck. If I was sitting (or driving) or asleep my urethra was probably kinked enough to restrain the flow; if active it was zero control.
So my oncologist gave the green light for for me to get the operation and an Artificial Male Urinary Sphincter (AMS 800) implanted.
Now I just wear a medium size pad for confidence. I do get signals and must quickly get to a bathroom; if not, I'll leak. Otherwise, I'm dry 24/7.
The only complication is it takes me both hands to urinate. A very small price to pay to end living with a urine damp crotch.
Keep trying and best of response for your efforts. Know there is alway some relief available.
bob

Bill, I am a few years younger, had a RP in November 2022. There are a few people that have not incontinence post surgery, but for most there is some (varies on individual, surgery scale, etc.). I also had some incontinence, but after several months I was doing very well. Now about ten months out and very happy with continence - Hang in there, it should improve significantly as time goes by (assuming you are doing your part).

Jim

Bill,
Glad to hear you’re getting out and making the best of your situation. After I was diagnosed with cancer, I started to do some research on how I could have gotten it. My wife and I were healthy eaters. We’ve enjoyed wild game and fish, which we harvested here in Wyoming: Peasants to bisons.
One out of eight men will get prostate cancer. I learned that it is genetic to me. Both of my cousins and some uncles also had it. I also was surprised to learn it was also found in higher level with Viet Nam vets, which I am one. VA’s research said there is a high probability I got it while servicing there. One of my buddies also has prostate cancer, however, most don’t.
You mentioned the poor food with all the preservatives in them. I believe that’s totally true. Also too much red meat and processed foods. The lowest PC rates in the world are found in Japan and Indian. No red meat and in Japan lots of fish and other seafoods.
I had my surgery January 5, 2022. I’m 74 years old now.
Jerry

Thanks for the pep talk
!

I did pretty good last night at a Bon fire. Now today I seem to be leaking more. I’ve heard it’s an up and down thing that changes daily.

That’s correct. I have some (few now) up and down days with minor leaks. If it occurs, it’s later in the day when my muscles are tired.
I did Kegels; I started these after about two months. I found some videos on YouTube. I liked one by a woman with an Australian access. The Kegels helped. Also, physical therapy business have classes, which I’ve heard are very good.