← Return to Post RP Treatment Recommendations

Discussion

Post RP Treatment Recommendations

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 7, 2023 | Replies (10)
Comment receiving replies
@trusam1

During the first few weeks after my RP, I started going down internet rabbit holes, " researching" what-ifs in regards to the positive seminal vesicles and margins on my path report. I realised this was not doing my mental health and emotional stability any good. That the only thing which mattered was the post-op PSA, and we didn't know it yet. My surgeon endorsed that attitude, saying I was not (yet) a candidate for further treatment.

After the 6 & 12 weeks PSA checks, the next steps will become clear. Here's hoping both of yours are "undetectable".

Jump to this post

Replies to "During the first few weeks after my RP, I started going down internet rabbit holes, "..."
jsh327 | @jsh327 | Nov 6, 2023

Thank you. Helpful advice. I hope that you stay well.

VIEW AND REPLY
northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | Nov 6, 2023

I'll second @trusam1 's comment about chasing what-if's.

I didn't have a RP because by the time it was diagnosed my cancer had already "escaped" into my spine, but I did have spinal surgery and radiation to both the prostate and the secondary tumour.

For the first year afterwards every little ache or pain anywhere in my body made me worry there was a new tumour. My family doctor told me it's a normal reaction now, but she'll be concerned if I'm still doing that in 5 years.

This is traumatic stuff, both getting a cancer diagnosis and having life-altering surgery. You'll need to give yourself time, maybe months, maybe years to get used to it. You can never have a 100% guarantee that the cancer is gone, but I promise you that the worrying will get quieter over time, and the other parts of your life that you enjoy will get louder again.

VIEW AND REPLY