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Post radical prostatectomy (RP) Challenges
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (37)Comment receiving replies
I’m replying to my own comment. The Doctor called me earlier about the pathology report. The good news: lymph’s are cancer free. The concerns: my Gleason score was changed from 3+4 to 4+5. Also, there was cancer detected on the prostate capsule. The doctor told me he got it all, but the chance of cancer recurring is now about 20-25(I view it as 75-80% that it won’t). He’ll go over this in detail tomorrow when they take out the catheter. He’ll do a PSA Followup in about 4 months. He has indicted any rise in PSA will necessitate radiation. My doctor is one of the top in Wisconsin. I trust him completely. However, not thoughts from the fraternity?
Replies to "I’m replying to my own comment. The Doctor called me earlier about the pathology report. The..."
My thoughts...don't go down "what if" rabbit holes. Wait for the test results before in depth exploration of what might happen and what to do. There are so many possibilities. If the PSA comes back not undetectable after 3-6 months (above 0.02), make sure you also connect with a medical oncologist who has expertise in prostate cancers. Surgeons may be great at surgery and post-op care, but not necessarily experts in how to manage recurrent/persistent cancer.
It seems both he and you have a good handle on it. Yes, you are correct to look at it as the chances are much higher than it will not reoccur. I am 14 months out from my RALP with no BCR to date.
Your posts have been most helpful on this site for me. DaVinci Surgery November 8 2023. Excellent Advice on kegels, and supported by my PT friend. My pathology report was good. All margins clear. Catheter out after 12,days.
Told to drink 70-80 ounces water (2100-2400 cc) within 4 hours of removal. Quite the party flush with that. 2 very small clots only.
Took Miralax for constipation and helped that night. All in all pretty good IMO. Routine now is head for bathroom every 2 hours and stand up to urinate. Doing a kegel on way to toilet. This really helps with leakage.
Kegel routine is 10 quick ones, followed by the four second hold and four second relax. I do 10 of those. Trying to do that every hour or so trying to get 80 to 100 in for the day.
my PT friend said then work on up to the six second hold and six second relax. Working for me. Eliminates that 10-15 minute standing there with tissue as you leak. Just a few minutes wiping “leaks” before tucking backing in to Depends Grande pads.
These pads are working well. Good luck everyone.
FYI one night only in hospital with some pain there but pain has been very minimal since I’ve been home. Staples came out along with cath removal.
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I'm also in Wisconsin. May I ask who was you surgeon?