THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2015 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.
I have an annual physical through the agency that I work for, and had the most recent one this past April. The physical is very detail oriented and includes a PSA test as well as an optional DRE (Digital Rectal Examination). I always declined the DRE because I was not comfortable with it.
I received a call from my doctor regarding my physical and he wanted to refer me to a Urologist because my PSA level was elevated a bit. He stated he was concerned about a 25% jump from the prior year.
I went to the Urologist and the first thing he wanted to do was a DRE. He told me that he felt a ridge on the prostate and indicated that a biopsy should be done. I thought about it and agreed- the biopsy would take place the next Monday. I went into an outpatient facility on the advice of my Urologist. He told me that it is typically a more painful procedure with younger patients, and that I would be more comfortable if I were under anaesthesia. I complied.
The doctor called me a few days later to give me the results. He told me there was cancer. Out of nine cores taken on both sides- 3 out of 6 on the side with the "ridge" were cancerous, and 1 out of 3 on the other were positive . I was in disbelief. I never thought that I would be dealing with cancer at 42 years old.
I have decided to have the Da Vinci radical prostatectomy done. I did some homework on the internet, and found a doctor who started the Global Robotics Institute in Kissimmee, Florida. I had a consult with him and was very impressed. I have read that the more experienced the physician- the better the outcome ( makes sense ). Dr Patel has performed over 2000 RP procedures.
I am scheduled at 745am Monday. I will follow with an update.
Hello again. I had my robotic prostatectomy Monday morning.
The day prior I was on a liquid diet only, and I was to report at the hospital at 545 AM. I was prepped for surgery- the family came in to visit, and off I went. I was given Versed initially, then I was wheeled back to the Surgery suite. I remember looking up at the lights and seeing about a half dozen people in the room. The next thing I remember was being wheeled into my room where everyone was waiting - that was about noon. The staff tried to get me up walking about 2 pm. I stood up and the dizziness took over. I didn't end up walking until 9pm- still a little light headed, but I took a few laps. I had to have Zofran for nausea a couple times - probably a reaction from anesthesia, and pain meds every four hours but all in all it was not too bad. My doctor gave me a clean bill of health so I was able to bust out the next day.
On Tuesday I walked 2 miles on the treadmill, and 3 miles yesterday. If I feel a little bit of pain- I take a Percocet. Why be in any pain if you don't have to. Yesterday I took out my pain pump, and now I just have the Foley to deal with until Monday - hopefully. I have a cystogram initially ( dye injected through Foley- x-rays taken to ensure no leaks from bladder), then I see the doc to remove the Foley. I thought the aftermath would be a lot worse. Although it was no day at the beach, I got through it all just fine.
I should also find out the pathology report on Monday, but the doc says he is not worried - everything looked good.
Later:
I had my post-operative appointment this past Monday and received my pathology report.
I ended up 3 + 4= 7. 20-30% of the prostate was involved in tumor. My pathological staging was t2c. Margins were all clear. I also had perineural invasion which is common I understand. The cancer was confined to the prostate with no extension.
I also had my Foley removed, so now I just have to revert back to learning how to pee again. Just a few dribbles- the doc says probably 2 weeks.
Hello again, all is going well six weeks following my prostatectomy. I am still having a little incontinence, but seems to improve following Kegels. I also just read that alcohol and caffeine can irritate the bladder and enhance incontinence- so I'll make attempts to cut back on the morning coffee, and occasional cold beer while grilling out.
Just received my 6 week PSA;- less than 0.1! Extremely happy to hear that news. I'll continue to maintain a healthy diet along with exercise and await my next PSA.
'Til' next time....... Kevin
I recently had my 3 month follow up PSA and it was undetectable.
Recently had bloodwork and my PSA was <0.01 or undetectable. All initial side effects have returned to near normal.
I recently had my one year post-op and my PSA was undetectable.
My current PSA is less than 0.1. I currently have no side effects as a result of a successful surgical outcome.
It has been almost six years since surgery and all is well. Thanks to a great surgeon my surgery was a success and as a result I have no side effects. My last PSA was undetectable.
Kevin's e-mail address is: krcoll AT hotmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")
NOTE: Kevin has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.