THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2016 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.
I've made my decision on how I'm going to get treated. I've chosen robotic-assisted surgery by Dr. Lee at University of Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. Here are my reasons:
- I'd like to ensure I have gotten rid of as much of the cancer as possible and believe surgery gives me a greater assurance than other treatments. My first goal is to be rid of the cancer. My second goal is to minimize the possibility of future metastasis.
- As I am 52, I am too young for Active Surveillance.
- Surgery allows for a post-op biopsy of the prostate and can give a clearer picture of what the actual situation is, especially in regards to the extent of cancer in the gland, where it is in the gland, and any cancer in the surrounding area (via sampling of the lymph nodes).
- Salvage surgery is problematic with radiation, whereas, radiation is always possible after surgery.
- As I have determined that open surgery and robotic-assisted surgery have similar outcomes, I chose robotic-assisted surgery over open surgery for the following reasons:
a. Robotic surgery allows for quicker recovery due to the smaller incisions.
b. Robotic surgery has less time with a catheter (1 week vs. 2 weeks).
c. Robotic surgery provides 3-D visualization and magnification to allow for better nerve sparing.
d. Accessibility to the gland and surrounding area is easier and allows for better suturing.
I'm sure there's plenty to debate about my conclusions, but those were my reasons. Hope this info is helpful.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Incontinence: no pads except at karate and even then mainly for times when I jump (e.g., jumping jacks, jump kicks).
ED: pump. Levitra 10mg every other night. Seeing some signs of life!
Currently, I have no bladder control issues, except when doing exercises involving jumping and on those occaisions when I drink alcolholic beverages (e.g., wine). Alcohol seems to create some leakage, but very little.
ED is not an issue. Although I have Levitra, it is usually not necessary.
Everything's basically the same. No side effects.
Still kicking without side effects.
Still going well. Minor side effects, but they don't really affect my life style.
Bill's e-mail address is: wdrummond1 AT netzero.net (replace "AT" with "@")
NOTE: Bill has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.
