I am a new member 2 years removed from surgery. Would be pleased to answer any questions that I can about diagnosis, pre-surgery, surgery and post surgery, complications etc. I live in Dallas and had my surgery in Houston. During post surgery I have had a check-up every 3 months with excellent results--0 PSA reading each time. I have just recently gone to a once every 6 months exam for the next two years. I'm assuming after that time period that I will go to an annual exam. I was 55 years old at the time of surgery. The reason that I am now posting here is that there is a lot of information available via internet research and books however, during my process of leading up to surgery and coping with post surgery, I still found that direct contact with those that had already been through this was still my best source.

Welcome aboard!

What type of surgery did you have? Have you had a chance to read some of the informative threads here in the PC section of HealthBoards? Many people will be able to gain valuable information from your past two years' experiences as you start posting.

dmoudy, I join John in welcoming you & look forward to your insight. Why did you pick this board?
Positive4u :)

I used this board and other sites at the time of my diagnosis and surgery. I actually received more beneficial information about my disease, treatment etc from these sites then I did from most other sources including my own doctor.

I had the radical surgery; the cancer was contained to the prostate and fortunately, I had the nerve sparing technique but had to go to Houston to get this less radical procedure performed( from Dr. Brian Miles). The urologist that I was using locally (in Longview, Texas)performs about 20 of these surgeries a year and always takes all of the nerves around the prostate. We ( my wife and I ) initially accepted this as standard procedure and scheduled the surgery. Fortunately for me(us), she started doing a little more research, found out about Dr. Miles ( who performs about 300 of these surgeries a year), and the rest is history. Again, I am a little over 2 years out with some continuing minor incontinence problems but all checkups have been exactly what we want.

Dmoudy, Could you let me know how your post -op went, I,m starting on my fourth week, and still really sore. I always feel like I need to have bowel movement, just wondering if this is normal post -op or its something else. And any other experiances post-op would be really helpful. Thank You :wave:

Hi
How long did your incontinence last.
Many Thanks Joe.

Welcome dmoudy,

I join John in CA (hey there stranger!!) and the rest of the group in welcoming you and your future input to the Board. I agree with just about everyone that this has been the one place where information is readily available, timely, accurate and most of all, honest in every regard. Fortunately for all of us, we are able to obtain information, experiences and advice here, that the medical community (in general) doesn't seem to have the time or the inclination to give.

By way of intro .... I was 56 when diagnosed in Feb. or 2005. Had da Vinci assisted robotic surgery on May 16, '05. Cancer was contained, clean magins, nerves spared, and have had undetecable PSA ever since. Minor incontinence issues still remain and little erectile function without the aid of the ole vacuum device. We look forward to hearing more from you as we share our experiences.

Regards to all,
Thom in VA

Hello dmoudy,
Good to have you back in the group. I'm 6 mos. out of robotic surgery. PC contained to the prostate, nerves spared, negative margins & lymph involvement, both PSAs' since surgery undetectable. Down to 1 pad a day, none at night. ED still a problem, Viagra hasn't done too much, my uro gave me some Cialis & Levitra to try on the theory that one may be more effective than another. We'll see. But the best part is the 0 PSAs', Great feeling to be cancer-free.
You mentioned some incontinence remains. Can you elaborate a little on that? I agree 100% with you about this board. It's been a major source of info. & support during this whole process. Take Care.