Yesterday we visited the urologist/surgeon to discuss our second PSA. As previously reported, we had good results - less than 0.1. We discussed the need for Kegels, continued PSAs, probability of cancer reappearing, and impotence.
The doc said that Kegels will probably be a permanent ritual for us to keep the sphincter muscle toned up. However, he did not seem as hooked on the number of reps or number of sets per day as the rehab therapist. He recommended 10 reps of holding the muscle 5 seconds at various times during the day. We had been doing 15 reps of 10 secs and 15 reps of 5 secs three times per day. The doc was more flexible and cautioned about overdoing it. He repeated a prior statement that the large size of the prostate in our case is why incontinence continues as a problem, but that it is still early in the recovery period (approaching 9 months).
When quizzed about how long we would have to get PSA checks every six months, the doc said this would probably go on for 10 years. This seemed a little bizarre since the two PSAs so far have been practically zero. As a result, he was asked what is the probability of cancer returning assuming we had negative margins and the PSAs have been near zero. He responded that there was less that 3% likelihood of PC reappearing after two years and even lower as time goes on.
He asked about erections and sexual activity. We have not had a spontaneous erection since pre-surgery. He was told that we quit the Viagra because it didn't seem to be working and caused unpleasant visual side effects. He discussed using the injections as a more foolproof method, but the notion of sticking a needle in the base of the penis is not appealing right now. We elected to try
Levitra and see how that works out. He gave us the 20mg samples to try. We also have the vacuum pump which has been helpful in keeping the blood flow in the penis and for sexual activity. Frankly, it will be nice when we can progress beyond the artifical aids.
Patience and understanding from your mate is so important throughout this recovery. As the one with PC, I have been blessed with the support and love of Peg. Likewise, we appreciate the counsel and empathy shown on this board.
Frank/Peg
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