Grady Clay, that was great.

I read and read and read, and talked to people...

A friend (radiologist) tried to tell me to just do the radiation. I did the surgery.

Stevepaa, check this site:

http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com/

My surgery was done by Eigner in Colorado. There are quite a few in CA. The Robotic laparoscopic is really pretty easy, a few go home the same day. I went home the next day, but could do a sit-up the same nite.
My brother had the vertical slice and was pretty laid up for a couple weeks.

It's also easier for them to see stuff in there (no internal bleeding) so its easier for them to save the nerves - the important ones.

Thanks again, Grady.

Steve, keep us posted. We're with you.
Tom

Thanks for all the input. I'll check out some of the surgical options.

long overdue update.

I had surgery at UCSF by Dr. Kane using robotic surgery mentioned above and am very pelased I was up playing golf in 7 weeks.


PSA level not measurable since then.



Every man near 50 shold get his PSA checked every year.

steve, I'm happy that things worked out well for you. this thread has prompted me to reinstate my periodic PSA tests. I started to get lax due to a couple of bad experiences with urologists. These guys can be real dicks, if you get my drift. I'll look for a friendly one.

Sorry to pick nits, but its prostate, not prostrate.

Already noted. 2 years ago. ;)

Good news Steve, glad it all worked out for you.

My "little friend" went away completely so my urologist is theorizing calcium deposit (or something). He's pretty cautious because he has a 35-year-old patient w/ prostate cancer, so I know he's not just giving me a line about not having to worry on account of my age.

I'm still on the Uroxatral, which doesn't work for my poor cousin who just has to suffer.

If you have a prostatectomy, does your willy still work?

Yes, everything normal, just no kids.


The docs used to think this was ONLY for older men. In fact everyone should get a PSA blood test (~$45) each year. I would start at 30 or so.

This is easily treated IF caught early. Another advantage is you develop a baseline of measurements. You record your lap times don't you?

Best,
Grady

you might want to ask your Oncologist about a procedure known as Brachiotomy (sp?) My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. His dad had prostate cancer as well about 40 years ago and not so good results from his treatment.
Basically, if caught early on, Brachiotomy is a radiation treatmment by the insertion of tiny radioactice pellets (think cupcake sprinkels), that is very effective and no side effects. My dad is is
.02 PSA after two years at the age of 74. best of luck.

Depends. Impotence is a known complication/side effect of a prostatectomy (taking out the prostate). Rates vary, depending on how the prostatectomy is done.

I think you might mean brachytherapy. It's radiation to treat the cancer. But instead of being zapped by some big beam of radiation, dozens of tiny radioactive pellets, like you mentioned, are inserted/embedded into the prostate. The patient positioned on the operating table, an imaginary grid is overlaid on the prostate, and the little pellets are individually inserted into the prostate at specific coordinates. A urological PA friend of mine likens it to playing "Battleship."

Getting measured every year is important but more important is getting a baseline measurement before you hit 50. Get a PSA test at 45 or so to show what YOUR body is showing, then if there is a change you can keep an eye on it. If you get it measured first at 50 it could be high but that might be normal for you... or it could be a problem. Getting a first test at 45 eliminates this variable.

Supposedly eating blueberries is good for this... I just eat them with blueberry flavoured Vodka... :)

For prostate cancer prevention, a prostate massage, also called prostate milking, seems to be a healthy practice. Interstingly, this involves someone sticking something up your ass. So, suppose that if you are open to that, your testosterone is not fighting against you to start with...

Aurel

Is she cute and has very, very small hands?