Prostate Cancer Support Group

I was diagnosed about a month ago and have surgery scheduled for the 19 of this month. The closer it gets the more fear that I feel. I have read a lot tonight about what is to come and the more I read the bigger the fear gets. At first I didn't want to know about the details but I have all these questions about what will happen during and after surgery. It has not helped to learn about it. I worry more about my wife and our life after the surgery. Don't really know what to say. Hoping by joining this group I hope to be able to cope.

I had nerve sparing robotic surgery two years ago this coming March. I was a 3A and had my surgery 2 weeks after the cancer was comfirmed. My number 1 concern was to be cancer free when done with the surgery.I had no external radiation or any other follow up medical procedures. I am now cancer free. I went in at 5 in the morning and was out by 2 the next day. Recovery took about 2 months and full control of my urination about 6 months. Sexual I will never be the same both physical and mentally. I'm 56 and now be here god willing to see my kids grow up, get married and have their own families.

Good luck and just take one day at a time.

I, too, had this surgery--less than two months ago. It scares me a bit to hear you say you will never be the same sexually. Can you elaborate?

What's nerve sparing robotic surgery. That sounds like my poison...

The nerve sparing surgery is so they can preserve, or try to, your ability to have an erection when the prostate is removed, If they damage the nerves, no more hard erections. I was told mine were spare but have extreme ED issues now. Erections are almost impossible and when I do get enlarged, it is not very hard. Very difficult for penetration. It takes a lot more effort to even get to a firm state.

I'm so sorry to hear that. Did they recommend viagra or something. That's what my doctor is saying. Is it just my imagination or are these doctors too much in a hurry to cut the thing out?

No, the surgery is necessary. The sooner the better before it gets to large and spreads to other parts of your body. I think they refer to it has a stage 4A tumor. Yours is contained in you prostate so get rid of it. I tried Viagra and Cialus with little effect. The alternative to no surgery wasn't an option. I'm cancer free and,yes, my life has changed. It was worth the side effects.

How long before you could go back to work and play?

It took me about 2 months to get out and make sales calls again. I had to wear a pad in my underwear due to linkage. I mostly leaked if I sneezed, cough, got uo to quick and passed gas. I finally stop wearing pads at 5 months. Play? in which way!

If you ever want to talk so I can answer any questions I'll give you my personal e-mail address so I can forward you my number. I didn't have any to speak to and I wish I knew than what I knew now.

I'm pretty active. Cycling, running etc. I'm really concerned because I don't feel sick. I'm strong and healthy. I really don't understand what I'm going through right now. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to get my options but I'm leaning towards watchful waiting on this. I know there are alternative treatments out there so I'm going to exhaust those avenues before I commit to surgery. I totally respect and acknowledge your decision for surgery. It's just too soon for me right now! I have alot of monsters, I'm afraid and don't trust doctors very much.

Can you get my email off this site? I provided it when I registered.