Prostate cancer

Treatment has come a long way and for many years there was a lot of misinformation regarding the role of testosterone. You probably have a much better outlook than you realize.

Dig in and give it hell.

I know this isn't much but I hope it helps.

What kind of treatment did you choose? I worked in surgery and did both radioactive seed placement, open prostatectomy and robotic prostatectomy.

If I ever get it, I’m going the seed route due to the potential complications of the actual removal.

What was your down side?

I'd say none, really. I was a candidate for several reasons, the cancer was confined to a small area, overall health is good, I exercise, don't smoke, not diabetic, etc.
Removal of the prostate will create sexual and bladder problems - there's no way around that. Radiation may also cause some permanent urinary and bowel changes. Not all Urologist are skilled in cryotherapy and may not recommend it. It's relatively new. If not, I'd seek another opinion.
For now, Mrs ClusterCock and I enjoy an active sex life (for 64 and 57 years old) with no artificial help - pumps, etc.

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Removal of the prostate will create sexual and bladder problems - there's no way around that.

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I might be the outlier but I didn't experience any of that. I went through the surgery mainly because of my family history and I'm on the younger side of it. I do exercise a lot and maybe that has a lot to do with it. After the catheter was removed, I was fine and in the other department, I've had no issues and use no ED medicine.

I'm aware some people do have issues though. I know I'm very fortunate and it worked out for me. However, if I was your age, I may have gone a different route. I'm not here to debate what's the right or wrong treatment but just to let people know there are some positive outcomes out there. And here's to hoping your PSA level stays down. So far so good with me.

Sure there is possibly a small chance but my doctor believes and what the test of the prostate say it was encapsulated and the margins were clear. Meaning it didn't spread. I go back in Dec for a blood test and if everything is ok, he's likely to stick to a yearly blood test with my physical. It's still a little unnerving and playing what-ifs with each test though.

I was super lucky in catching it early. My PSA jumped from 8.1 to 9.3 in four months. 1 positive core at 4+3. I had options but with my age and history(Grandfather died from it, dad went through it about 7 years ago), I didn't want to have to go through constant tests and never have to do a biopsy again(That was not a fun bday gift. In fact, probably the worst part). Doctor reassured me with my age (48 at the time it all started) and fitness I would be an ideal candidate for surgery. My second opinion doctor actually recommended my primary urologist to do the surgery. As quirky and cocky as he is, he was right, everything went well. He also teaches the da Vinci surgery so there's that.

My good friend I did Ironmans with is not so fortunate. He had super aggressive cancer. 9 cores at 5+4 that spread to lymph nodes. he was 58 at the time. He's had surgery, radiation, and just started his 3rd round of Lupron in 10 years. Between all that we did IM Texas together in 2016. He did all his training with zero testosterone. He's a real trooper and helped me tremendously. That crazy SOB snuck up to my hospital room after my surgery during serious Covid protocols to check on me. But as bad as he was, he's still living life and crushing out IM races.

So back to the OP geauxdaddy72, don't get me wrong, it is life changing physically and mentally but you're going to be OK. Just don't go to those dark spots and talk with someone. As my buddy reminded me, there are women with breast cancer, children with brain cancer, patients that are terminal with pancreatic, you don't need to be worrying about PC, you will still have a full life to live.

Many great advances continue so give it hell. Prayers for your recovery.

Prayers for you Julz.

Robotic surgery can do the nerve sparing surgery which I had. I really believe those issues has to do with current health and possibly the surgeon. Obesity, lack of exercise, poor circulation, already experiencing ED, etc. are all contributing factors.

I was already a fitness addict but as soon as I decided on the surgery, for 4 months I worked my core and pelvic floor exercises daily for about an hour. I believe this helped in every department.

Each case may have different circumstances though. Some times it may take men a little longer for nerves to heal and build up the muscles. For the first couple of weeks it is a little weird as the nerves heal. But as you start moving around more you heal faster. 2 weeks after surgery I was back running a mile every day. Week 3 running 3 miles every other day. 1 month later back to running 18-24 miles a week.

Another thing I did was try to get off painkillers as soon as I could and at least get to ibuprofen. I think I did this by day 3 or 4.