sagamoreboy's Journey with Prostate Cancer
Survivor: Prostate Cancer
Patient Info: Finished active treatment less than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: almost 9 years ago, Male, Age: 72, Stage I, Progressing despite hormone therapy: Yes
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Procedure: Drag this icon to show a procedure.
Radiation: Drag this icon to show a specific radiation therapy experience.
Drug Therapy: Drag this icon to show a specific drug therapy experience.
Clinical Trial: Drag this icon to show a clinical trial experience.
Side Effect: Drag this icon to show experience with a specific side effect.
Oh No: Drag this icon to show when something bad happened (e.g., cancer’s back, lost job).
Celebration: Drag this icon to show when something good happened (e.g., last treatment, hair is back).
Loss: Drag this icon to show a time of loss (e.g., lost hair, lost loved one).
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Other Care: Draft this icon to show a time when you needed other care (e.g., hospice, psychotherapy).
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Diagnosed
Oh No
I had family history of Prostate Cancer so I always had regular PSA Blood Tests.
What type of treatment regimen to follow?
Decision Point
I was considering many different options; watchful waiting, radiation treatment or surgery to remove the Prostate. My doctor was suggesting surgery because of the cancer being contained within the gland and my current age & health. Mutual decision by myself, my wife and doctor. Too much uncertainty of any radiation treatments.
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Procedure or Surgery
My expected overnight stay in the hospital lasted 5 days due to issues with an Ilieus forming in my intestines. Miserable times in hospital due to the condition being overlooked or unexpected by the medical staff.
As soon as I was cleared for travel my wife and I took a restful vacation.
Celebration
I was happy to hear that my doctor was confident the cancer was contained and the entire Prostate Gland was removed intact. No need for any follow-up radiation or chemo treatments.
Incontinence (cannot control urine)
Side Effects
Due to the type of surgery, the incontinence and erectile dysfunction is currently present and will take a little time to overcome. I opted for the nerve sparing type of surgery so hopefully these normal body functions will return. I just do not know when.