newly diagnosed

Hi-

I don't know whether you will still be following this message board or not,but I thought I would throw in my two cents worth.  I recently underwent a radical prostatectomy at GBMC with the DaVinci robotic system. My surgeon was Dr Daniel Dietrick,also of Chesapeake Urology.  I would strongly recommend you consult with him. My surgery was 100% successful & my PSA was 0 thirty days later. He rates my complete cure chances at 99%, given my Gleason score,pathology report & PSA.   My initial PSA before surgery  was 9.6,my gleason score was 3+3=6,3+4=7. Dr Dietrick has been performing nerve sparing surgery for many years & trains surgical teams in robotic surgery at both GBMC & ST. Joes.  The major advantage of surgery(aside from the best chance for a cure) is the pathology report. It is the only way to know that the cancer is still contained, since they also test the bladder neck,  lymph nodes & surgical margins. Also, most people regain urinary continence & potentcy after time. Radiation seeds can irreversibly damage both nerves & delicate blood vessels that are saved by a skillful surgeon.

Hi - Thank you so much for your info!   I believe everything you say and I agree!   We are now at Hopkins with Dr. Ballentine Carter and he has done over 2000 of these surgeries and is known for his nerve sparing technique and lack of incontinenct and "hydraulics":-) problems.  My husband will have the surgery on June 9th.  I am optimistic that all will go well.  Thanks for you response and I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well!!  I wish you continued good health!!  thanks!

Hi,

Good it sounds like your husband will be in very capable hands. The only problem I had after the surgery( that no one warned me about) was gas pains that develop because they pump you up with co2 & that disapates into your intestines.  Very uncomfortable for a day or 2. Also it takes 4 days or so for your intestines to start to function again after the anesthesia.  That was the worst of it.  The actual pain from the incisions is very minor since they're so tiny. I was back to lifting weights & doing situps 6 weeks after surgery with no problems.  Perhaps your new doctor has recommended it already,but the best book on prostate cancer was written by a Hopkins doctor, Dr. Patrick Walsh - Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer.  Even though you've made your treatment choice already, it not only explains all of the options available but also helps decipher all the test results. Your husband has definitely made the right choice. Best of luck to you both.  Please be sure to let us know how it all goes.