Guys, have your PSA checked!
Aug 1, 2019 10:10:33 #
I am sitting at home recovering from surgery to have my prostate removed. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.
It was a most amazing experience. The surgeon, Dr. Kevin Bigelow, used robotics to perform the surgery. It left me with six small incisions in my lower abdomen, and very little pain. I did not need even Advil to get by, and I do not have a high tolerance for pain. My only limitation thus far is I am not allowed to lift anything over 5lbs for the next four weeks. It is amazing how many items around my house weigh over 5lbs! đ
Bottom Line: This cancer was found by an elevated PSA score, followed by a biopsy. Guys, have your PSA checked annually. It can save your life. It saved mine.
It was a most amazing experience. The surgeon, Dr. Kevin Bigelow, used robotics to perform the surgery. It left me with six small incisions in my lower abdomen, and very little pain. I did not need even Advil to get by, and I do not have a high tolerance for pain. My only limitation thus far is I am not allowed to lift anything over 5lbs for the next four weeks. It is amazing how many items around my house weigh over 5lbs! đ
Bottom Line: This cancer was found by an elevated PSA score, followed by a biopsy. Guys, have your PSA checked annually. It can save your life. It saved mine.
Aug 1, 2019 10:16:00 #
Thanks, I do it every year.
A chest CT is also good for continuing or former smokers.
And a colonoscopy is right up there too.
A chest CT is also good for continuing or former smokers.
And a colonoscopy is right up there too.
Aug 1, 2019 10:19:02 #
Had mine removed last July, still recovering. Hope you have a quick recovery.
Aug 1, 2019 10:28:12 #
Glad you are doing well in recovery. My brother had the same done last month and is also doing very well. It is worth keeping up with tracking if the PSA.
Aug 1, 2019 10:30:15 #
Yup, elevated PSA, and a biopsy will confirm. Glad you caught it!
Aug 1, 2019 10:31:11 #
Had BPH surgery about 10 years ago, left me incontinent. Three sling procedures later, it's under control... Get PSA and CT scans yearly
Aug 1, 2019 10:34:04 #
DavidPhares wrote:
I am sitting at home recovering from surgery to ha... (show quote)
That's amazing. They've made great strides with this surgery. I know that when they didn't use this method it was known as a bloody and sort of bariatric surgery. A friend of mine was strapped to an operating table upside down for his surgery. He died in recovery of a blood clot.
Aug 1, 2019 10:42:59 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Had BPH surgery about 10 years ago, left me incontinent. Three sling procedures later, it's under control... Get PSA and CT scans yearly
Did they have the robotic surgery available then?
It is more forgiving. I know.
Aug 1, 2019 10:48:19 #
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 1/2 years ago after the doctor found a suspicious lump while doing a prostate check just before performing a colonoscopy. My urologist confirmed it with a biopsyâ12 of them to be exact. I did the radiation therapy, 44 sessions, and have been getting the Lupron injections every three months since. So far my PSA has remained at âundetectible,â and the doc canât feel the prostate, so things are going well. The Lupron is a testosterone blocker. Prostate cancer cells feed on the hormone, so the idea is to starve the cancer cells that werenât killed by the radiation. No ill effect from the radiation, but the Lupron causes me to have frequent hot flashes (really annoying) supressed metabolism and accoompanying weight gain, and loss of muscle strength and tone. Beats the alternative. Yes guys, get your prostate checked annually.
Aug 1, 2019 10:51:21 #
The modern-day medical technology is mind blowing,
Before going under I saw the robotics machine in the operating room. It was huge with big arms. I was told by the nurse before they put me under that the surgeon, Dr. Bigelow, does not even stand over me. He stands at a console with a magnified viewer and his hands guide the very small robotic arms.
My cousin had prostate surgery 15 years ago, and they opened him up from his sternum down to his pelvis. He was very sore for several months and almost became addicted to pain killers. Like I said before, I have six small incisions, and only one is even tender. Also, no stitches or staples, they super glued the incisions!
I was blessed to be in the skillful âhandsâ of Dr. Bigelow and his wonderful robot!
Before going under I saw the robotics machine in the operating room. It was huge with big arms. I was told by the nurse before they put me under that the surgeon, Dr. Bigelow, does not even stand over me. He stands at a console with a magnified viewer and his hands guide the very small robotic arms.
My cousin had prostate surgery 15 years ago, and they opened him up from his sternum down to his pelvis. He was very sore for several months and almost became addicted to pain killers. Like I said before, I have six small incisions, and only one is even tender. Also, no stitches or staples, they super glued the incisions!
I was blessed to be in the skillful âhandsâ of Dr. Bigelow and his wonderful robot!
Aug 1, 2019 11:00:11 #
Thatâs my story exactly. My GP noticed my PSA elevated from 4 to over 5 in a year so he sent me to a urologist.
Had the robotics and was on my feet l, almost normal, within a month.
Had the robotics and was on my feet l, almost normal, within a month.
Aug 1, 2019 11:09:02 #
Wingpilot wrote:
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 1/2 years a... (show quote)
Yes, to everything you said!
When I was diagnosed in early spring I had two fly-fishing trips to which I was financially committed, so my doctor gave me the Lupron injection to halt the growth of the cancer so I could take my trips. A week after the second trip I had the surgery. I, too, have the hot flashes and general lack if energy and strength, but they are a small price to pay for the benefits of Lupron. It should wear off for me in several mire weeks. The hit flashes have already declined.
One funny thing about the Lupton injection. When I went in for it, the hypodermic was about 5 inches long and the needle was a good 6 inches long. âHoly Cow, why so big?â I asked. The nurse said it had to be injected into the muscle and a lot of folks have excess fat on their butt. For once i was glad to be what my wife calls âbuttless!â I never felt a thing. đ
Glad you are doing better.
Aug 1, 2019 11:09:07 #
Wingpilot wrote:
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 1/2 years a... (show quote)
Yea, those hot flashes stink.
Aug 1, 2019 11:17:34 #
DavidPhares wrote:
I am sitting at home recovering from surgery to ha... (show quote)
Heal quickly so you can lift over 5 lbs. Same story for me but no robotics at my time. Incision from belly button to penis and 3 months recovery with initial pain. Glad technology is working in the medical field.
Aug 1, 2019 11:18:46 #
Longshadow wrote:
Did they have the robotic surgery available then?
It is more forgiving. I know.
It is more forgiving. I know.
They went in thru my Urethra, thank God I was under for the procedure.... That said, I was in catheters for a month following the last sling operation.... They had to cut me open for all the Sling placements
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