My Story - After Prostate Surgery

I don't know how typical my situation is. Since I was diagnosed seven months ago, I've read everything I could find on the subjects of prostate cancer; diagnosis, surgery and recovery. On the topic of recovery, there are many "worse case" stories out there so I thought my story might balance things a bit.

I probably should mention I've had BPH since I was 30, more than 28 years ago. Two years ago, my PSA climbed to a bit over 4, so my urologist recommended a biopsy. For those of you who have not had the pleasure, this is not a fun procedure but then, neither is a bad day at the dentist. (And at least when the doctor asks you a question, you can answer.)

During the biopsy, they took 12 samples. All came back negative. It was a relief and I was further relieved when my PSA was down below 4 the following year. However, about 8 months ago, my PSA was again over 4 so I had another biopsy. This time my doctor took 16 samples. Of the 16, 1 came back positive for cancer. My Gleason score was T1C, grade 3... very small and slow growing. Further, based on the sample's location, the urologist felt the cancer was "contained." It was a shock to be diagnosed with cancer but I knew how important, being "contained" was.

I listened to all the treatment options and potential risks associated with each. I sought a second option and sat through an explanation of the same lists from another urologist. Both doctors recommended radical prostatectomy. They said because I was young and healthy, this was my best option and the only treatment that could guarantee there would be no more cancer in my prostate... because I wouldn't have one after the operation.

The downside; a serious operation and possibly I might wet my pants for the rest of my life and never have another unaided erection. Both doctors stressed that the chances of these long term side effects were small. I considered doing nothing but not for long. The thought of having cancer was enough to overcome the fear of these "worse case" scenarios. Besides, the odds were good that while I would definitely have some incontinence, it should improve with time and most likely, not be permanent.

The ED was much scarier. After all, I considered the ability to have a good erection was fundamental to my manhood. The thought of loosing that ability was very troublesome... but I had to disregard the fear and think about the down-side of not having the operation. Death.

We scheduled the surgery for the following October, 6 months away. (Both doctors agreed, waiting that long would not make one bit of difference.)
The day of the surgery came far too quickly and being wheeled into the operating room was not fun. I was nervous and had to work at calming myself to not freak out. Before I knew it, I was waking up in the recovery room, felling like I had to pee really bad. Someone was there holding me down as I tired to get up. After a short period, I realized where I was and what had happened. I laid there, pressed the button for the morphine drip and tried to relax. After an hour of discomfort and anxiety, my bladder relaxed and I started feeling better. I still felt like I'd been hit by a truck but it was bearable. As the day turned to evening, I felt better and better. Pushing my little button every 15 minutes helped both physically and psychologically. It felt like I had some control of my situation.