Congratulations!  The worst part is now behind you.

...

You can't help but be concerned, but I think your chances are still good
in spite of the new numbers.

A _lot_ of the people diagnosed as T1c, 3+3 are in fact T2c and
Gleason=7.  That was my own case.  My first diagnosis was the same as
yours, and my second opinion, done by people I think highly of at
the National Cancer Institute (I work there as a computer programmer),
was the same as what you got after surgery.  Underdiagnosis seems
to be very, very common.

I had radiation instead of surgery.  I'm certainly not out of the
woods yet and my PSA is far from undetectable but (knocking
furiously on wood) I'm cautiously optimistic.

   Alan

Hi Bob

Glad everything OK. I had an RRP so I'm not sure if my after effects were
the same as you might expect. Aside from the slight discomfort from the
incision the only pain I had was in the perineum(sp?). That lasted a few
weeks gradually diminishing.  Also I thought I had somehow contracted
hemorrhoids! I had a hard time being comfortable sitting. Using a ring
pillow helped and that too slowly went away. I had no trouble moving my
bowels the whole time.

As for the foley, it was a pain but the discomfort was minimal. You'll come
to find the most comfortable way to attach the tubing. Be sure that it is
secure, either with tape or elastic straps, other wise it will become a
problem. Empty it frequently. I would disconnect the bag when I took a
shower but my daughter, a nurse, said that was not a good idea as the end of
the tube should be sterile. I don't know about that but I told her I
wouldn't (but I did).

I'm sure you will get a lot more help from the other guys, but that's a
start. Good luck and don't get discouraged! You're in a lot better condition
than you were before.

Frank

Congrats on having the worst behind you!  I had an RP in 1/03.  My Gleason
was 3+3, psa 8, T1c.  Post-RP path. showed 3+4, stage T3 (some extracapsular
extension but got clean margins).

So far my PSA is undetectable, I feel great, and no incontinence to speak
of.  I work out more and eat better now than pre-RP.

Your numbers and other data sound real good.  One thing to confirm is if
your post-path Gleason score is 4+3 or 3+4.  Since the first number is the
predominant cell pattern, I would be surprised if a 3+3 became 4+3, unless
there is disagreement on the predominant pattern.  A 3+3 commonly becomes
3+4 after surgery.  A 3+4 has a lower recurrence rate than a 4+3.  So you
might want to double check, or even have the hospital ship some pathology
slides out to a good outside pathologist for a second opinion if there is
lack of agreement (I did).

The Foley Cath is the worst part; you will be a happy guy the day you get it
out!  I had bladder spasms, some abdominal pain, and some constipation for a
week or two.  After they took the Foley out, I felt much better.

I found over the next few months I rapidly improved my energy level, and
over several months my body gradually returned to normal.

As for risk of recurrence, it is never zero; confirming the correct Gleason
score and talking to your surgeon will help clarify the risk.  You will
adjust to that, although most of us still get a little stressed waiting for
the results of the PSA test every 6 months.  We adjust to it.

PS: Anyone experience a slight swelling from the incision are from where
they took out the prostate? It is about 2 inches with some firmness and
tenderness underneath. My brother in law is a doctor and he checked it out
today. I am worried that it is a hernia caused by the incision, but he said
that is not the case. Just swelling and it is normal.

You came through it with good grades.  Those "contained" and "negative
involvement" statements are everything you wanted to know.  Stage and
Gleason scores are important ofr treatment decisions, but those other two
are you most important information after surgery.

Congratulations.  You got a hell of a chance of a cure.

With your path report I would not think too much about reoccurrence.
Guess you had the catheter out today.  Do not be surprised if you leak
for the first few days.  Most here seem to dry up within the first few
weeks.  Depends Guards worked best for me.  I did not like the briefs
because they made me sweat.  Also, the Guards can be changed without
taking off your pants.  A big advantage when going back to work.

For exercise most here will probably advise just plain walking.  Work
up slowly of course.  Watch the lifting.  They tell me that it takes a
lot longer for things to heal up inside the body, so you do not want
to put strain on anything in there.

Good luck to you.

Thank you.
David S.