[George C. Cook]

This is encouragement for any older guy who is facing or recovering from prostate cancer surgery.
Had the surgery on April 10th with everything going well. Cancer was contained within the prostate, pathology reported surrounding tissue and lymth nodes to be clear and subsequent PSA tests have shown levels to be undetectable. Nerve sparing surgery has allowed erections to resume with some help from viagra and climax experiences are different but very enjoyable. Incontenence is improving drastically and I now am able to get through the day with only one pad to catch the sudden movement, cough and don't make it to the pot problems. Although I do get discouraged about the leakage I am still feeling good about my recovery especially since I am a shade over 70 years of age. Much of the success of my recovery can be contributed to faith in God and the prayer net work that surrounded me during the surgery, my confidence in my primary care physician and my urologist and the hands on care that I received at our local community hospital. I also have a bride of 48 years who has supported me, encouraged me to get back to walking as soon as possible after the surgery and has picked me up from the depressed moments when impotence seemed inevidable. I am convinced that her efforts and patience have made the difference during the post surgery recovery time. Now only 5 months from surgery I'm back doing everything that I did before I knew I had cancer and life is good.

[UroDoc]

thanks for sharing

[gmaSandy]

Congratulations on such success.
My husband and I are preparing for his surgery.
Do you have any suggestions on selecting a surgeon?
I have a list of questions and will approach the surgeon we have in mind with the list.
Not sure how to get any statistics, any other way?
Any ideas?

[George C. Cook]

My choice was made easy since my primary care physcian, whom I have known for years and trust a lot, referred me to the urologist who performed the surgery. Much of my success and positive attitude throughout the surgery and recovery period I attribute to my bride so I would encourage you to continue your involvement with your husband. I'm now about 6 months out from the surgery and two PSA tests have shown undetectable PSA levels. Thank God for the timely referral and the quick catch of the cancer. Incidentally both of my physicians are young ladies and they both are now rated in the top ten ladies ever in my life. I know that their professionalism and skill probably saved my life. Good luck with your search for the right people to handle your surgery and with your attitude during and after and for the skill of the doctors involved.

[George C. Cook]

One other thought. If you haven't already read it get a copy of the book " Prostate Cancer For Dummies ". It is a great resourse written in layman's terms by a teaching urologists who has had prostate cancer surgery. It helped me a lot.

[gmaSandy]

Thanks for the information.
Our doctor suggested the book "Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer". It is easy to read and contains more information that I thought I would need to know!