New guy checking in

Hi Fellow Prostatians,

Just found this group yesterday and spend half the day
catching up. I'm not sure about the "spreadsheets" and
politics of the group, but here's what I can offer right
now:

I'm 68 years old. Since 9/2001 I have had PSA bubbling
around 4, which put it on my care provider's watch list.
Two years ago, they sent me to an old school uro guy for
a biopsy. He decided, after looking at the numbers and
doing a digital exam, that I had no problems and
declined the biopsy.

In February, 08, PSA shot up to 9 and they again sent me
to have a biopsy. This time they did it. Biopsy was a
piece of cake, as I told several guys sitting around for
their turn.

Biopsy gave me a Gleason of 3+3=6 and they discussed
options with me.

I had been expecting problems, obviously. Every time I
tried to put my head in the sand, my doc pulled it back
out. By then, I had talked to about 10 local guys who've
had prostate problems. I talked to seeded guys and
several who have had open removals. Then last summer I
talked with a friend who had DaVinci and got his take.

So on May 12th, around noon, I had prostate removed.
Robotic surgery went fine. Very little pain afterwards
and since I slept all day, I was awake watching TV all
night.

Out the following day and it's been pretty much an easy
recovery. Six weeks later I'm totally pain free and
healed pretty well. After buying a pkg each of Depends
and underwear, which remain unused, I now wear a small
woman's pad each day which is usually dry except for
perspiration. I can't tell if I'm leaking or not but
never am wet. Nothing else to report except for this
remarkably small unit and the fact that it seems like
it's trying to get bigger occasionally and failing. I
might be wrong.

Post op appointment today and I'll ask about pumps and
things. Interesting that you guys taking shots find
little or no pain in doing so. Brings my knees together
just thinking about it.

Anyway, just saying Hi and wish I'd found this group a
long time ago.

Bonehead
(assuming nom de plume is okay)

welcome, you will appreciate the advise of some real experts in the newsgrp
Colophony
"Bonehead in NE" <bogusloop@cox.net> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:777ak.2763$oY2.2733@newsfe21.lga...
> Hi Fellow Prostatians,
>
> Just found this group yesterday and spend half the day
> catching up. I'm not sure about the "spreadsheets" and
> politics of the group, but here's what I can offer right
> now:
>
> I'm 68 years old. Since 9/2001 I have had PSA bubbling
> around 4, which put it on my care provider's watch list.
> Two years ago, they sent me to an old school uro guy for a biopsy. He
> decided, after looking at the numbers and doing a digital exam, that I had
> no problems and declined the biopsy.
>
> In February, 08, PSA shot up to 9 and they again sent me to have a biopsy.
> This time they did it. Biopsy was a piece of cake, as I told several guys
> sitting around for their turn.
>
> Biopsy gave me a Gleason of 3+3=6 and they discussed options with me.
>
> I had been expecting problems, obviously. Every time I tried to put my
> head in the sand, my doc pulled it back out. By then, I had talked to
> about 10 local guys who've had prostate problems. I talked to seeded guys
> and several who have had open removals. Then last summer I talked with a
> friend who had DaVinci and got his take.
>
> So on May 12th, around noon, I had prostate removed.
> Robotic surgery went fine. Very little pain afterwards and since I slept
> all day, I was awake watching TV all night.
>
> Out the following day and it's been pretty much an easy
> recovery. Six weeks later I'm totally pain free and healed pretty well.
> After buying a pkg each of Depends and underwear, which remain unused, I
> now wear a small woman's pad each day which is usually dry except for
> perspiration. I can't tell if I'm leaking or not but never am wet. Nothing
> else to report except for this remarkably small unit and the fact that it
> seems like it's trying to get bigger occasionally and failing. I might be
> wrong.
>
> Post op appointment today and I'll ask about pumps and things. Interesting
> that you guys taking shots find little or no pain in doing so. Brings my
> knees together just thinking about it.
>
> Anyway, just saying Hi and wish I'd found this group a long time ago.
>
> Bonehead
> (assuming nom de plume is okay)

"Bonehead in NE" <bogusloop@cox.net> wrote in message
news:777ak.2763$oY2.2733@newsfe21.lga...

> Hi Fellow Prostatians,

Welcome to our club, Bonehead. Aside from your entry fee (cancer), we're
happy to have you.

> I'm 68 years old. Since 9/2001 I have had PSA bubbling
> around 4, which put it on my care provider's watch list.
> Two years ago, they sent me to an old school uro guy for a biopsy. He
> decided, after looking at the numbers and doing a digital exam, that I had
> no problems and declined the biopsy.
>
> In February, 08, PSA shot up to 9 and they again sent me to have a biopsy.
> This time they did it. Biopsy was a piece of cake, as I told several guys
> sitting around for their turn.
>
> Biopsy gave me a Gleason of 3+3=6 and they discussed options with me.

Very interesting. I'm wondering what your doctor saw two years ago. If
your PSA was rising slighlty from four years ago and three years ago, a
biopsy would have been a good idea. The difference between a 4 then and a 9
now may have reduced your chances of a cure by some 20%. On the other hand,
4 is not that high for a 66 year old and maybe a biopsy might have missed
any cancer 2 years ago. I guess it's a toss-up and no use fretting over
now.

> Nothing else to report except for this remarkably small unit and the fact
> that it seems like it's trying to get bigger occasionally and failing.

Experts tell us there is no size reduction. Most of us wonder how they got
to be called "experts".

The good news is, some of us have had a non-functional willie for a couple
of years and finally got it back. So, be patient.


> Post op appointment today and I'll ask about pumps and things. Interesting
> that you guys taking shots find little or no pain in doing so. Brings my
> knees together just thinking about it.

Surprisingly, I felt nothing in the way of pain. It was just a tad weird.


--
PSA 16 10/17/2000 @ 46
Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c
RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3cN0M0 Neg margins
PSA <.1 <.1 <.1 .27 .37 .75 PSAD 0.19 years
EBRT 05-07/2002 @ 47
PSA .34 .22 .15 .21 .32 PSAD .056 years
Lupron 07/03 (1 mo) 8/03 and every 4 months there after
PSA .07 .05 .06 .09 .08 .132 .145 PSAD 1.4 years
Casodex added daily 07/06
PSA <0.04, <0.05, <0.04, <0.04, <0.1 2/12/08
Illegitimati non carborundum

x-no-archive: yes

Hi Bonehead,

(Sounds strange for me to say that without ducking.) It sounds like you are
making great progress, especially for a 68 year old. Very few in this group
got erectile function back sooner than 6 months. That's about how long it
took me. I really wouldnt concern myself with devices just yet. Give
things a chance to heal and see what happens. Then try the Viagra first.
Just my $.02 worth.

"Bonehead in NE" <bogusloop@cox.net> wrote in message
news:777ak.2763$oY2.2733@newsfe21.lga...
> Hi Fellow Prostatians,
>
> Just found this group yesterday and spend half the day
> catching up. I'm not sure about the "spreadsheets" and
> politics of the group, but here's what I can offer right
> now:
>
> I'm 68 years old. Since 9/2001 I have had PSA bubbling
> around 4, which put it on my care provider's watch list.
> Two years ago, they sent me to an old school uro guy for a biopsy. He
> decided, after looking at the numbers and doing a digital exam, that I had
> no problems and declined the biopsy.
>
> In February, 08, PSA shot up to 9 and they again sent me to have a biopsy.
> This time they did it. Biopsy was a piece of cake, as I told several guys
> sitting around for their turn.
>
> Biopsy gave me a Gleason of 3+3=6 and they discussed options with me.
>
> I had been expecting problems, obviously. Every time I tried to put my
> head in the sand, my doc pulled it back out. By then, I had talked to
> about 10 local guys who've had prostate problems. I talked to seeded guys
> and several who have had open removals. Then last summer I talked with a
> friend who had DaVinci and got his take.
>
> So on May 12th, around noon, I had prostate removed.
> Robotic surgery went fine. Very little pain afterwards and since I slept
> all day, I was awake watching TV all night.
>
> Out the following day and it's been pretty much an easy
> recovery. Six weeks later I'm totally pain free and healed pretty well.
> After buying a pkg each of Depends and underwear, which remain unused, I
> now wear a small woman's pad each day which is usually dry except for
> perspiration. I can't tell if I'm leaking or not but never am wet. Nothing
> else to report except for this remarkably small unit and the fact that it
> seems like it's trying to get bigger occasionally and failing. I might be
> wrong.
>
> Post op appointment today and I'll ask about pumps and things. Interesting
> that you guys taking shots find little or no pain in doing so. Brings my
> knees together just thinking about it.
>
> Anyway, just saying Hi and wish I'd found this group a long time ago.
>
> Bonehead
> (assuming nom de plume is okay)

Steve Kramer wrote:
> "Bonehead in NE" <bogusloop@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:777ak.2763$oY2.2733@newsfe21.lga...
>
>> Hi Fellow Prostatians,
>
> Welcome to our club, Bonehead. Aside from your entry fee (cancer), we're
> happy to have you.
>
>> I'm 68 years old. Since 9/2001 I have had PSA bubbling
>> around 4, which put it on my care provider's watch list.
>> Two years ago, they sent me to an old school uro guy for a biopsy. He
>> decided, after looking at the numbers and doing a digital exam, that I had
>> no problems and declined the biopsy.
>>
>> In February, 08, PSA shot up to 9 and they again sent me to have a biopsy.
>> This time they did it. Biopsy was a piece of cake, as I told several guys
>> sitting around for their turn.
>>
>> Biopsy gave me a Gleason of 3+3=6 and they discussed options with me.
>
> Very interesting. I'm wondering what your doctor saw two years ago. If
> your PSA was rising slighlty from four years ago and three years ago, a
> biopsy would have been a good idea. The difference between a 4 then and a 9
> now may have reduced your chances of a cure by some 20%. On the other hand,
> 4 is not that high for a 66 year old and maybe a biopsy might have missed
> any cancer 2 years ago. I guess it's a toss-up and no use fretting over
> now.
>
My care provider (VA) is very thorough. She didn't like
it from the get-go and watched me since 2001. As I said,
I was usually around 4± PSA, but once it went up to 5 or
so and she wanted the biopsy. The urologist examined me
and said he didn't think there was a problem, as I said.
But he also said that at my age, they probably wouldn't
do much anyway. I think he was old school, but what do I
know. Anyway, water under the bridge and back then they
were doing 6 snips, not the 12 or 18 today. Might not
have seen anything anyway. I think my timing is about
right, what with the DaVinci being available now but
maybe not then so much.
>
>> Nothing else to report except for this remarkably small unit and the fact
>> that it seems like it's trying to get bigger occasionally and failing.
>
> Experts tell us there is no size reduction. Most of us wonder how they got
> to be called "experts".
>
Well I'm an expert on what I had and it ain't there now. :-)
>
> The good news is, some of us have had a non-functional willie for a couple
> of years and finally got it back. So, be patient.
>
>
>> Post op appointment today and I'll ask about pumps and things. Interesting
>> that you guys taking shots find little or no pain in doing so. Brings my
>> knees together just thinking about it.
>
> Surprisingly, I felt nothing in the way of pain. It was just a tad weird.
>
>
Well, I might have to find out. I don't know. At least I
didn't have to pull out my own catheter like that guy a
few posts back. I really doubt I could get a handle on that.

Take care.

colophony wrote:
> welcome, you will appreciate the advise of some real experts in the newsgrp
> Colophony
>
Thanks, Colophony. I already have, since I've read most
every appropriate message on here over the weekend.

BH

x-no archive: yes
Claude wrote:
>
> Hi Bonehead,
>
> (Sounds strange for me to say that without ducking.)
>
If one gives oneself a name like that, Claude, one has
to be ready for whatever comes along. No ducking
necessary. :-)
>
> It sounds like you are
> making great progress, especially for a 68 year old. Very few in this group
> got erectile function back sooner than 6 months. That's about how long it
> took me. I really wouldnt concern myself with devices just yet. Give
> things a chance to heal and see what happens. Then try the Viagra first.
> Just my $.02 worth.
>
I haven't got much function back yet. Just some
stirrings that might be nothing more than getting used
to the new situation. Doc's given me a script for some
Levitra. This was not the surgeon, but my VA urologist.
I mentioned what I read here about if I do nothing for 6
months, my future might be bleak as far as erections go.
He's a quiet guy, but I think he nodded in agreement. So
I'll try the Levitra and see what happens.

BH

Welcome Bonehead.

I've kept my distance cuz not only do (did) you have PCa...you also have
that dreaded:

"nom de plume" thing.

That's REALLY trouble. :-)

Steve K keeps a lot of stats and knows everybody and almost everything.

The others, as you have seen...are very bright from studying the
studies. (Huh?:-)

I was a druggist, am 59, and had an open RRP in '05.

I am also the resident foole. ('Foole' is a term that was once used for
jester, jokester...but VERY bright. :-) (People would pay bags of jewels
to be a foole...I got it free. :-)

Oh, I also happen to be worried and scared enough to live in the
psychological fetal position.

So...I will comment on the sexual part of your story. (Huh? again.)

You're very early after surgery...and as the other guys will tell
you...it can take several years to regain sexual function.

Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra on their OWN just help get the blood flow
ready.

It's up to you, or your partner to stimulate your, uh, um...willie to
BRING that blood in there.

The key to THIS part is the nerve regeneration...which can take
time...depending upon how much they were squished (ouch!) or stretched
during the operation.

So...you can help yourself by manual stimulation (spank spank)...along
with the natural healing and regeneration of the nerves.

That's my intro...and as you've read...we have a really smart and GREAT
bunch of guys here. They've helped me a TON...and they'll help YOU.

Forget politics...just post what you want...you can do no wrong.

Best of health to all,

Ron B.

Chicago

Ron B wrote:
> Welcome Bonehead.
>
> I've kept my distance cuz not only do (did) you have PCa...you also have
> that dreaded:
>
> "nom de plume" thing.
>
> That's REALLY trouble. :-)
>
Hi Ron B. Thanks for that. I admit I'm a bit stunned at
the reaction to my nom de plume, since this is usenet
and 15 years of being on usenet have illustrated that
putting your true ID/address here gains one access to
much unwanted spamular material.

OR... is it something to do with BoneHead in a prostate
group? Hmmm.

So okay, I have removed the nom de plume in order to
gain acceptance in this very important group. I'm real,
I had the operation, I have questions to ask this
knowledgeable group.
>
> Steve K keeps a lot of stats and knows everybody and almost everything.
>
> The others, as you have seen...are very bright from studying the
> studies. (Huh?:-)
>
Yes, I have studied some of the studies and seem to find
new ones every day.
>
> I was a druggist, am 59, and had an open RRP in '05.
>
> I am also the resident foole. ('Foole' is a term that was once used for
> jester, jokester...but VERY bright. :-) (People would pay bags of jewels
> to be a foole...I got it free. :-)
>
> Oh, I also happen to be worried and scared enough to live in the
> psychological fetal position.
>
I can understand that. Oddly, I was expecting it.
Probably my "glass half empty" attitude. I'm usually
upbeat and happy but have had a few reality slaps --
enough to recognize that life is a crapshoot. I've had
68 good years. I expect many more. Time will tell.
>
> So...I will comment on the sexual part of your story. (Huh? again.)
>
> You're very early after surgery...and as the other guys will tell
> you...it can take several years to regain sexual function.
>
> Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra on their OWN just help get the blood flow
> ready.
>
My urol gave me a script for a few Levitras. I'm a bit
apprehensive at using them. Any clues what to expect?
I'm partner-less right now so anything that has to be
done will have to be done, eh, privately. Chances are I
won't be running off to a hospital with one of those
4-hour thingies, right?
>
> It's up to you, or your partner to stimulate your, uh, um...willie to
> BRING that blood in there.
>
> The key to THIS part is the nerve regeneration...which can take
> time...depending upon how much they were squished (ouch!) or stretched
> during the operation.
>
> So...you can help yourself by manual stimulation (spank spank)...along
> with the natural healing and regeneration of the nerves.
>
With its diminished size in repose, it's more like
snap-snap with a fingertip. :-)

But yeah! We be working on it.
>
> That's my intro...and as you've read...we have a really smart and GREAT
> bunch of guys here. They've helped me a TON...and they'll help YOU.
>
> Forget politics...just post what you want...you can do no wrong.
>
> Best of health to all,
>
Thanks again. And same to you.

Ken

Hi again Ken.

I think that the nic 'Bonehead' is better than 'BONER-head' :-)


As far as Levitra goes...I've used it and it seems to help somewhat.

Remember...all of the pills need physical stimulation to work. They
don't just give you an erection.

You have to try and get turned on physically ('cough'...'lube'.) with
visual stimulation as an aid.

The Levitra takes about 45 min-1 hr to take effect.

You can tell when it's in your system ...when your nose gets dry or
clogged...along with your throat.

Then go at it...

Health,

Ron B.

Chicago

Ron B wrote:

>
> I was a druggist, am 59, and had an open RRP in '05.

Did you own a drugstore or were you a pharmacist, i.e. what we call a
chemist over here?
>
> I am also the resident foole. ('Foole' is a term that was once used for
> jester, jokester...but VERY bright. :-) (People would pay bags of jewels
> to be a foole...I got it free. :-)
>
> Oh, I also happen to be worried and scared enough to live in the
> psychological fetal position.
>
> So...I will comment on the sexual part of your story. (Huh? again.)
>
> You're very early after surgery...and as the other guys will tell
> you...it can take several years to regain sexual function.
>
> Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra on their OWN just help get the blood flow
> ready.
>

Ken T wrote:
> Ron B wrote:
>> Welcome Bonehead.
>>
>> I've kept my distance cuz not only do (did) you have PCa...you also have
>> that dreaded:
>>
>> "nom de plume" thing.
>>
>> That's REALLY trouble. :-)
> >
> Hi Ron B. Thanks for that. I admit I'm a bit stunned at the reaction to
> my nom de plume, since this is usenet and 15 years of being on usenet
> have illustrated that putting your true ID/address here gains one access
> to much unwanted spamular material.
>
> OR... is it something to do with BoneHead in a prostate group? Hmmm.
>
> So okay, I have removed the nom de plume in order to gain acceptance in
> this very important group.

Any group that won't accept a nom de plume is not worth joining. I've
seen only two or three individuals here object to my use of one, and I
explained in detail why I use one. My reason starts with yours and
proceeds from there, based on spam and previous outright internet
stalking. If anyone still objects, that's rare and not my problem; I'm
not opening myself to stalkers again just because some folks have
hangups about anonymity. Additionally, there are two or three regulars
here who have repeatedly proved themselves unworthy of trust, verifying
my concern.

Very recently in another forum, a newbie libeled me for no known reason.
When he ran and hid from my request for him to explain his problem,
back up his accusation, and/or apologize, I Googled his name. I suspect
he won't do it again, now that he knows I have his full name, immediate
family names, marital status, street and mailing addresses, photo of his
house, home phone number, age, photo, church affiliation and church
offices held, professional organization memberships and positions, full
employment history, office and professional associations street and
e-mail addresses, other online activities, names and professional
positions of scores of coworkers, and specific contracts he has in many
specific cities and businesses. And that's just from a few clicks in
Google; if I wanted to know his complete legal, marital, financial,
academic, and medical histories, they're just a click and $40 away for
this computer naif, free to a savvy tracer.

I don't give a damn who knows I have cancer; I discuss it openly with
anyone who cares. But I'm not eager to trust my and my family's peace of
mind to nutjobs again. Anyone who values my name more than my wit,
charm, opinions, insights, research, money, facts, humor, and looks can
just do without. ;-)

I.P. Freely
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

safirfe asked me:

"Did you own a drugstore or were you a pharmacist, i.e. what we call a
chemist over here?"

No store...I didn't want to compete...I was with Walgreens for 25 years.

Yes, a pharmacist...and also called...'farmist' from time to time.