Radical Laparoscopic Prostectomy

[chris joyce]

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Nov 2007 (aged 56). The biopsy
indicated that it had been discovered reasonably early and was not
aggresive. After discussion with Marc Laniado and Richard Brown I
decided on surgery for several reasons. Foremost amongst these was
dealing with the uncertainty of the other treatments especially the
wait and see option. With surgery, following the pathology results,
you get a much clearer picture of the extent and aggressivity of the
cancer. I was also reasonably fit and healthy; something you cannot
guarantee in the future if later surgery is undertaken. I understood
the potential risks of the surgery but weighed that, for me, the
potential benefits outweighed these.

I had the surgery ( radical laparoscopic prostectomy - non robotic) at
Princess Margaret's in January 2008. The surgery went well and I was
surprised at how quickly I recovered from the immediate effects of the
operation.

I was in hospital for 2 days although I was catheretised for just
under 2 weeks. I found the catheretisation the most uncomfortable part
of the whole process and it was a great relief when it was removed. I
was able to resume jogging after 4 weeks

The first couple of days after removal of the catheter required
several pad changes per day but by the end of the first week I was
only using 2/day. Within 6-8 weeks I was pad free at home and only
wore one when going out as a precaution.

Thereafter the only problem I had for the next couple of months was if
I sneezed suddenly. That problem also stopped after a further month or
so and I have no problems at all now

I have no doubt that the Pelvic Floor exercises which I was able to do
for about 6 weeks before the operation helped a great deal in
regaining urinary control.

Recovery of erectile function was a much slower process and it was 6
months plus before there was much sign of life.. I took Cialis
regularly. Unfortunately the NHS only allows 4/month so I looked for
other sources. I found an on-line pharmacy in Canada who supplied
Cialis at reasonable rates and ordered from them. Although the order
was to a Canadian Pharmacy, the drug was supplied from India. I
checked on the credentials of the supplier and a full certicate of
analysis was supplied as well. I have used this source for several
months and they seem to be working OK. However, do your own research
and make your own decision re using such sources.

Erectile function continued to improve and now after just over 12
months recovery is almost complete.

On the PSA front my readings have continued to be <.01

[Marc Laniado]

Dear Chris,
Thank you for your comments and I am sure many people will find this
helpful.
Regards,
Marc