tomget

Hi! I was wondering if you might be able to help me. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had his prostate removed 15 years ago. Recently (past 4-6 months) his PSA has gone from 8.5 to 12. Have you heard of this? How can his prostate rise when he doesn't have one?? Frustrating...

Thank you, I have written to him and waiting to hear back

I highly recommend those Kegel exercises. I think they helped although not 100% and it's been a year plus.

tomget: Thanks for comment. After seeing the finished product, I can see ways that it could be better. I guess the important thing is that it may help others in this PC journey. It sounds like you are recovering well. You will be happy to get rid of the catheter and regain continence.
Best wishes as you go forward. Merry Christmas.
A survivor, Ross

tomget: Thanks for comment. After seeing the finished product, I can see ways that it could be better. I guess the important thing is that it may help others in this PC journey. It sounds like you are recovering well. You will be happy to get rid of the catheter and regain continence.
Best wishes as you go forward. Merry Christmas.
A survivor, Ross

Hey Tom just checking to see how your surgery went. Let us know.

tomget:
I believe I'm correct inthinking that your surgery is coming up soon. Suggest you be sure to do those exercises for minimzing the period of incontinence. I found those to be helpful to regain bladder control. Just wish you the best in getting all those PC cells now.
Think good thoughts. Best wishes, A Survivor, Ross

Hi Tom,
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you the very best outcome from your surgery. I had the DaVinci surgery and was out in 2-days. I am now back to working out and feeling better each day. Please let me know how it all goes.
Gods Speed for your recovery.

Hi Tom,
It looks like you have been able to connect with some good people. They are right on with the suggestions to make sure you can laugh at life and continue with your life. I like to tell people that they are in an alternate reality dealing with cancer, it takes your energy and changes how you look at things. Its important to give yourself the time to heal, this is not like a normal illness it will affect things that are unexpected. This is one reason we all talk about the importance of a Dr who listens and takes the time to explain. Take good care of yourself, Tracy

tomget:
We are pleased to see new followers to What Next. The reason we are here is not a pleasant one, but I hope you find it a supportive web site. There are numbers of us in various treatments.
There are those that have posted their story and you may find of interest for info and support. Best wishes as determine your course of action.
A survivor, Ross

Hi Tom,
A couple of things: the second opinion is really a good idea, so if you can gear yourself up to it, go and do it. Second, yes, they did a fully body scan on me when the PSA came back and started to climb. They found that it had spread to my bones, but, were not 100% sure. That is when I started on hormone therapy. I can make one suggestion which I wish I had done it sooner. Go see a couple of oncologists and find one that speaks your language. Then ask what he suggests. Remember, I hate to say it, but, follow the money. From now on, everyone you see makes money off of your exams, procedures, etc. It is a good idea to find an oncologist as that is where you will end up and they know way more about the progress of the disease than your urologist. If you start with hormone therapy, when it stops working, your urologist will pass you off to a oncologist. Better to have a working relationship with one before you are forced into a selection. Also, start paying attention to what you put into your body. In the end it can make a great difference. There are many books on the subject and I have listed a few on my profile.
Ask a lot of questions and go with the person who will take the time to answer them and make you feel like he/she understands your concerns. One of the things I have said many times is, "give me a straight answer and if you don't know then say so, otherwise I will break your legs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" This will allow you to sift out some of the people you don't need in your life as if you can't get a laugh out of them, go somewhere else.
Positive attitude is as important as any drug or procedure. The only reason I have come this far is the ability to laugh at how absurd things get from time to time. You MUST maintain your sense of self and your sense of humor.
I hope this is of some help to you. It is an insidious disease but those are the cards you and I have been dealt, so play the hand using your best intuition. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or thoughts. I think one of the reasons I am still here is that I enjoy making others find an easier and better path to follow then what I have been through.
Michael

Hey Mr. Tom, welcome to the site. Someone will come along and answer your question before long that has had prostate cancer.

For now, I just wanted to say welcome, and let me know if you need any help with the site!

Thanks for being here.
For me, I like the pet scans, they glow red on any spot in the body that is suspicous for cancer. I've had a ton of them done, as well as mri, cat scan, dog scan, and most other scans.

I am not familiar with what the docs want in a prostate case. Someone with experience will let you know.

Greg P
3X Survivor
Team WhatNext
Community Mgr

Welcome. Thank you for registering. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1) Find other people like you. You can do this by clicking on "see more" in the "People Most Like You" box to the right.

2) Go to our Questions page to see what's been posted, ask a question or give some advice. Here is a link to our most popular questions: http://bit.ly/MfN45w

3) Complete your journey profile to share your experience. You can do this by clicking on "Add Experience" in the box next to your picture above.

4) Don't forget to upload a picture!

Thank you for being here and sharing your story. If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ or contact us.

Best,
Team WhatNext