Hey, thought it was about time I gave an update on my cancer surgery progress

[Chadman]

The thought occurred to me that some of you might want to know some details on the back end of my prostate cancer removal surgery and subsequent lifestyle. I have been remiss in keeping folks updated, and that is not good considering the amazing support and positive wishes that were extended to me during a very tough time in our lives. Let me kick this off by saying that it turned out to be a great decision in most ways, and I'm still dealing with things that are tough mentally, but still seem to be improving. Call me an open book - what the Hell, whatever questions you might have, ask me and I'll tell you what I know from what I've learned and experienced. This will be more about the back end, which actually is also going well in most important respects.

Give me a little time here - I'm gonna root on the Colts so my "Suck for Luck" Vikings-themed t-shirt creation campaign can have some REAL motivation and value... I will fill everyone in tonight. Thanks again for your thoughts and concerns - I can't express how helpful all of you were at a very scary time for me. More later...:0074

 

[Skulnik]

Best wishes Chadman.

:0008

 

[Trampled Underfoot]

Good Luck. You are one of the good guys on here.

:toast:

 

[Chadman]

I had a pretty long background post done and hit the wrong button, and am too tired to go back to that. I'll start by suggesting for those that really care about my issues, search and see the cancer posts I made. Most of you know the deal already, so I'll start by the important stuff...

 

[Chadman]

VERY short story. I was diagnosed with a small amount of prostate cancer - all in the prostrate, supposedly. Choices were: attack it aggressively, and remove the prostate. Consider other options that hope for the best, for the rest of your life, all that make a lot of sense. I chose to be aggressive, put faith in my urologist/surgeon (who was WONDERFUL) and hope for the best. I loved my surgeon (many reasons why), and put my faith in his hands - literally. He did a great job - I was a pretty good patient, and the front end went pretty well.

The initial recovery from surgery SUCKED ASS, wearing a catheter and urine bag non-stop for a week. Some go longer - I didn't. After not doing the bag, you have to wear pads to control your pissing (for lack of a better term). I wore pads for a long time, because I could not fathom not wearing them and peeing myself during the day. My biggest fear. The other bad thing is not having an erection. That takes a very long time - like one to two years, according to my doctor. It would be up to you which is more concerning, and up to your partner. Personally, I could not fathom ever pissing myself, and worried more about that. Trust me - if your partner cares about you in a sexual way - they care more about that part of it. Food for thought...

It has been a process for me. Removing the prostate is a big deal for men. We have far less control of our urination, and we cannot get an erection at all at first, and some never get that back. I got through the first part of this stuff pretty well, next I'll talk about where I'm at now, 7 months later.

 

[hedgehog]

VERY short story. I was diagnosed with a small amount of prostate cancer - all in the prostrate, supposedly. Choices were: attack it aggressively, and remove the prostate. Consider other options that hope for the best, for the rest of your life, all that make a lot of sense. I chose to be aggressive, put faith in my urologist/surgeon (who was WONDERFUL) and hope for the best. I loved my surgeon (many reasons why), and put my faith in his hands - literally. He did a great job - I was a pretty good patient, and the front end went pretty well.

The initial recovery from surgery SUCKED ASS, wearing a catheter and urine bag non-stop for a week. Some go longer - I didn't. After not doing the bag, you have to wear pads to control your pissing (for lack of a better term). I wore pads for a long time, because I could not fathom not wearing them and peeing myself during the day. My biggest fear. The other bad thing is not having an erection. That takes a very long time - like one to two years, according to my doctor. It would be up to you which is more concerning, and up to your partner. Personally, I could not fathom ever pissing myself, and worried more about that. Trust me - if your partner cares about you in a sexual way - they care more about that part of it. Food for thought...

It has been a process for me. Removing the prostate is a big deal for men. We have far less control of our urination, and we cannot get an erection at all at first, and some never get that back. I got through the first part of this stuff pretty well, next I'll talk about where I'm at now, 7 months later.

I could not imagine not being able to get a hardon, or peeing on myself :scared

best wishes Chad

 

[Chadman]

Short story continued: Personally, my urination issues were pretty good. I had occasional problems doing the unexpected or overexerted things that happen to us on a daily basis. I did leak and I did need a pad. I learned to depend on those pads, and I think I took too long wearing them. I always wore one when I was playing softball, golf, or knew I was going to be away from home for a long time. I wore one way too long, due to my fear. I have not worn one now for at least three weeks, and don't plan on wearing one again. That's a big step for us who have to deal with this. I'm happy about it, but I make sure I hit most bathrooms when I can, just to be sure.

The sex thing is more complicated. For some I'm sure it's a bigger concern. I still don't have a good erection after seven months. My doctor has prescribed Triverex, a daily supplement, and I've been taking them for about two weeks now. I also got some Cialis one-time pills, and have taken two of them. I do now notice a difference and am hopeful things continue to get better. The past week has been better, and my wife and I are hopeful things are progressing in that area. The cost of Triverex is not too bad, and I think I see some difference. Cialis is more expensive, and I have also seen some response there.

That's about all I have for now. It's an experience - one I hope none of you have to deal with. I hope my posts help some of you think about things and be proactive in keeping track of your prostrate health. I was lucky, in so many ways. And again - I'm so thankful for you MadJackers who gave me so much support along the way. If anyone has any questions about what I am dealing with, and have dealt with, let me know. I'll give you my thoughts.

Cheers! :0074

 

[dogface]

Great to hear your positive spirit and outlook Chadman! Congrats on the success to date, and continued success in the future!

I am also glad to hear you have a rock for a wife, I am quite sure that is huge!

dogface

 

[hammer1]

AGREED....ALSO KNOWLEDGEABLE

AGREED....ALSO KNOWLEDGEABLE

Good Luck. You are one of the good guys on here.

:toast:

.................

 

[RAYMOND]

my :0008 thoughts and prayers are with you

 

[MadJack]

I'm happy you are making progress, Chadman, because I know it must have been a rough road to travel, mentally and physically. Congrats!

Are there any surgeries planned for the future, or testing, or are you in the clear form here on out?

It is nice to hear these stories from real life experiences because we never know what is in store for us one day. You are proof of that as well.

Thanks for the update :toast:

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Great to hear Chad --:toast:

 

[Old School]

more positive waves...

:0074

 

[Betone]

Best wishes :0074

 

[gardenweasel]

i would have travelled the same road,bud....who knows,still may have to.....but you can`t take chances with cancer...

you did the right thing...and i wouldn`t ever doubt that if i were you......

 

[StevieD]

Thank you for sharing Chadman. Best of luck.

 

[ripken8]

thanks for the update chadman. good luck and god bless...

 

[Chadman]

I'm happy you are making progress, Chadman, because I know it must have been a rough road to travel, mentally and physically. Congrats!

Are there any surgeries planned for the future, or testing, or are you in the clear form here on out?

It was pretty rough - the initial recovery was tough but I managed ok. I know so many people who have had it much worse than I did, and continue to have it rough. I think doing the procedure and choosing to get right back into classes with baseball starting up soon after was a big help mentally. I just didn't have/take the time to sit around thinking about things, really.

No surgeries planned - that was the initial hope and so far so good. I've had two checkups since May and both showed a zero cancer, a clear PSA level. That was also the initial hope. Removing the prostrate removed all the cancer, which is what my urologist thought/hoped. If the cancer comes back it will have to come back someplace else. I'm not inviting it back, that's for sure.

I just thought it of value to post what I've gone through, I know there are a lot of you getting closer to my age that need to focus on this and get checked when you can. It's not fun to get checked, but you need to catch these things early. And if nothing shows up, you have even less to worry about, right?

Thanks for all the well-wishes. The support here was a big factor in me staying positive. :0074

 

[Sportsaholic]

Good Luck Chad :toast:

 

[The Joker]

The hope is......that you guys (including myself) listen to Chadman's amazing story and take action to get regular check ups.

It's important.

Chadman, I wish you continued healing in the coming years and I pray you are cancer free the rest of your life.

Thanks for sharing your story.