rd0077 said:
I'm 5 months out from prostate removal and my PSA after 2 months was. 05 and tested a month ago and it was still 05.. so is that not good and does that mean I might need radiation I seem to be kind of left in the dark about it.. plus I have Ed that we haven't been able to do anything with yet
rd0077 - 05 to 05 is GOOD! (from what I was told from my surgeon urologist after my robotic RP)
I am 3 mos out and have only had 1 PSA - it was .04. My second one comes 12/23. The fact that is was not .000 is due to two possibilities:
#1: I was told if it stays at .04, then there may be a small piece of benign prostate left that is kicking out .04 PSA and will indefinitely, which is fine and a good, explainable situation, which is why I say 05 to 05 is good!
#2: It's cancer that spread from my prostate to my seminal vesicles. If cancer, the PSA shouldn't increase exponentially, but will definitely increase. If increases, then I need radiation. 95% of the time, the radiation would be needed in the same area of the RP. However, there is a chance that it could have gotten into my bloodstream and could show up anywhere in my body. There is a test they can do to verify where the radiation is needed.
If after 2-3 years, the PSA stays at .04, then there is a good chance that they got it all, there is a piece of benign prostate and the PSA will just stay at .04 forever - that's a long time to wait, hope and pray, but that's all I or anyone can do! I trust that God has a plan for me and I will not go to meet Him until He is good and ready for me, however I end up going!
On the ED front...
I had ZERO issues or symptoms pre-op. I was told there was a chance that Cialis alone would be enough - not! I am still taking it, but my urologist suggested adding penis injections of Trimix in the meantime. His reasoning is, neurologically speaking, the nervous system hasn't had enough time to recover, but vascular functions are still normal - he said if you don't use it, you lose it! The Trimix injection is on the side and to the base of the penis. It provides an erection by filling the area w/ blood and regular sexual activity can occur. The erection should last 1-2 hours. He suggested using an erection pump on any days not using the injection. He believes that I should not need injections and possibly not even Cialis forever, but need to keep blood to the area as much as possible until the nerves can recover. It worked the first time in the Dr's office when I was being instructed on how to give the self-injections at home. Now I am waiting for my Rx to come in.
Things you never anticipated going through in your life, HUH?!! Oh well, here we are!
Hope all that helps!
+God+bless+ you and everyone going through similar issues or any issues for that matter - I pray for you all every day!
