Removal or radiation

I think only your partner's physician can answer most of those questions. Every cancer is different, every patient is different, every recuperation is different. All I can say is that you have control over some of the things that are common to all patients. Nutrition - study up on how you can help your partner eat foods that promote healing and fight cancer. Rest - help to assure your partner rests as he needs to. Keep a safe and healthy environment. Make sure that visitors are healthy and that they do not overwhelm your partner as he recuperates. Support - be there. Just be there. He may want to talk, he may not want to say anything. Just be there. Best wishes to both of you as you move forward.

... I have been where your partner is going. Also had a Gleason 9 discovered in 2013 and after a second opinion decided on surgery. With a high Gleason there is a chance it can return. It did for me some 5 years later in 2018 and I was able to have it treated with radiation and hormone therapy. i


What to expect is hard to tell as Sue pointed out in her reply.


Recovery can and will differ by patient. Personally I found recovery after 5 hours of robotic surgery relatively easy. I was up an walking the day of surgery. I had little pain and did not need prescription pain killers when I returned home the following day. Some men find pain killers necessary and that is ok. That said the drugs can cause constipation and create other issues.


He will have a catheter for a few days (10 or so ?) so that his body can heal internally. After removal of the cat he most likely will have a lot of leakage . I suggest he pick up a box of Male Depends briefs and that he bring one on the day the cat is removed. Some men also bring an additional pad or diaper especially if you are facing a long drive home.


Urinary control comes back gradually. For most men it beings at night and eventually gets better during the day. On average men typically begin to recover in 3 - 6 months --- some not for a year.


Sexual performance for me happened rather quickly using a daily low dose viagra that also helped me to maintain important blood flow to the penis. Best advice is to be patient and keep your MD informed of any changes. Speak up. Now is not the time for macho silence.


If lymph nodes need to be removed as part of the surgery he may experience some significant swelling (size of a grapefruit) of the scrotum some 3 or 4 days after returning home. It will last for a few day and will decrease. Ice packs and elevation of "the boys" helps a lot.


While this is major surgery most men recover quickly and have little difficulty In fact for many it is easy to overdo things physically I would suggest he or you seek out a support group. This cancer impacts men physically and emotionally. Adjusting to a new reality takes some time and it helps to have people around you who have walked this path.


Feel free to reach out here anytime

Dennis,
I really appreciate all the answers to my questions.
I feel better ready to go through the whole process.
I know that all surgeries, persons are all different but I do not feel so lonely anymore.

And I am very happy to know you are ok, keep safe.