Prostate Cancer at 41 - anyone know what to expect after surgery for a relatively young man?

@eryder Welcome! I too faced the same dilemma as you and was advised by my doctors the surgery was the best option because of my age and the harmful affects of radiation longterm. For me, once I made the decision, I had the peace of mind knowing that the problem was "removed" instead of just treated... that helped console me some.

The biggest issue for me once the surgery was done and I was on the road to recovering was the effects it has on you emotionally/psychologically and sexually. The sexual effects an be treated and improved for the most part, but it affected me mentally because my ability to have kids, etc. was all affected. So seek out a counselor also if needed... do not overlook the important of psychological health.

Thanks. I'm actively seeking help with the psych factor, and am just going to take everything else as it comes. Doc has done tons of robotic surgeries, so I'm hopeful he's not going to damage anything else in there. And, I've got a daughter now, with no prospects beyond that. I'm okay on the child front--but still time to bank, I suppose.

Thanks for your reply. Helps to know I'm not the only one.

I am 76 and had the heavy radiation etc, none of which applies in your case. Please try and keep a positive out look and you will do fine with it. The sexual side of it can be fixed and you can live a happy life with you daughter. If i can be of any help to you let me know

@eryder glad you are aware of the psych factor... many overlook it. What type of psych help are you look for?

And it pays to have a sense of humor... yes... you still got time if you want any more kids ;)

@looper agree with you. the sxual side can be fixed and the main thing is taking care of your mental wellbeing and physical well being as best as you can.

Hi, be a little careful talking about radiation, some older men in their 70's like myself were advised to have radiation rather than the surgery because of age. Is radiation great, no but for the people who go that way try not and scare them with the long term stuff. As you know either choice is tough.

@looper Looper, I wanted to thank you for dropping knowledge here on this forum for anyone to find some type of change by increasing personal wellness. I feel better after reading spending time at my Doctors place of practice confused, extremely disappointed in my lack of knowing what to do. I don’t know how to be calm when my Spirituality is lifted or beat down based on my irritating poor understanding of life and loss. For example  healthy thinking, feeling and behavior requires accountability in relation to become more aware of how presdid that man

Hi, ask me anything you want, as I said I did radiation the doc recommended because of my age. I chose the 5 day heavy radiation instead of the 30 day lower dose. If i did it again I would do the 30 day. Happy to answer any questions at all as to after effects etc

@eryderWhen we men have  the courtesy and respect of private male examinations, we can deal with our prostate problems and other male medical male issues.

@looper I am curious about your experience.  I cannot offer any advice to eryder because I am 78 years old and was only offered the option of the 8 and a half week hormonal/radiation treatment with the hormonal treatment continuing for two years; or as the doctor put it if I could tolerate it, which he doubted,  He told me  that no physician would give me the surgery because of a injury I sustained about 48 years ago from a bout with a laxative and the violent reaction which ensued.  Meanwhile I have been  so effectively chemically castrated that i feel like a rapist who was required to undergo chemical castration.  Since my prostate serves no purpose they might as well cut it out.  He asked me if i would be satisfied if he could perhaps give me four more years of life .  I thought it over and I don't think his offer is worth it.  I did not know there was five day heavy radiation procedure because he only said that if i received enough radiation to kill the cancer it would kill me as well.  I am so lacking in confidence of any tradition medical procedures that the only effort I am taking is to explore non-traditional treatment which would be done with respect for my dignity, privacy and safety from abuse and torture.  At least your doctor gave you some options,  Maybe i should get a second opinion before giving up on traditional medicine.   Maybe I can even find a doctor who unlike this one  who will not hand be over to his female accomplice which had already convinced me that he would not be the one to give me any treatment.