Soon, I will have radical surgery to rmove my prostate in a nerve sparing procedure. Is there anything else that I need to know that my doctor won%26#039;t tell me especially about sexual intercourse after the procedure…|||Prostate cancer survivors need not kiss their sex lives good-bye, even if they do not qualify for the least invasive form of a prostatectomy.

Patients who use erection aids after a prostatectomy report levels of sexual functioning that rival those of patients who haven%26#039;t yet had surgery.

Not everybody knows that these aids are readily available.This is something that a patient should get information about, but may not be raised in any detail by his doctor.%26quot;

While rarely fatal, prostate cancer can damage a survivor%26#039;s quality of life. Up to 90 percent of patients report impotency or some decrease in sexual functioning following standard radical prostatectomy, past research has shown. The incidence of these side effects drops to 50 percent with a relatively new surgical procedure that leaves intact the neurovascular bundles that allow for erections. However, only patients in the early stage of prostate cancer are eligible for so-called nerve-sparing prostatectomies.

Until recently, the main treatment for sexual dysfunction has been surgical implants, which initially inspired complaints but have improved considerably over the past 15 years. Pharmacological approaches have recently become available, with an oral medication to combat impotence expected to hit the market within the coming year. Despite such advances, research has shown that physicians are often reluctant to initiate discussions about sexuality

Sexual dysfunction is a side effect, and you%26#039;re just going to have to learn to live with it.

For many men, erection difficulties cut to the core of male identity, so these problems can represent a significant loss. Erection difficulties can be equally devastating for the partner, not just because of the loss of intercourse, but because of a loss of physical intimacy and emotional closeness.%26quot;

Perez, Meyerowitz, Skinner, Reynolds and two researchers from the School of Medicine looked at 294 prostate cancer patients, 45 of whom were awaiting a radical prostatectomy, 117 of whom had undergone a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy and 132 of whom had undergone a standard prostatectomy. Of the patients who had undergone some form of prostatectomy, 74 used an erection aid, including penile implants, pharmacoerection program or vacuum constriction devices.

After controlling for age and ability to carry out daily activities, the researchers found no statistically significant differences in the likelihood of patients being aroused by a partner or the frequency of sexual activity the patients considered ideal, so any differences in performance could not be attributed to differences in sex drives.

In keeping with past research, the USC team found that patients who had undergone nerve-sparing surgery alone reported dramatically higher levels of sexual functioning than the group that had a standard radical prostatectomy alone.

When compared to the radical prostatectomy group, the nerve-sparing group reported higher levels of desire and sexual activity and greater frequency of orgasms.

But as impressive as the nerve-sparing surgery appeared when compared to a radical prostatectomy, it paled by comparison to erection aids in allowing patients to recover their sex lives.

When asked whether they were satisfied with their current level of sexual performance, 36 percent of patients who were using erection aids following a prostatectomy responded affirmatively, vs. 14 percent for the nerve-sparing patients and 8 percent for the standard prostatectomy patients.

When compared to the nerve-sparing surgical group, the erection-aid group was more likely to report having a %26quot;slightly to extremely satisfactory overall sex life%26quot; (73 percent vs. 39 percent), sexual activity at least once a week (55 percent vs. 31 percent) and orgasms through intercourse at least 50 percent of the time (89 percent vs. 53 percent).

Men are getting the less invasive surgery in the hope of protecting the quality of their sex lives, but erection aids appear to do just as good a job.

The researchers predicted that their findings would offer hope to patients who are not candidates for the less-invasive surgery.

It%26#039;s not all over if you can%26#039;t have the nerve-sparing surgery, . You can turn to the erection aid as a good alternative.%26quot;

In

It%26#039;s clear from the pattern of results that doctors should seriously and routinely discuss the use of erection aids for patients who are going to undergo prostatectomies|||Prostate cancer is usually adenocarcinoma. Symptoms are rare until urethral obstruction occurs. Diagnosis is suggested by digital rectal examination or prostate-specific antigen measurement and confirmed by biopsy. Prognosis for most patients with prostate cancer, especially when it is localized or regional, is very good; more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Treatment is with prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or, for some elderly patients, watchful waiting.

Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy reduces the likelihood of erectile dysfunction but cannot always be done, depending on tumor stage and location.

Orchiectomy (excision of testicles) alters hormone production and may be recommended for metastatic cancer. There may be some bruising and swelling initially after surgery, but this will gradually go away. The loss of testosterone production may lead to problems with sexual function, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), and loss of muscle mass.

The drugs Lupron or Zoladex are also being used to treat advanced prostate cancer. These medicines block the production of testosterone. The procedure is often called chemical castration, because it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. However, it is reversible, unlike surgery. The drugs must be given by injection, usually every 3 months. Possible side effects include nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, anemia, lethargy, osteoporosis, reduced sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Other medications used for hormonal therapy include androgen-blocking agents (such as flutamide) which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Possible side effects include erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, liver problems, diarrhea, and enlarged breasts.

Your natural reaction to impotence may be to avoid all sexual contact. Don%26#039;t fall for this feeling. Touching, holding, hugging and caressing can become far more important to you and your partner. In fact, the closeness you develop in these actions can produce greater sexual intimacy than you%26#039;ve ever had before. There are many ways to express your sexuality.

Please see the web pages for more details on Prostate cancer.|||You can have the minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: the Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy, LRP, which will reduce bleeding, pain and recovery time. Good luck.|||Your doctor will probably tell you just about anything you feel you need to know. The problem that I personally had was how to approach so many different subjects. The very first thing that I did was to contact my local prostate cancer support group. I wanted as much information from as many different sources as possible–and I wanted them fast. I knew the prostate cancer support group existed from my previous work with the American Cancer Society. It still took me 20 minutes to find a phone number here in Salem. I was able to speak to the person who started the support group many years ago. A great conversation we had. Biggest item I learned was not to panic, I had time to find out what questions to ask. I then went to the meeting and met with several prostate cancer survivors and their wives. I was able to learn to approach the sexual intercourse questions with my urologist, my oncologist, and my radiation oncologist, and most importantly my fiancee (now my wife). We came up with questions to help me make a decision for me and us. It is my body and I have to be able to be satisfied that I have made the best decision for me.

You have to feel that you are making the best decision for you in this place in your life based on the answers to your questions.

Best thing I can tell you is what I learned to do: find as many (legitimate) sources as possible, talk with others that have been there, make a notebook, take notes, ask questions, and listen.

If you need any more info, feel free to get back with me. I will be happy to give you more info, contacts, or phone numbers.|||I%26#039;m not saying %26quot;don%26#039;t have the surgery%26quot;, but I think you should have this information, in case it comes back:

CANCER: There%26#039;s a new Swedish study which shows that human breast milk kills cancer. On the news this guy who drank human breast milk (with a prescription) beat cancer. It was discovered by Swedish scientists that human breast milk (spilled into a petri dish) kills cancer. People who drink it have had some success in fighting off cancer.

You need a prescription and it%26#039;s about $3 an ounce at a breast milk bank, but it works.

http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/2006…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/418769…|||Hi Lazar,

Research this. It is most likely that you will not function after the surgery..normally anyway. and that you may be incontinent also. good luck in everything|||If you are determined to get it back after surgery, you will. It is a long road and may take a year, perhaps more, perhaps less. The main thing is to not become frustrated if it takes a long time to make progress.A doctor who is experienced with dealing with this normally prescribes a pump a couple of months after surgery as a form of rehab to help keep the muscles from deteriorating. Some urologists will give you a one time injection just to show you that it is still possible to get an errection, but this is not a permanent solution to the problem. There a lot of things available to help restore sexual function. You may discover that that a combination method works better, not just one alone. A good prostate cancer support group is another source for ideas. If your doctors knowledge is limited, consult with a specialist who can give you the information you need. Nerve sparing both sides is to your advantage and you will probably be successful in your therapy to restore sexual function. Another thing to remember is that it wont be anything close to what we had before. This is one of the prices we pay to cure our cancer and survive.

I was lucky to get it back with only one nerve spared. It was not easy. Take care and I hope everything goes well with your surgery.

operating cancerous prostate|||Sorry. I have prostate cancer also. About 18 months ago I had an biopsy and out of 12 biops one had a cancer cell. I have to go back in December to have another to see what stage that I am in. Before my Gleason score was 3+3. That is borderline for the stage that will spread. i bought a book from Mayo Clinic, and which I had not. There are so many options that it is unreal. I know one thing. I will not have a radical procedure done. Five days, and maybe more plus wearing a catheir bag for eight weeks. Serious bleeding, with that procedure, and also with the Labascopy also. If the cancer has spread into the lymp nodes, the radical procedure is the only way they can remove them. If that happens with me %26quot;I am just going to stick my head between my legs and kiss my *** good-bye%26quot;. I will know my latest stage on December 5th..Wish me luck…|||I am sorry. I don%26#039;t understand your question. The person needs to have trust and confidence in his surgeon. The surgery can be a successful one. Medicine has come a long way. Best of luck.|||You are not very clear in your question. There are a couple of articles on this site on prostate cancer surgery, though. Hope that you can find the answers that you are searching for

http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub…

ok yea..i know this is weird but anyway

i went the the doctor a LONG time ago like beginning of lst year..and she said i have an enlarged %26#039;ball%26#039;..and if it gets tooo big i might need surgery..ive been fine since…but latley, when i %26quot;check out my sack%26quot; and %26#039;feel around%26#039; i feel a weird lump/growth on the left side of my nuts…its not attached to my balls..i almost feels like a bunch of veins all %26#039;together%26quot; but its not..its one things..when i squeeze it, it is painless and soft…i have no problems pissing or jackin off lol…but seriously..is this really serious?

ps im 14|||Your prostate is not located in your scrotum. What you are describing might be caused by testicular cancer but is much more likely to be a varicocele or a epididmymal cyst, both of which are relatively common benign conditions of the scrotum and testicles. See your family Dr and find out what is going on for sure and then you will not have to worry about having cancer.

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_he…

http://www.london-urology.co.uk/epididym…

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/testi…|||Your age has noting to do with it.

Never take a chance with your %26quot;jewels%26quot;.

See you doctor, don%26#039;t be embarrassed, you life could be on the line. It may be nothing, but you need to find out and fast.|||Dont worry. Pls go and see the doctor. You must know about cancer.|||Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affect young men.

It may be a cyst or it may be testicular cancer.

you need to go to the dr because testicular cancer can spread fast and thoughout the body.

Testicular cancer is usually painless.

Five hundred years ago, people said the world was flat. Today, people say that if the FDA and AMA haven%26#039;t blessed something, it can%26#039;t be real good. Well, here%26#039;s something I know to be real AND good. It%26#039;s a little different take on cancer treatment–

In 1990, I had Hodgkin%26#039;s Lymphoma, stage 3-B, but I%26#039;ve survived. My doctors were great people, but they were limited to surgery, chemo and radiation by profitable AMA treatment policy. During the year in treatment, I started learning about alternative medicine. I%26#039;m a retired engineer, and this is what I%26#039;ve pieced together–our IMMUNE SYSTEMS become weakened by poor nutrition, lack of exercise and reduced oxygen. Once that happens, our body becomes vulnerable to common STRESSORS. Stressors can be environmental, like viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, food additives, electromagnetic waves or pollution. They can be internal things like emotional or job stress, or poisonous people in our lives. Aging is also a contributing factor. So this means:

WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM + STRESSORS = DISEASE (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)

Our bodies have 60 trillion–yes, trillion–cells, and there are always some mutating into cancer cells, but a healthy immune system kills them before they have a chance to get a foothold in the body.

It takes a LONG time, usually, or a high level of stressors, to weaken the immune system to the point where it won%26#039;t do its job, but once cancer has formed, it will generally spread rapidly.

THIS IS IMPORTANT! There are ways to BEAT cancer that are currently being used in Europe and around the world, and there are some great books on the subject. I know because I%26#039;ve read about 50 of them from cover to cover. Here%26#039;s a list of the best ones. Some are out of print and getting hard to find–

%26quot;The Cure for All Cancers%26quot;, ISBN 0963632825

%26quot;A Cancer Therapy%26quot;, ISBN 0882681052

%26quot;Oxygen Therapies%26quot;, ISBN 0962052701

%26quot;Hydrogen Peroxide–Medical Miracle%26quot;, ISBN 1885236077

%26quot;The Natural Cure for Cancer–Germanium%26quot;, ISBN 0533071410

%26quot;Killing Cancer%26quot;, ISBN 0705000966

%26quot;Natural Cures %26#039;They%26#039; Don%26#039;t Want You to Know About%26quot;, ISBN 0975599518

I know of people whose cancer has %26#039;spontaneously remitted%26#039; (WENT AWAY for no known reason) AFTER they went on programs of herbs and nutrition to restart their immune systems.

You and your family must look out for yourselves to stand a chance of being healthy. This is not a joke, and I%26#039;m not selling anything–just trying to help.

I am using the things I learned in those books right now to fight off a second infestation of cancer. I%26#039;ve been at it for over a year now, and think I%26#039;m going to make it. Use what works for you, and pass on your success. Best of luck.

AMA AND FDA–

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the pharmaceutical companies control medical law and the FDA in this country with heavy lobbying and a revolving door policy. WHY would they want to do this? It%26#039;s about the money. In 2004, medicine (doctors, hospitals, researchers and pharmaceutical firms) received 1.1 TRILLION dollars–1/4th of the total earnings (GNP 4.4 trillion) in the U.S. This is astounding, because it%26#039;s like 1/4th of our citizens–about 75 MILLION people–worked the whole year just to pay the nation%26#039;s medical expenses!! That%26#039;s totally astounding, and just too big to care about individuals.

http://www.altcancer.com/video/hoxsey_ds… <>http://www.altcancer.com/video/hoxsey_DS…|||Is bad but thankfully, if diagnosed early enough, survivable. If you have been stricken with this, then God bless you and good luck.|||Drink daily full big glass of Tomato juice.|||Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor (growth) that consists of cells from the prostate gland. The tumor usually grows slowly and remains confined to the gland for many years. During this time, the tumor produces little or no symptoms or outward signs (abnormalities on physical examination). As the cancer advances, however, it can spread beyond the prostate into the surrounding tissues (local spread). Moreover, the cancer also can metastasize (spread even farther) throughout other areas of the body, such as the bones, lungs, and liver. Symptoms and signs, therefore, are more often associated with advanced prostate cancer.

In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms for many years. As a matter of fact, these cancers frequently are first detected by an abnormality on a blood test (the PSA, discussed below) or as a hard nodule (lump) in the prostate gland. Usually, the doctor first feels the nodule during a routine digital (done with the finger) rectal examination. (Note in the diagram that the prostate gland is right in front of the rectum.) As the cancer enlarges and presses on the urethra, the flow of urine diminishes and urination becomes more difficult. Patients may also experience burning with urination or blood in the urine. As the tumor continues to grow, it can completely block the flow of urine, resulting in a painfully obstructed and enlarged urinary bladder.

In the later stages, prostate cancer can spread locally into the surrounding tissue or the nearby lymph nodes, called the pelvic nodes. The cancer then can spread even farther (metastasize) to other areas of the body. The doctor on a rectal examination can sometimes detect local spread into the surrounding tissues. That is, the physician can feel a hard, fixed (not moveable) tumor extending from and beyond the gland. Prostate cancer usually metastasizes first to the lower spine or the pelvic bones (the bones connecting the lower spine to the hips), thereby causing back or pelvic pain. The cancer can then spread to the liver and lungs. Metastases (areas to which the cancer has spread) to the liver can cause pain in the abdomen and jaundice (yellow color of the skin) in rare instances. Metastases to the lungs can cause chest pain and coughing.|||Try natural cures:

first detox with spirulina, barley grass, wheat grass

Take immune system boosters: Maitake mushrooms, reishi mushrooms, astragalus, echinacea, antioxidants. You should research online for natural cures for cancer. There is also an Yahoo! Group called %26quot;Alternative Answers%26quot; which has an open forum on all types of diseases. Post your question there and many ppl will be happy to help you.

Consider juicing: carrot juice, cruciferous veggie juice ( cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower, so on) and pomegranate juice. Read the books someone suggested above. Good luck to you.|||If you take the %26#039;alternative%26#039; route, you will die. It is that simple. There is no %26#039;natural%26#039; cure for prostate cancer. The only ones who believe this are insane.

They%26#039;re the type who think there is some %26#039;conspiracy%26#039; to keep a cure for cancer off the market.

If you forgo standard medical treatment for cancer you will die.|||Saw Palmetto, has been studied with results both promising and not. It seems to really depend on dosage. look it up and see what you can find out.

Recently I found a small hard lump on one of my testes. Yesterday I had to go to the bathroom at lot at night (maybe because I had 2 cups of water? I had a fever). So I am confused, by the way I am 14 years old.|||O.K. cutey - a little lesson on the male anatomy. Your prostate is not on or in your testicles. It is a small gland, walnut-sized structure that makes up a part of a mans reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. You would not be able to feel a prostate gland, it is checked during a rectal exam.

And, if you had prostate cancer you wouldn%26#039;t pee alot - it would be very hard to pee and come out like a dribble.

Now, you did find a lump, so I suggest you have you mom take you to the doctor to find out what it might be. But rest assured, it%26#039;s not your prostate.

Good Luck!

would you like to add details to your question?

you can add details by clicking edit under your question.|||check out this research group……..http://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/

Symptoms, cure,medicines, preventions.|||Hi Joven

Here is a strategy on the process of healing.

Quick Action Plan for Prostate Cancer

1. Since prostate cancer is easier to prevent rather than treat, your most important choice is that of prevention.

2. Undergo prostate screening annually from the age of 50 on, or younger if you have a family history of prostate cancer. Utilize both conventional and non conventional styles of testing procedures.

3. If family history indicates prostate cancer, or if you are faced with an autoimmune disease, take extra precaution with the following suggestions, and look carefully into the subject of Vasectomy, as this procedure could aggravate your already higher risk for prostate cancer.

4. Engage in life supporting and anti-stress solutions to relieve tightness surrounding the prostate gland, such as yoga, massage and acupuncture. Avoid tight underclothing and pants. Wear your belt buckle off to the side, and avoid nickel.

5. Engage in an enjoyable exercise routine that you do 3-5 days per week. Experiment with Yoga, Qi Gong or Tai Chi. Movement that strengthens and relaxes the body, rather than constricts, is an essential element to maintaining prostate health.

6. Make positive diet changes, eliminating conventional, processed and fast foods, toxic fats and oils, and inorganic diary and protein sources. Eat organic whenever possible. Start eating a whole foods diet, eating an abundant selection of raw and lightly steamed vegetables, raw fruits and clean protein sources, along with fresh juices, whole grains, and soaked nuts and seeds.

7. Use purified water both internally and when bathing, and drink at least ½ your weight in ounces of quality water daily.

8. Rather than coffee, choose green tea containing 710 ECGC, and other non-caffeinated herb teas as a powerful anti-oxidant drink. Sip throughout the day. To read more visit: www.greenteahaus.com

9. Consider a Colon Cleanse; read through the excellent version found under Detoxification on the Natural Cures web site.

10. Start on a quality supplement and herb program as suggested above, and preferably, personalized by a qualified alternative therapist. Also, try Flower Essences and/or Aromatherapy.

11. Engage in alternative therapies, such as Energy Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, and bodywork. Additionally, find a qualified alternative practitioner such as a Naturopathic or Osteopathic Doctor to support every aspect of your newfound commitment to health and healing.

Best of health to you

Cheers|||I found some good info here.

Not sure what the question here is, but my dad was diagnosed with it a year ago; takes casodex, had radiation therapy, and gets hormones injections every 3 months. Doc said very curable if caught early, but my dad waited forever to see a doctor. He found out he had it bacause his right hand was numb all the time; turns out the prostate cancer had sent out %26quot;satellite cells%26quot;, and a tumor formed in his neck and was pressing aginst his spine.

Now a year later, it%26#039;s back and he%26#039;s going to the doctor this week to find out what he has to do.

Good luck…|||just like any other cancer: deadly.|||Yeah. Whats the question?|||Something us men folk get Like old Merv G. Now I hve read and I think the jury is still out on it right now but that some of it is caused frm a build up of seamen. Now if the wife or Gf out there understood that it might bring it down some. They are doing studies on it. Personnel I%26#039;m not one to hve my prostate probed. Hate the yrly anyway but I know it has to be, but I still don%26#039;t like it.

How does it affect a man%26#039;s ability to have children?|||The Prostate gland is the pump which pumps urine and semen out of the male organ.

I%26#039;d suggest you ask this question on Web MD or a reliable hospital web site such as Johns Hopkins or the Mayo Clinic.|||it really depends, most prostate cancer occurs in men well after wanting children, are you dating a sixty year old guy…if not I wouldn%26#039;t worry to much, younger men can have prostatitis which is common and doesn%26#039;t affect fertility usually…

This was aired on Jan 24 07 need the details??|||It kills. Get the golden finger test.|||Dear friend, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. The future of the involved person depends on level/stage of the disease at diagnosis time. Most of the times, surgery can cure the problem at early stages.