My father is currently checking in to a hospital. A couple of months ago, they found out he had prostate cancer, and tomorrow’s the big day.
The prostate will be removed in its entirety. Whilst the operation itself is pretty straightforward, it is still kinda heavy. They basically cut you open from your navel to your, errrr, well you know… And then they remove your guts so as to get to the prostate, which is located all the way down in the pelvis.
As a result, he will have to stay in the hospital for 10 days, and he will have to wear a catheter for a few weeks. Possible side effects include permanent impotence (50% chance) and permanent incontinence (10% chance).
I’m not too worried about the operation itself, although I’m sure my father will be in a lot of pain. But one week after the operation, the results from the analysis of the surrounding tissue and glands will be presented. Only if those are clean, they can say with certainty that they got all of the cancer out.
Best wishes and good thoughts to yourself and ClogDad; I was watching an interesting programme on the latest treatments and outlooks for prostate cancer the other night. I’m sure one of our medical dopers can hunt down the information for you, but it’s all pretty encouraging.
Coldfire, I’ll be thinking of you and your dad, and hoping for the best. Cancer is such a [bleeped word], and especially when it’s affecting your parents, I know.
I’m sure all will be fine. My father-in-law went thru this operation and a follow-on for the incontinence, and he’s doing just fine. I know the impotence thing bugged him, but not near as much as the thought of having cancer.
All my best thoughts to you, your dad, and your family!
Very, very heavy, matey. I just hope the whole gig passes quickly and everyone’s life gets back to normal. Fingers crossed and best wishes to your Dad.
I’m crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes for you and your dad, Coldfire. My father went through the exact same thing about 4 years ago, and he came through with flying colors. (Well, I don’t really want to know if he’s impotent. Somehow, I think that would be an awkward father/daughter conversation.) But you know what I mean.