TexasCHLforum.com

This is Shirley, reporting for Larry:

OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED, PRAISE GOD!!!

Larry is now home, and he has a great prognosis.

They are confident that they got ALL of the cancer! The Dr. said that it was localized to one small area within the prostate, and his machine cut it all out. They were able to save all of the nerves and vessels and muscles, with minimal damage to surrounding tissues and did not have to take any lymph nodes. This means that there is every reason to expect him to return completely to normal (whatever that is ) within 6 - 18 months.

HOOOORAAAAYYY!!!!

He has some residual numbness in his right hand. Has anyone had any experience with that after surgery? Does the hand heal? Initially, he thought that the wrapping holding the IV was restricting circulation, but since it is still tingling almost 24 hours later, we're concerned it might be nerve damage from the IV needle or surgery. That's his shootin' hand, guys, so we want that to come back completely. If there's a prayer request left, it would be for healing of the right hand back to normal and that he will continue the healing process back to normal function.

Thank you so much for your prayers. God answered them in abundance, as Larry has no pain right now and is resting comfortably in the twin bed that we put in our Den for him to sleep on, so he doesn't have to go up and down the stairs right away. He will do that tomorrow or the next day, when he wants to take a shower. The little puppy dogs are keeping him company on the bed, as they just love to curl up next to his legs and sleep with him.

We got no sleep in the hospital that night , so last night was a Hot Chocolate night and early to sleep , giving God all the glory for His mercy and grace and healing. Moreover, we praise God for all of our friends and family, who have prayed for us during this time. This wonderful outcome is proof that God really does answer prayers.

That's great news. Thanks for the update. I don't have any input on the numbness, but will continue to pray for a complete recovery.

Thanks for letting us know Shirley and thank you Father for this wonderful news!

Chas.

Praise The Lord! Thank you for keeping us updated and we will continue to pray.
Carl

Thank you Lord for that report.

Thank you Jesus for Larry's successful surgery.

I had the same surgery Sept 4 and once the catheter was out it was smooth sailing after that. I don't remember any numbness in my arms I would consult the doctor about that. Did they take a lymph node or two for biopsy? I'm glad to hear they were able to spare all the nerves. Once the catheter is out it is very important to do the exercises to strengthen the bladder sphincter and prevent incontinence.

Please feel free to contact me if you need some "been there done that" advise.

Morris Jones (MoJo)

I had that surgery and did not experience any numbness; I would ask the doctor about it but chances are it is just one of those many little things that can show up after surgery and it will shortly go away.

I would second the post above to do the exercises after the catheter is out. For awhile it can seem like they are doing no good but the cumulative effect takes hold after while.
As I said in the previous thread, Larry (or you) are welcome to PM me if you would like to discuss any prostate surgery related experiences. My surgery took place in February 2008, so I am coming up on the two year mark.

Praise to our wonderful Father!!!!

Fantastic news!

As I have said before, the prayers from this forum are very strong. My prayers continue for Larry and his speedy recovery.

Ain't God good?! Praise the Lord for his answered prayer in Larry's life. Thanks for the update. We continue to pray for complete healing and return to normalcy.

Hooyah!

Thanks, y'all. I believe the numbness/tingling was just transient nerve trauma, because the hand feels normal now.

Shirley talked to one of the floor nurses yesterday, as we were getting ready to check out. Her advice was to keep the catheter fourteen days, to give the nerves, etc., more time to recover before relying on the sphincter to do its job.

I had my prostate removed in 1997 for CA. Catheter was left in for 30 days and all was normal when removed. I have had no recurrence since and live a normal life now. Good luck to him as well.

Great outcome!!! Wishes for a continued recovery.

Great news. Will pray for a full recovery.

Thanks again, friends, most of whom I have only met on these pages.

We were back in the emergency room Friday night, because I was running a 102.5 fever.

Urinary tract infection due to the catheter, so it's already out, and I'm on levaquin for ten days.

Otherwise, the only negative thing is that my appetite isn't back. I've lost about twelve pounds so far and still don't appear to have bottomed out.

Planning to stay home from work this week, also, to give the lower GI tract time to recover from drugs and trauma.