tennis post prostate removal?

[basil J]

I was curious if any of the older posters here have gone through the removal of their prostate and still play tennis without issue. Shockingly, last 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and now face the daunting procedure of having my prostate removed. I am 51, extremely fit, eat a Gluten free dairy free diet, don't drink or smoke and workout 4-7 times per week. My whole adult life has been about good will, fitness and family. I work hard, play hard and try to look at things with a glass 1/2 full attitude. I have been to 3 docs and the prognosis is the same from all of them. Chemo and radiation is off the table because I don't want bladder issues down the road. Prostate removal, when done at a younger age has a 99% success rate and I am being told that within 8 weeks I will be back to a full work and exercise schedule. I am looking at probably early january for the procedure to take place. If anyone could share their experiences, I would greatly appreciate it. Tennis & skiing are my 2 passions in life outside of my family and my work, and I would hate to have to give them up. One other thing, guys, get your annual Physicals!!!. Last year I had no signs, symptoms or low PSA number and a clean bill of health.
Thanks in advance

 

[ollinger]

Good luck with your illness; personally, I'd have the radiation -- several friends who had it years ago are doing quite well. One friend who didn't now has a bone metastasis and soaring PSA.

Tennis should not be an issue. I often play with two guys who had prostatectomy -- both went to Johns Hopkins where "nerve sparing" technique is said to be particularly good. The surgery should have no impact on playing tennis, once you've healed.

 

[basil J]

Good luck with your illness; personally, I'd have the radiation -- several friends who had it years ago are doing quite well. One friend who didn't now has a bone metastasis and soaring PSA.

Tennis should not be an issue. I often play with two guys who had prostatectomy -- both went to Johns Hopkins where "nerve sparing" technique is said to be particularly good. The surgery should have no impact on playing tennis, once you've healed.

Good to hear that. Radiation is not an option I am considering due to my young age, historically prostate cancer patients can develop bladder infections and or cancer later down the road from the chemo/radiation treatments. The surgeon I am leaning towards works primarily with athletes and has a great track record of keeping nerves intact.

 

[5263]

Good to hear that. Radiation is not an option I am considering due to my young age, historically prostate cancer patients can develop bladder infections and or cancer later down the road from the chemo/radiation treatments. The surgeon I am leaning towards works primarily with athletes and has a great track record of keeping nerves intact.

Is it the same for the "seeding" version?

 

[ssgator80]

I have BPH. My PSA has been elevated but the last test was low. The Doctors want to do TURP, but god I dont want to. I swear I can live with the systoms. I'm 50.

 

[scotus]

Sorry to hear about this. I hope you beat this and enjoy a long happy life.

Best wishes.

 

[basil J]

Sorry to hear about this. I hope you beat this and enjoy a long happy life.
Best wishes.

Thanks. I literally have no symptoms so this was a bit of a surprise. My gleason index is at 6 and I can continue to monitor until it gets to a level 7 but I don't want to wait. I will probably have it removed and be done with it in the early spring. I have a 6 & 9 year ols and I want to be around for them & my wife for a long time forward.

 

[bad_call]

basil - how was the cancer discovered? have "cloudy" psa levels here last checked but that was a while back. age 60 here and not as fit as yourself but try to eat healthy and drink IPA beer. the hops are good.

 

[basil J]

basil - how was the cancer discovered? have "cloudy" psa levels here last checked but that was a while back. age 60 here and not as fit as yourself but try to eat healthy and drink IPA beer. the hops are good.

I had a 12 point biopsie and 2 of the biopsies were at a gleason 6.
I have decided to pursue an active monitoring of it. It is very early stage 1 and at this time I do not see a need to have surgery. I have met with 2 leading oncology authorities in the boston area and the consensus is the same from the both of them.

 

[El Diablo]

Gleason 6 is borderline for "active monitoring" so I assume your PSA is well under 10, the other criterion for active monitoring. Seems like you've gone from your first post in which you'd seen three experts and the consensus was surgery; 9 posts later the consensus is no surgery at this time?

 

[basil J]

Gleason 6 is borderline for "active monitoring" so I assume your PSA is well under 10, the other criterion for active monitoring. Seems like you've gone from your first post in which you'd seen three experts and the consensus was surgery; 9 posts later the consensus is no surgery at this time?

First 3 Docs I saw: were 2-urologists, 1 is a surgeon. Surgery was the direction they were pushing me. Got into see 2 different oncologist's at MGH and Dana Farber this week, and their perspective was a little different. They agreed that surgery was the right treatment but felt that with a PSA at 3.7, that surgery was a little premature. I am going with the recommendation of active surveillance and biannual psa testing with an annual biopsie. I feel alot better about my situation but am realisitic with the possibility that at any time if my status changes, I will have to undego surgery.

 

[Chas Tennis]

Research-

1) Death rates from prostate cancer. Probability of dying from prostate cancer.

2) Autopsy rates for prostate cancer. Autopsy rates vs age for males in general (not related to screening, diagnosis or any health issue)

 

[El Diablo]

^^ autopsies are seldom done any more because of CT and MRI -- people rarely die now without knowing what's going on inside them. But old autopsy data showed a remarkably high percentage of elderly men had prostate cancer they never knew about. Prostate cancer that develops after age 65 tends not to be very aggressive. And prostate cancer remains a source of considerable mortality.

 

[El Diablo]

(lung, colon, and prostate cancer are the most frequent causes of cancer mortality in men)

 

[Chas Tennis]

^^ autopsies are seldom done any more because of CT and MRI -- people rarely die now without knowing what's going on inside them. But old autopsy data showed a remarkably high percentage of elderly men had prostate cancer they never knew about. Prostate cancer that develops after age 65 tends not to be very aggressive. And prostate cancer remains a source of considerable mortality.

I should have qualified - these are simply autopsies of deceased males. Research the numbers.

 

[El Diablo]

^^ Socratic method? Do you have something to contribute here other than homework assignments?

Research-
"pedantic"

 

[ramos77]

my dad passed away from prostate cancer at 61 recently

very agressive type, and unfortunately caught it too late

PSA test was useless

I hope it all works out for you, don't let it get to you.

Best of luck

 

[Seventeen]

All the best mate.

 

[basil J]

Thanks . Much appreciated.

 

[basil J]

So after 5 years of active surveillance, my cancer went from 2 lesions at a Gleason level 6 to my whole prostate saturated with lesions scoring Gleason level 7 & 8 recently. I discovered the spread after my semi annual biopsy in August and was informed by my oncologist that active surveillance was no longer an option and because of the aggressive nature of the cancer, the prostate had to come out. I had it done on Sept 13th and so far my recovery is going well. No pain, except for where the incisions were made for the robotic surgery and those are healing nicely. Never had to take anything stronger than Tylenol. PSA is at 0. All post surgery pathology test show that there was no spread or other cancer found so I hope to be done with this.
The demoralizing and aggravating component of recovery is the leakage of urine throughout the day and having to wear Depends. I can't train till 6 weeks post surgery, so I walk about 2 miles throughout the course of a day and the leaking is under control in the a.m. but by mid day, my bladder fatigues and I go through several Depends by 7:00pm. I am doing PT once a week working on my pelvic floor and ********* muscles and have high hopes that within 6 months I should have things under control. Only time will tell. I was playing some of my best tennis in recent years up until surgery day, and really trained hard prior to surgery with the hopes of a speedier recovery. My singles play has not eroded much over the years and can still play decent 4.0 Ball at 58 when I am in shape, so I hope I bounce back and get back to it by Mid November. if anybody has any experiences with this procedure they care to share, please do. I need to stay optimistic and diligent in my recovery.

 

[Rattler]

Basil J

Nothing but good thoughts and well wishes for you...sounds like you’re are recovering well.

Keep positive

 

[comeback]

Hope you have a speedy recovery...Just curious, have the doctor's said anything about future sexual function?

 

[onehandbh]

Hope you have a speedy recovery...Just curious, have the doctor's said anything about future use of a wood racquet?

Corrected your post to make it more safe for work.

 

[ollinger]

Just curious, have the doctor's said anything about future sexual function?

One doesn't know until one tries. NYU and Johns Hopkins in this part of the world are known for nerve-sparing prostatectomies to preserve "function," yet I know people who've been to both places and some were "preserved" and some were not. Generally, they were all grateful to be rid of the disease. One of them is a tennis player and has no problem.

 

[basil J]

Thanks for the kind wishes. So the surgeon told me that they spared all the nerves and he is confident that within a year I will have equal sexual function as I did pre surgery, which was pretty good.. I think this is the standard talk track the have with all of their patients, but none the less I remain hopeful. I had the surgery done at Brigham & Womens in Boston. He said that the nerves around the prostate resemble a curtain and the tricky part is moving the nerves without damaging them. He said during my procedure they literally slid right out of the way and he was quite happy with the end result. Only time will tell. I start a 3 day a week treatment next week with Cialis and will try to get the wife motivated to start "working out" with me.

 

[basil J]

6 week update. So I started working out again this weekend, primarily working on machines except for dumbbell curls. Going light for the first few sessions. Training in the early morning has been good. Little to no leakage and my strength is quickly coming back. Did smith machine squats second day back and was comfortably squatting 165lbs right out of the gate so I am optimistic. I was squatting 205 lbs with free weight for sets of 10 before the surgery, so I am not too far off. After 3:00 pm the leakage worsens and training at night is more difficult with a little more leakage, but I am staying diligent. Core is still tender, but I am doing hanging leg raises and exercise ball crunches with little discomfort and I should get gradually stronger as time goes on.. I am hitting balls for the first time this upcoming Sunday in the morning and I hope I can stay out o n the court. I'll post for anyone who is interested.

 

[Ramon]

You're saying you had a cancer diagnosis even tough your PSA was low? I have BPH and my PSA ranges from 8-12 but biopsy and MRI were negative for cancer, but of course, the doctors are concerned and monitoring it. I'm on medication to make urination easier, but that's the extent of it. Right now I'm trying baking soda every morning, tomato sauce in my lunch every day, cranberry pomegranate juice, and saw palmetto supplements. Is there anything else I should be taking? Wish you well on your recovery.

 

[comeback]

You're saying you had a cancer diagnosis even tough your PSA was low? I have BPH and my PSA ranges from 8-12 but biopsy and MRI were negative for cancer, but of course, the doctors are concerned and monitoring it. I'm on medication to make urination easier, but that's the extent of it. Right now I'm trying baking soda every morning, tomato sauce in my lunch every day, cranberry pomegranate juice, and saw palmetto supplements. Is there anything else I should be taking? Wish you well on your recovery.

so if you are negative for cancer, what is your problem with "making urination easier"...sounds like enlarged prostate??

 

[Ramon]

so if you are negative for cancer, what is your problem with "making urination easier"...sounds like enlarged prostate??

Yes, that's exactly what it is. I have BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia). That's and enlarged prostate with no cancer, but with a high PSA I'm considered a high risk for cancer.

 

[movdqa]

I just discovered this thread - wow!; you've been on quite a journey. I didn't know that you were in the Boston area. I'm familiar with many aspects of what you've gone through which is why my last tennis hit was fall 2017 - I'm training to get back to tennis eventually. Mass General Hospital and Dana Farber are top cancer centers in the US. Dana Farber is outpatient only and surgeries are done next door at Brigham and Women's Hospital where they have world-class surgeons. I have been giving some thought as to going on Short-Term or Long-Term disability and sometimes consider getting a handicapped plate but I hope to continue making progress. My surgeon said that it can take a year to get back normal function - though many never get it back.

At any rate, it sounds like you're on track for a good recovery, both for tennis and the other stuff.

 

[basil J]

MOVDQA, did you have yours removed? If you have I would be interested in speaking to you off line. I hit balls this morning for the first time and my core was still sore at the incision sites, but its getting better every week. I just drilled forehands and backhands for about 35 minutes My mobility was okay, but i didn't go as hard as I could more out of fear than anything else. Serving was uncomfortable, so I got off the court relatively quickly, satisfied that I was hitting the ball reasonably well. I also went for an Ice skate at public skating today and that was a lot of fun. The more active I am , the better I feel. Duh. I did have some leakage during the skating, but that was at 5:00pm and it was not a big deal.
As far as PSA, mine was never over 6, but PSA levels are a crappy way of measuring the threat of cancer and honestly, if I never agreed to getting biopsies, I would still be in the dark about having cancer. My follow up with my surgeon is on the 12th and I hope to continue to slowly improve. Sexually, I am still non functional even with the Cialis, but the doctor said to expect a good 3- 6 months before I start seeing improvement in that area. Very demoralizing, but I guess better than being dead. I appreciate the kind thoughts and wish anyone else going through this type of ordeal,my best wishes.

 

[movdqa]

MOVDQA, did you have yours removed? If you have I would be interested in speaking to you off line. I hit balls this morning for the first time and my core was still sore at the incision sites, but its getting better every week. I just drilled forehands and backhands for about 35 minutes My mobility was okay, but i didn't go as hard as I could more out of fear than anything else. Serving was uncomfortable, so I got off the court relatively quickly, satisfied that I was hitting the ball reasonably well. I also went for an Ice skate at public skating today and that was a lot of fun. The more active I am , the better I feel. Duh. I did have some leakage during the skating, but that was at 5:00pm and it was not a big deal.
As far as PSA, mine was never over 6, but PSA levels are a crappy way of measuring the threat of cancer and honestly, if I never agreed to getting biopsies, I would still be in the dark about having cancer. My follow up with my surgeon is on the 12th and I hope to continue to slowly improve. Sexually, I am still non functional even with the Cialis, but the doctor said to expect a good 3- 6 months before I start seeing improvement in that area. Very demoralizing, but I guess better than being dead. I appreciate the kind thoughts and wish anyone else going through this type of ordeal,my best wishes.

I had cancer somewhere nearby and an organ was removed and it's challenging living without it. The incision site stuff is another issue. I don't know if there are issues with the underlying muscle or if it's at the skin level. I am not in a hurry as I don't want to wind up with a hernia and have to undergo surgery again. My treatment was a lot more involved and that probably accounts for a much longer recovery.

I hope that things continue going well for you.

 

[basil J]

I wish you a steady and full recovery. I've had a couple of hernias and they suck. take your time and I hope you get back on the courts some day soon.

 

[movdqa]

I wish you a steady and full recovery. I've had a couple of hernias and they suck. take your time and I hope you get back on the courts some day soon.

That's the general impression I get from people who have had them.

I could probably go out on the courts today but I want to get my cardio and strength to a decent level first.

The last video I posted a year ago was with me with a tumor and on chemo and radiation. So if anyone wants to see an example of someone playing with chemo and radiation, it's there in the video thread.

I asked the OP to tag the video.

 

[LoanStar]

basil J, good to hear you are starting to hit balls again. Seeing your post prompted me to register for the forum and comment. I have been on the Pc path since early 2013 when I was first diagnosed. I had no symptoms and it was discovered via a PSA blood test during my annual physical. I was 51 at the time, in great overall health and playing 4.0+ level tennis 2-3x’s a week in addition to other fitness training. PSA was 9.3 and Gleason was 7 (3+4). I underwent a traditional radical prostatectomy (robotic was not as proven as it is now). That was in late-March, by late-May I was back on the court again and within 2-3 months I was playing with my previous frequency, pace and movement. I had moderate incontinence initially but it cleared up within a couple of months (keeping at the Kegel exercises was key). Unfortunately sexual function hasn’t recovered despite various interventions (the nerves in that area are easily traumatized). While the later is disappointing my priorities were to survive, have little or no incontinence and ideally, but lastly, regain function. So far, so good on the first two. Fast forward 3 years and I experienced a recurrence that resulted in 8 weeks of daily radiation treatment. Unlike many who go thru this recurrence protocol my PSA never dropped to an undetectable level so the radiation was not fully successful. The good news is my PSA is very low and increases have been slow and minimal to this point. I’m 57 now and still very fit and active...4.0+ level play, playing 2-3x’s a week (mix of hitting with a pro, men’s drill, singles and doubles matches) and moderate fitness training. All told I’m lucky I discovered this when I did, I’m still good on the incontinence front and I have a positive outlook despite the circumstances (a lot of treatment advances have occurred and many more are in development). Too many men are impacted by this but so few talk about it so I hope this helps and provides some encouragement. Good luck to you!

 

[basil J]

Update on my progress. I'll be 5 months post surgery this Tuesday. Just turned 58. Both my kids are active ski racers , so tennis has been put on the back burner till the end of march. I am back in the gym 4 times a week and skiing every weekend with no issues. I can ski all morning without any leaking issues, but I am still having some issues with leaking, primarily between 3:00-7:00pm, but it is improving little by little every month.can't drink anything with caffeine or any sugar drinks or it rips right through me. I do the Kegel exercises daily, but I think I had more nerve damage than my surgeon led me to believe. The leaking is taking longer than what I expected. Sexual function is still an issue and I just stared using injection therapy this week, so I hope this bring back some intimacy back to my marriage. My wife has been a real trooper through all of this. My doctor told me because I am so active, it will probably take me a full year for the leaking to get under control and that everyone is different so to be patient. I have hit balls a few times in in November and December and felt pretty good on the court, but will hold off on anymore tennis until ski season is over.

 

[LOBALOT]

Good luck to you!!! You are in my prayers!

 

[movdqa]

Update on my progress. I'll be 5 months post surgery this Tuesday. Just turned 58. Both my kids are active ski racers , so tennis has been put on the back burner till the end of march. I am back in the gym 4 times a week and skiing every weekend with no issues. I can ski all morning without any leaking issues, but I am still having some issues with leaking, primarily between 3:00-7:00pm, but it is improving little by little every month.cat drink anything with caffeine or any sugar drinks or it rips right through me. I do the Kegel exercises daily, but I think I had more nerve damage than my surgeon led me to believe. the leaking is taking longer than what I expected. Sexual function is still an issue and I just stared using injection therapy this week, so I hope this bring back some intimacy back to my marriage. My wife has been a real trooper through all of this. My doctor told me because I am so active, it will probably take me a full year for the leaking to get under control and that everyone is different so to be patient. I have hit balls a few times in in November and December and felt pretty good on the court, but will hold off on anymore tennis until ski season is over.

I take it that you're on a surveillance program.

One thing that I've found frustrating is how long the recovery process is. I think that active people are used to injuries but the body bounced back pretty quickly for those.

Best wishes on a full recovery.

 

[LoanStar]

Update on my progress. I'll be 5 months post surgery this Tuesday. Just turned 58. Both my kids are active ski racers , so tennis has been put on the back burner till the end of march. I am back in the gym 4 times a week and skiing every weekend with no issues. I can ski all morning without any leaking issues, but I am still having some issues with leaking, primarily between 3:00-7:00pm, but it is improving little by little every month.cat drink anything with caffeine or any sugar drinks or it rips right through me. I do the Kegel exercises daily, but I think I had more nerve damage than my surgeon led me to believe. the leaking is taking longer than what I expected. Sexual function is still an issue and I just stared using injection therapy this week, so I hope this bring back some intimacy back to my marriage. My wife has been a real trooper through all of this. My doctor told me because I am so active, it will probably take me a full year for the leaking to get under control and that everyone is different so to be patient. I have hit balls a few times in in November and December and felt pretty good on the court, but will hold off on anymore tennis until ski season is over.

Update on my progress. I'll be 5 months post surgery this Tuesday. Just turned 58. Both my kids are active ski racers , so tennis has been put on the back burner till the end of march. I am back in the gym 4 times a week and skiing every weekend with no issues. I can ski all morning without any leaking issues, but I am still having some issues with leaking, primarily between 3:00-7:00pm, but it is improving little by little every month.cat drink anything with caffeine or any sugar drinks or it rips right through me. I do the Kegel exercises daily, but I think I had more nerve damage than my surgeon led me to believe. the leaking is taking longer than what I expected. Sexual function is still an issue and I just stared using injection therapy this week, so I hope this bring back some intimacy back to my marriage. My wife has been a real trooper through all of this. My doctor told me because I am so active, it will probably take me a full year for the leaking to get under control and that everyone is different so to be patient. I have hit balls a few times in in November and December and felt pretty good on the court, but will hold off on anymore tennis until ski season is over.

That you’ve been able to ski so much is good news. Being patient is a big part of the recovery; the leakage is a pain but that will most likely continue to improve. I am a point where I don’t consume any caffeine and never really consumed sugary drinks (juice or soda) for the same reason you’re experiencing. For me it’s water, wine and the occasional vodka martini. Best wishes for continued progress and staying Pc free. That your wife is so supportive is huge. Mine is too.

 

[basil J]

Thanks for the support. I feel like a lot of men suffer in silence due to shame or ignorance. Prostate removal is the most prescribed surgery for men over 50 in the US right now. Its good to be able to vent and listen to the perspective of others who have had to endure as well!

 

[tennishabit]

the word itself's not quite right, prostate:?))).........

 

[sac65849]

B... you are a cancer survivor who is handling your illness with openness grace and a ferocity to be admired. Please continue to live your best life without apology to ANYONE! Thanks for your posts you are an inspiration to all...

 

[basil J]

That is very kind of you to say. This is an ugly disease that needs to be discussed and experiences shared by those who have to suffer with it. The toughest part for me was that, unlike other diseases or illness, I had absolutely no symptoms, so even though i was under active surveillance for years, I never thought I would have to go through anything like this, so early in my life.

 

[dman72]

Everyone needs to be aware of this crap because most men will face some form of it at some point in their lives. My father went through the radiation at 70 and has had low PSAs ever since.

To all of you who have gone through or who are going through it, best of luck.

 

[LOBALOT]

I lost my cousin to it. I miss him dearly. At family gatherings around the holidays we would get together and tell stories and laugh. He was a great guy. He lived his life to fullest and enjoyed every moment of it. He wasn't a tennis player but if it was his sport he would play every moment he could and enjoy the most of it win or lose.

 

[basil J]

Update: 6 month follow up is April 15th. Hope my PSA is still at 0.... leaking has greatly improved. I get to about 5:00pm now without any issue. Evenings I still leak a bit but is much improved form even 2 months ago. probably change the pad 2-3 times a day total, now vs 6-8 times a day 3 months ago.Ski season is over for me this weekend, so I will shift gears to hard gym work outs for about 3 weeks and then I will hit the courts and get back to playing some ball!

 

[Tmano]

Hi basil j,
I came across this post by accident but wanted to wish you and all the guys that had this problem all the best!
It's a illness that can touch anybody unexpectedly and for this reason I hope for a great recovery and a healthy life with family and friends to all effected.

 

[basil J]

13 months post surgery. Things are going okay. I Am playing tennis 3 times a week and almost back to my regular form. I'm about at 85% of where I want to be, but getting better and stronger every month. Started doing hard stationary biking for 30 minutes a day 4 times a week and lifting 2-3 days a week and It had definitively helped my recovery. Still have to wear a pad every day as the leaking is now down to an occasional dribble, and when I play I leak at times, but no where as bad as in June or July. I think my body is adjusting to the sudden movements that tennis demands.It sucks, but I try to stay positive. I hope by spring time I will be able to stop wearing pads altogether. It always there, you know, and it can be demoralizing, but its better than being dead.

 

[movdqa]

13 months post surgery. Things are going okay. I Am playing tennis 3 times a week and almost back to my regular form. I'm about at 85% of where I want to be, but getting better and stronger every month. Started doing hard stationary biking for 30 minutes a day 4 times a week and lifting 2-3 days a week and It had definitively helped my recovery. Still have to wear a pad every day as the leaking is now down to an occasional dribble, and when I play I leak at times, but no where as bad as in June or July. I think my body is adjusting to the sudden movements that tennis demands.It sucks, but I try to stay positive. I hope by spring time I will be able to stop wearing pads altogether. It always there, you know, and it can be demoralizing, but its better than being dead.

Great to hear. Recovering from treatment is definitely long-term stuff.

 

[buenafe]

basil J I know this is an old post. I came here since I just had mine removed about a month ago. I'm anxious to get back. I am curious to know if you're able to play tennis now (7 years later) without wearing pads and leaking.