RPLND Today

[Amy]

Well, we're off to the hospital in a few minutes for my son David's RPLND. Keep him in your prayers! There's some anxiety this morning, but mostly we just want to have this behind us. Thanks for letting me express a little of my own anxiety! I've been really calm until this point, but honestly I know that he's in good hands, and the whole thing is out of my hands. Guess faith plays a big part in that. Anyway, any tips or advice you have about recovery from this would be appreciated.
Thank,
Amy

[Scott]

I imagine the surgery will have been completed successfully by the time you read this, Amy, but -- best wishes today!

A few quick things about recovery... Don't try to eat too soon, and stick to a low-fat diet for a couple weeks. That helps the lymphatic system not get overloaded and reduce the (already low but real) risk of chylous ascites. Use stool softeners. Get up and walk as much as possible.

[Savin16]

Hugs and prayers your way. My brothers RPLND left him in the hospital for a week. They stress getting out of bed the next day and start walking. We did so many laps, they would tell us to take a break. They also wanted to make sure he was able to pass gas before he left. They had him use a stool softner in the beginning. They will slowly have your son start with liquids to shakes to food. Don't get alarmed if he loses weight, of course speak with the Dr. if he does. My brother lost 15 pounds. He gained it right back. So best of luck today and the days to come come. It's a tough road, but hopefully your almost at the end.

[Russell's Mom]

thoughts and prayers

Will be thinking of you both. My only suggestion...if you have questions....ask,ask ask. Sitting with confusion just drains your energy, the energy you could be using to have great conversations of new directions or validating the difficulties that have been overcome. Take care, Russell's Mom, Sharon

[Amy]

Thanks for all the responses about the RPLND. He was finished in about 6 hours and was somewhat alert in the ICU before we left the hospital tonight. Of course there is pain and will probably be much more before it's all over, but the urologist felt that all went well and now I guess we just wait to hear what the pathology report says. Well, today was draining so I'm off to bed so I can be there early in the a.m. Again, I sure do appreciate all your support!
Amy

[Savin16]

Glad to hear things went the way they should. Yep my brothers was 7 hours, 29 lymph nodes removed. And yes lots of pain to follow. Make sure to get him up as soon as they give the go ahead, and it will be painful for you to watch as well. God bless you both, and stay strong. We received some of the path reports within 3 days of his stay, the full report in a week, so keep us posted.

[Amy]

RPLND successful!

The pathology results from David's RPLND showed that although there were no more living cancer cells, there were cells present which could've eventually begun to grow again as a worse form of cancer. The urologist felt that he did the right thing in choosing to have the surgery. I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but in David's case we feel it was necessary. He got home yesterday and seems to be doing well. Lost 15 lbs, but is beginning to get his appetite back and eating well. It was not an easy week, but he improved a little bit everyday, and now seems to be almost back to his normal self. David is really concerned about the nerve damage which the surgeon said is most likely since he previously had chemo. He did sperm banking prior to chemo, but still would ideally like to be able to have kids without having to go that route. Do any of you know much about this? Thanks again for your support and advice,
Amy

[IowaBrian]

Glad to hear that everyone is doing as well as can be expected I am sure David will start to feel better in following days. Many on here have had the surgery and can give sort of their time frame as to the healing. Reference having children as long as everything is still working after he is done healing he can ask the doctor when it will be a good time to see if there is living sperm, if he wants to have the test. Tell him not to worry just worry about getting better right now All I can say is the doctors will tell you what they have seen or read as normal but as you will find out that doesn't mean that is how it will be!!! Heck after all of this everything might just work fine and having children won't be a problem, everyone is different so don't let them get you down. Good luck
Brian

[Russell's Mom]

thanks for the update

Russell's RPLND was on January 29. He is dealing with the same concerns. The doctor was not able to share any statistics to lean on, but said to wait about a year, that some processes may return to normal. Russell's surgery was 7 1/2 hours...I believe my longest day!! No cancer found, but I can't imagine how life would be just wondering what was in there. He did great post-op, now reports that what he thought was ok, is improving even more. It is good to see the smile on his face. It has taken me about the same amount of time to re-coup. I had horrible body aches for about 3 months after his surgery. Found myself competely tense...braced for anything. It is sometimes difficult to stay strong and relaxed at the same time! Take care, get some rest, thanks for the update, Rusell's Mom, Sharon

[dadmo]

Retrograde ejaculation is common after an RPLND, most often it's a temporary situation caused by shock to the nerves. It can sometimes take up to a year for that function to return to normal.

[boyce]

Odd to have same thread topic in 2 diff. threads

Retrograde is common. Also, it is not at all uncommon for tc to cause infertility regardless of retrograde or not post-RPLND. My urologist is confident that kids are out for us, however, we hear wonderful stories every day about tc survivors who are having children the old fashioned way, so keep hope alive!

My RPLND was post chemo and not pretty. I was retro for a month or 2 but since have regained regular function. I have heard it take up to a year or more in some cases for the unaffected nerves to "re-route" and strengthen to regain normal function. Universally, I hear that there is no loss of sensation, and also that there are ways of harvesting sperm even if you are retro.

Personally, I promised not to get greedy. I get to live, I will (God willing) get to be cured someday. Personally I am no longer retro, but probably will get no more kids. All in all, I am one lucky son of a gun. Hope you all get even luckier than me!