My husband will most likely have what is called the robot method for removing the prostate. Cancerous cells are spread within many areas with certain high concentrations. His prostate is also enlarged which makes the seed radiation treatment not very feasible. We have adjusted to this. They feel the prognosis will be good although they mentioned there is a 2% chance it could have entered the lymph nodes. My question here is has anyone been through this experience themselves or with someone close to them and do they have anything to share regarding the recovery?
Honestly, it ruined his life. He has no sex life. The surgery left him completely incapable. The surgeon had convinced him that they would not have an issue staying away from the nerves....but....even with that....
this is cancer is so slow moving that he had a very good chance of dying of old age first anyway. But, he feels he was scared into doing the surgery, and regrets not taking lots of time.
The one who had surgery is an active happy 80 plus. The one who refused surgery is dead. He died about 4 years after diagnosis. The cancer metastasized into his bones and his death was painful as his wife would not let the medical staff give him morphine.
The one who had surgery was given the option of an implanted penile pump, but I have no idea if he got one.
The surgery was rough on him, but the recovery and follow-up radiotherapy not as bad as he'd feared; and as far as I know he is now, four-five years later, alive and well. He was a good, compliant patient and pretty fit for his age (mid-sixties).
The best tip I have for your husband is to join one of the reputable men's forums for prostate cancer. There are several, but you might like to start with the American Cancer Society's one. Because the whole subject is such a sensitive one, tied in with intimacy and identity, I think it helps men to talk to one another in a safe, anonymous space. Certainly I was surprised and impressed with how much my ex seemed to gain from the one he belonged to (https://prostatecanceruk.org - but I expect your husband would prefer a US based conversation).