Thank you for discussing your personal journey. I am two days post surgery and appreciate RU-vid videos. I was very similar to your age and Gleason score. You explained yourself very well with possible health hurdles. I might experience. Thanks again.
Thanks Russ, I had radical prostatectomy 2 months ago. Your 3 year popped up about 2 weeks prior to surgery, all your videos have been a great help. GOD bless and many prayers for continued recovery!! Brad Sampson
Hey Russ, It was great to see you again! A year ago at this time I was full of angst about my upcoming surgery. You were one of the first prostate journeys I found on You Tube. You helped me so much! Thanks for your honesty and candor. I appreciate knowing that even 3 years out, you're still using a shield. That helps me set expectations for my own journey. Glad you're doing so well. Take care and God bless.
Russ, I wanted to take a moment and share with you that your posts on prostate surgery recovery were absolutely my ray of light I relied upon during my recovery. like you, I was very incontinent immediately after surgery for the first several weeks. Your 5-1/2 week update was tremendously helpful, encouraging and gave me hope that I would be continent some day. I’m at 7 months post surgery and like you, I’m 99% continent and use a single small shield each day more for insurance than need. Thank you again for sharing your personal recovery journey, they helped me more than you will ever know!
Russ, thank you for your testimony. I am 58 and my annual physical revealed a PSA of 7.2. several weeks ago I had an MRI that revealed two spots on my prostate. I have a fusion biopsy scheduled for April 4th. Needles to say I am anxious. Your videos have encouraged me and given me hope. Also and most important, I know you are a Brother in Christ! I am believing for complete healing in Jesus'name and laying all this at His feet So thank you again. And may God continue to shine His face upon you, protect you and your family, and give you peace.
Blessings to you my brother in Christ! I pray as you start this journey that you will have a peace that passes all understanding. I am so glad to be able to share my journey and know how it has helped countless men over the years. Blessings!
Hi, I’ve just had a radical prostatectomy, in my 5th day post-op, recovering well, so much to learn as it’s early days but Russ’s videos are a lifesaver, hi from New Zealand
I'm Gleason 6, low grade cancer, PSA @ 8.9. Currently on Active Surveillance. Age 62.5. My Urologist has had his scaple ready since my biosopy 9 months ago. Additionally, 5 years cancer free after stage 4 colon cancer. I'm been plant based since 2016 and in very good condition. I'm about 75% on having the surgery. FYI, you are the only person that has had the surgery and as for as I can tell, being really honest about what to expect post surgery. It appears that surgery may be the best of all options for early detection. Thanks for put your life experiences out here for myself and other to make informed decisions. Cheers!
Is 2024 right now. What have you done regarding your prostate cancer can you please tell me. I have Gleason 3 + 4 equals 7 and I really want to do active surveillance but I have five cores out of 10 which isn't too good I know. Very curious to see what treatments you went through. Tell me anything you can thank you.
Glad to see you back and doing well. I’m 53 and two years and one month out. Everything is pretty much back to normal…around 90%. However, it’s encouraging to learn there can still be improvements after two years. Thanks so much for posting. Your videos are a confidence booster.
Thank you, Russ. Your videos are very encouraging. I’m 55. 9 months out. +95% continence. Sexual function is not great. I know everyone’s experiences are unique. I really appreciate you sharing yours. I’ll remain hopeful for continued healing.
Hi Russ….Circling Back here and sharing some of my progress for you and your viewers….I’m now +16 months post prostatectomy. It was hard for me to believe that healing and function would continue…but I’m still seeing improvement. Incontinence is +98%…only need to pay attention when laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting….I haven’t worn a pad in months…and…surprisingly, sexual function is slowly returning. I thought that part of life was over, but maybe not..I’ll remain hopeful. I know so many are battling difficult circumstances with their PC….God bless you all, none of it is easy or fun…
Great videos. I've watched all your updates and really have given me hope. I'm only 4 weeks post op but thanks to you looking forward to the future. Thank you again.
Have watched all of your videos. They have been AWSOME. Have a friend who is going to have it. Afraid to show him your first ones so not to scare him. I hope he does as well as you have. It was so very hard for him to make this decision and he is scared at this point prior to the surgery.
Thanks for your videos and sharing your story. I watched all of your stories as I was progressing from my surgery back in January and they were a great aid in my recovery process. I'm 62 now and have been very active training for and competing in Ironman competitions. I was required to take a month off of training post surgery, but eased back into it. I was very fortunate to only have some drips up to maybe six weeks, the last being when straining lifting weights. Erections are slowly building but not firm enough yet without trimix injections. I shied away from Viagra because it tanks my blood pressure for a day or so and I can't exercise. You are a true leader of people. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations on your recovery and especially on your positive attitude. You hold out hope for others. I watched you before my op on 8 June 2021 and you helped me. Thank you. One thing. Pumps and penile length recovery after prostatectomy have some positive outcome medical studies.
Thanks Russ for these vids. I had my prostatectomy done eleven days ago. The total lack of continence is horrible but after recently finding and watching your vids well it’s given me hope.
Thanks so very much for sharing your journey. I am a year and a half into my post op journey and am about where you were at this time. I firmly believe proper diet and exercise helps in the recovery of body functions. Again, thank you and God bless you and family.
Your info are great! Your videos are different from many others because yours are pure helpful information and hence are not biased and never mention the name of your doctor or hospital, while numerous other videos can be perceived as promotions for a doctor or a hospital. Thank you!
Thank you for all of the videos that you have made. I found your videos just before I had my Prostatectomy and they have helped me so much. I am 2 years 3 months post surgery and the only leakage that I have is stress leakage if I pick up something heavy. My sexual function is still not totally back and the pills have not worked for me, so I use trimix. Keep up the good work of encouragement. It helps to know that we are not alone in our journey. God Bless You!
Thank you for that. Just saw your first video and now this. Just about to give the go ahead for my Prostatectomy. It's reassured me with respect to sexual function and incontinence though we're not all the same I know. But this is appreciated and all my very best to you.
Wow you look great bro, and nice to see you again. I m from London i watched all your videos. i did my prostate surgery 2 and 4 month ago. I m doing very well. my PSA 0.0.1.thanks lots for your advice.my next PSA check is in April. I went thru all the things happed to you. Thank you and God bless.
Thank you so much for sharing, I’m in day 5 post-op and recovering well, I find your videos very helpful and practical, much appreciated, hi from New Zealand
Thank u for your videos. I am gearing towards having this procedure as I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer a few months ago. I’m nervous about it all and having to have a catheter in me which I’ve never had for that amount of days. My 68th birthday was the end of August and I received the awful news my biopsy confirmed the cancer. I will have Dr. Wagner do my procedure. Every year I’ve always had my prostate exam and PSA checked. This year my numbers doubled and one thing led to another. You have inspired me to get mentally strong to go through this surgery. Sad thing is I’m single so I’ll be doing things alone maybe call a friend to help me or my sis when needed. Thank u again for your positive videos.
Russ - just want to say Thank you for your wisdom and guidance during this troubled time for me. You're videos are very reassuring and consoling. I am 57, live in New Zealand, and am 7 weeks post op. The journey has been like a terrible roller coaster ride. One day up and the next down. I have had my first PSA reading and it was undetectable and I was over the moon! I then received a letter from my doctor saying that I have a "high risk of recurrence" so I am now in the process of working through the 3 monthly PSA tests with dread and anxiety. If my PSA goes up I am not sure what that means to my chances of survival. My research shows that I have at least 5 years, so upward and onward. You videos have had a real impact on me and again God bless and Thank you. You are a kind soul!
Blessings right back at you. So inspirational, exactly what i needed to see. About to go see today surgeon to get a date to do exactly what you had done 3 years ago. ✌️
Thank you for the update. I just had year one. You are very encouraging. I just started the shield, moving from the pads. I started an exercise program just to get back in shape after that surgery and COVID lockdown. I am progressing similarly to what you described. But I thank you for your testament. I find few that want to talk about it, or that are as open as you and I are. So once again, Thank you!
My friend Russ, I continue to watch your videos, they have become such an important part of my healing. It will be one year April 7th and I`m doing fine. Its amazing how our journey down this path has mirrored one another. Because of that I continue to compare the progress we have both made. That in it self would be all the reason a man would need to follow along, but as the body heals the mind sometimes lags a little behind. I truly have been strengthened by your matter of fact courage to let the world know every aspect of your recovery. I have found a large number of men going through the same difficult process. I have told them about your remarkable videos and encouraged them to not be fearful of what they will face. My strength in being honest, direct and to trust God has been a gift from following you. I look forward to any new post you might send out, their value surpasses anything I have tried to educate myself on from all the other sources I have uncovered. You are real, you show how we should be real, there is a honesty about your post that gives hope. As Christian men I think we sometimes wonder what Gods plan for our lives might be, a drummer in a church service would make anybody pleased they are serving the Lord, I know I would be honored to carry that importance, but you have measured up to a much higher calling than even that. All that comes to mind is "well done my good and faithful servant". Its hard to see the impact you have made on someones life in just a moments worth of words, so as I have become a little long here I wanted you to see through 20/20 eyes the impact you have made on this mans life,,,,, I have been blessed, both in watching your recovery and also in seeing Gods work from a humble man. On a more personal note I turned 72 in Feb, I did have to return this last Jan. for triple hernia repair which also has gone very well. My wife and I celebrated our 50th anniversary this Dec and I love her more today than the day we met. She is my workout partner as well as my life coach. She was the best caregiver a man could ask for and has supported me with love through this whole ordeal, again I am a blessed man.. I just wanted to share with you that without good counsel from people like you, there are so many people who you have encouraged and fortified with your truthful approach that stand behind the men going through this procedure. My wife thanks you for everything you have given us, I pray for Gods continued blessing in you and your families life. You are a friend.
I am humbled by your comments. I simply shared my experience and the amount of hope the videos have brought to men and their families is remarkable. Blessings to you!
Hi Russ, just stumbled across your vids. I’m 55 yr old and will soon be having the surgery in MA. The videos are so helpful and they eased my mind a little. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your journey, so I can prepare for mine. God Bless 🙏 Good Luck to all that have had it or about to have it!
Hi Franco, join the club🤣, Just had my 4 yr blood test and psa undetectable! Healing is slow so hang in there, I think you made the right decision, Blessings!
Praise the Lord and thank you for sharing. You've been a tremendous help. I'm almost 5 months out and steady progressing. Starting physical therapy tomorrow. Your videos helped me understand that is is a process and not to rush it. God bless and keep the faith!
May I add , if your prostate is not cancerous avoid expensive prostate operation . You will lose your erection . If you can not urinate and your bladder seems to explode don't worry insert a catheter and you will urinate right away and you can engage in sexual act immediately. If your prostate is removed erection is not possible for many months or even years . Avoid foods that trigger prostate inflammations . Don't skip maintenance medicine
So glad to hear the videos were helpful. Healing is slow but will come. The support from a loving wife was a big part of the process for me. God bless!
My friend Russ, I first saw your videos 3 months before I had my surgery which was April 7th 2021. I have followed you ever since. From the beginning I felt you were a Christian man, a brother in the Lord, which was very important to me. God has blessed you with courage and strength as well as a remarkable charm that makes your comments so comforting. I am 71 and was under active surveillance for 4 years. When my gleason score hit 7 it was time to make a decision on my next step. Your videos were not only informative but so helpful in knowing what to expect that the decision was not difficult. The surgery went very well with only a few bumps. My recovery up to this date has been "ahead of the curve" as my Dr. has put it. Bladder wise I am almost back to normal, very similar to what you went through. At 71 I was having slight problems wit leakage before the surgery, so this has not been a big problem to cope with. My "ED" has also followed the same path as you have traveled, but like you I have a loving and understanding wife of 50 years that is just happy I am here with her. I`m looking forward to many more years of happiness and joy with her and this surgery has been a blessing to both of us. I wish I could put into words how much I admire your willingness to put yourself in the public eye and share your story, many many times I have revisited your videos to give me strength and to encourage me when I needed a calm voice to help me move forward. I believe God has used you in a most important role, you have been a blessing to me and my wife as well as my 3 children and 9 grandchildren. They needed me to be strong through all this and you really provided much of that strength. By the way my PSA 2 weeks ago was " no detectable cancer" I thank God every day for those 3 words and I thank God for you. May God continually bless you and your family with wonderful health. P.S. you are the spitting image of my younger brother who I lost 2 years ago to lung cancer, watching you has been like sitting with my brother Ray and having him reassure me that it will be all right, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Blessings to you Charlie! Had tears in my eyes reading your comment. So we have two things in common, brothers in Christ and this surgery. All the best to you!
I read some of your comment sections below and I feel the same too, I've had the prostate biopsy. That being said I was just trying to school myself on the Gleason report questions to ask! I go in in the morning to find my results, thank you for telling your story I subscribed and watched all your videos for as much insight as I can get I'm hoping for the best but wanting to know questions ECT I thought I was taking this better but I guess I'm not that's me being open wish me luck oh yeah thank you again.
I’m prepping mentally and physically for the operation and wanted to say thanks for the hope and encouragement. I suspect it will be tough but that’s Life. I’m your age so I’m hoping to figure it out as I go along. Thanks for the insight and God Bless. 🙂👍
Thanks for all your videos Russ! I am 3 weeks post surgery (age 66) and dealing with leaking. I was in great shape leading up to surgery and anxious to return to my workouts at 6 weeks or so. Glad to hear that may help with issues going forward. I have doubled down on Kegels. Your patience and perspective have helped me manage my expectations and motivated me to push on.
Update - (age 67) I am just past the 5 month mark since my RP. 99% continent but still full on ED. My PSA is undetectable so far. I will continue my kegels going forward but did reduce to 1/day from 3/day after 3 months. I recommend monitoring your leakage using the 24 hr pad test method. That gives you feedback and encouragement to continue your kegels.
Great to hear . So glad you’re doing well . I’ve had the procedure and am about 10 weeks out . I did have the nerve sparing surgery but still cannot get a hard on yet . I know I have a long way to go I’m doing really well on continence,I believe because of doing kegels. I try to walk a lot too. I still have a few more weeks till I have my first PSA test since surgery. Kinda anxious since they said the cancer was starting to spread to the neck of the bladder . But overall I’m doing really good except for the sex . I know it will come eventually. I’m really glad I watched your videos as it helped me make the decision to do the robotic surgery. I recommend it to everyone also . Really a great non evasive surgery. God bless you and I hope you continue to be cancer free . I’m praying for a 0 PSA test in about two weeks and I will have a big weight lifted off my shoulders. Thanks again my friend for sharing I’m sure you have helped a lot of others with your videos . You sure did me . I appreciate you very much . God bless you .
Thank you so much for your videos. I just returned home from my prostate surgery a few hours ago. I'm sore but very hopeful for my health. I was really frightened before going in for surgery after spending a lot of ill advised internet searching. So many horror stories and people wishing the had just let the cancer kill them. Your videos changed my terror into hope and determination to get through this. Thank you again for all the positive encouragement.
Thank you so much for the videos. They are so helpful and informative. My husband has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The PSA numbers kept going up. When it reached 6, his doctor suggested a biopsy. The Gleason score was 3+4=7. We just recently had a consult with a radiation oncologist. My husband wants surgery. He was already leaning towards a surgery and your videos have helped alleviate some of his concerns. Thank you so much. I hope you are doing well.
What a beautiful man. Thank you for sharing your journey I know it help so many men who are going through this or about to. God bless you. I am a physician and so appreciate your support for others.
Thank you for the updates as you have progressed. I just finished watching your 6-day post op video. It good to hear from an actual patient. I am on my 7th day post op. and had the very same surgery. My urine bag is functioning very well, comes out Friday. Today is a Tuesday so it will be 10 days as well. I have discomfort at the tip of the penis where the tube enters my body and I experience a faint yellowish pus discharge on and off. I was concern about it, but I am not running any fever and the redness has subsided, but the discomfort remains. All in all, I am doing well. I have bruising in one area on my lower abdomen. Not sure if you still are on RU-vid but it was a blessing to come upon your posts. Thank you, Jim in Tucson
I am still on RU-vid and plan one more update now that I’m just over four years post. Hope and pray for complete healing, sounds like you are progressing just like I did in the initial phase. All the best to you and take it slow, it will take time. Blessings!
My husband is scheduled for a radical prostatectomy this week. Your videos have put both of us at ease. Thank you for sharing your story and helping to answer questions that is typically considered "taboo". You are an inspiration! And we like your Jeff Gordon poster in your office. My husband has the same one in his 😁
One of my favorite posters, Your husband has good taste! I’m always happy to know the videos are a blessing to those undergoing this procedure. All the best to him and prayers for 100% recovery, Blessings!
I have watched all your videos before my surgery. I am 7 months in after surgery, your videos really help me and calm me down, now I know what to expect. Thank you and God bless you
God bless you Russ. Very happy for you that you are doing great! My husband just had a radical prostatectomy yesterday. He probably won’t have an as good outcome but we will try our best to make lemonade. He also did a gene test due to his family history, we will know in a few weeks if our children will be high risk or not. I would suggest others to do so if you have children. Early intervention is key. My husband got the aggressive kind, it grew quickly and had Gleason score 9. Best wishes to all!
I have a Gleason score of 7. I have a history of bladder cancer with a turb procedure done 3 years ago. I am leaning to a radical proctectomy . I'm 67 years old and just want the "beast " as I call it out of me. You're videos are very helpful since I no longer think that I'm the only one with this problem. I've reviewed a lot of good info from You Tube and thankyou for putting yourself out there.
@drummeruss Just happened to come upon your videos and I am very grateful for these! I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last month (Gleason Score 7 (4+3), Grade Group 3, Intermediate risk unfavorable) and have chosen to undergo a prostatectomy the first week of February. Appreciated the sharing of your experiences and it helped me to know what I may possibly go through. Continued blessings to you, your wife, and family!
Good morning Byron. I came across your response and was moved to write hoping I could encourage you as well . It`s remarkable how much information and strength can be absorbed from Russ. I will celebrate my 1 year since I had my prostate removed and "everything Russ has spoke about is exactly the way my progress has been. I turned 72 in Feb and I feel wonderful. I still leak a little but like Russ has informed us if you don`t do the kegels you will notice it. I think I started feeling a little comfortable with where I was and didn`t do them like I should, I am now!!. As for being intimate with my wife , we are enjoying each other as much as ever. What seemed like and really is a very scary situation has been taken care of by prudence, patience, and trust, not only in your Dr and family but gratefully in God.. My life has returned to a normal routine and with Gods help I pray it stays there. I hope and pray for your recovery as well.
I just watched your journey. I am the woman of a man that is going to have this surgery in 3 weeks. He is at early stage and decided he wants the surgery. Thank you for your honesty and attitude about the whole process. We know what will happen and what the healing process looks like but it’s always nice to hear out of the horses mouth so to say. Again, thank you for posting your journey and God bless.
Hello Russ, This is my second time writing you. I am a 69 year old man living in Oregon. Thank you for responding the first time. I am a brother in the Lord also. Today, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 I am 14 days post op from a robotic RP. I have followed all of your videos. When my catheter was removed last Thursday I was leaking like a sieve and continue to leak the same. Initially I was pretty discouraged, but after listening to your videos again today I am trying to be patient and let the healing continue. I know that this is a process(as my loving wife continues to tell me). I thank you for all of your videos and the hope they give to all of us out here. Looking forward to the 5 week mark. Michael Swanson
I never thought the leaking was going to stop, scared me big time! Then around that 6 week mark the Leaking slowed and in a short time I was able to control it. I pray you too will heal as I did. Blessings brother!
Hi, how strange, although your post was 2 years ago, it popped up on my YT alerts today !! I am now 3 years and 1 month post op (Davinci RP) I watched all your posts at the time before my op and they were a huge benefit in having a relaxed (as far as possible :-) ) approach to my op. My OP was no problems, I was out and home in 24 hours, it did take me 6 months to regain former fitness, but wifey ensured I took lots of care. I am 72.5 today, and in great health, 99.9% dry, only occasionally need a pad (if I am going out to dinner as a precaution) I am also very fortunate that I do not require medication to perform (even at my age this is good) PSA is undetectable and I am now down to 1 visit per year to my surgeon. Good to hear you are retired and still enjoying life. Best wishes to you and all your subscribers/viewers A little update would be great (wink)
@WallaceDunn Hi, thanks for asking. I'm 5 months and 2 weeks post surgery. The incontinence is all but past. I still have a few issues with occasional stress incontinence, but I usually can prepare for it and prevent it. So in that respect, I guess I've achieved total countenance. My PT is the best. She had me doing a regiment of Kegels 2 months prior to surgery, and I've never actually lost control other than a dribble here and there. Nothing that a Shield can't hide. The ED is a different story altogether. I lost the complete right side of the nerves, but the left side was left intact. Erections still haven't returned, even with cialis. I have heard that the recovery can take up to 18 months, so I guess there is still time for that. All in all, I'm blessed to have the good health that I possess. Again, thanks for asking, and I hope you are doing well also. Oh, the PSA is < 0.014, so that's good news also. Take care.
Thank you so much for your honesty and guidance. My husband has found peace by watching your videos and we watch your videos together to know what to expect. His surgery was only 5 days ago. Glad you’re doing well.
Hey mate, my wife and I have to thank you so much for sharing your journey and being so honest and open about your prostate cancer surgery and recovery, I am 62 and personally booked in for prostate surgery 10th june 2022 and found your posts on your journey so helpful and insightful into what to expect, I understand everyone has different journeys and time frames on their own recovery, but you have given me so much more positve vibes and it's so good to hear from someone who has experienced it 1st hand, i have a few mates who have come out the other side and done well and the medical staff help with their support etc, but your videos have helped us so much! Thanks for taking the time to help other familys and sharing all your experiences along the way. great work from an appreciative guy from Down Under, hope your still doing well, Cheers.
So glad to know the videos were helpful to you, still doing well here, PSA undetectable and incontinence and sexual function healed 100%. Even though they say healing takes place for a couple of years I experienced continued healing in those areas right up to the four year mark. Hope and pray all goes well for you and remember be patient with the healing process. Blessings!
Thank you for making all of these videos. They’re so helpful! I go in July 11, 2022. Yes, I’m scared! I’m 69, I caught this early, cancer is contained inside the margins of the prostate. An extensive bone scan has confirmed this. With me luck! I’m scared!
