Vol. 6, No.2

Summer/Fall 2007

 

Jerry Bylander, Editor  jerryby@cableone.net

FEATURE ARTICLES

The Director's Column

 


A little discussed problem prostate cancer survivors have is a shrinking penis.  This result is probably because we have no erection.  It is a problem because when we urinate sitting down, the stream can go under the seat and across the floor.  I have a friend who solved this problem by installing a curved aluminum shield on the bottom lid.  Another solution for this problem is the regular use of a vacuum device.  Such use is rather cludgy and I have resorted to trying stretching regularly.  It seems to help.

I am attaching an article I found in News Max Health which amplifies my concerns above.

Post Prostate Surgery Advice — Use It or Lose It

Erectile dysfunction after surgery to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy) has traditionally been attributed to nerve damage that theoretically should heal over time.  But it can take as long as two years for the nerves to recover enough for a man to have an erection without the aid of drugs or devices.  By that time, other damage may have occurred, according to an article in the latest issue of Perspectives on Prostate Disease.

The Harvard Medical School bulletin notes that when the penis is flaccid for long periods of time, it is deprived of a lot of oxygen-rich blood.  Recent research suggests that this low oxygen level causes some muscle cells in the penis's erectile tissue to lose their flexibility.  The tissue gradually becomes more like scar tissue, interfering with the penis' ability to expand when it's filled with blood.

Therefore, the traditional advice given to men — to wait for erectile function to return on its own — may not be adequate.  Simply put, erections seem to work on a use-it-or-lose-it basis.

To prevent the secondary damage that may occur if the penis goes too long without erections, researchers now think it's better to restore erectile function soon after prostate removal.  Treatment options include using a vacuum pump device or taking erectile dysfunction drugs by mouth or by injection into the penis.

According to Dr. Marc Garnick, editor in chief of Perspectives on Prostate Disease and a Harvard oncologist, "Although the evidence supporting this ‘penile rehabilitation' isn't perfect, you may want to ask your doctor about the options.  Such early intervention may help increase the odds that you will regain erectile function."

Have a nice summer!  Jerry Bylander


    

Back to Top

Next Meeting

 


SPEAKER
:  Dr. Jerry Bylander, USToo! Managing Director

Date:  Tuesday, Sept 18, 2007
  Time:  6:30 pm - Social & Coffee  7:00 pm - Program
Location:
  Classroom 1,  Wilson N. Jones, 500 N. Highland, Sherman, Texas

TOPIC:  Dr. Bylander will have just returned from a US Army-sponsored trip to Atlanta to learn the latest treatments for prostate cancer.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Dr. Bylander is a ten year survivor of still-growing prostate cancer.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:   The program will cover the various aspects of Army Medical Corps-sponsored PC research.

New Meeting Plans:  We plan to continue our telephone tree to help get the word out.  We will ask those who want us to continue meeting, to take some names and call before the next meeting.  Please send us names and phone numbers of interested men!

As always the group does not recommend any particular treatment, therapy, physician, or hospital. US Too! Sherman is a prostate cancer group formed for the purpose of sharing information, education, and mutual support.

 

Back to Top

Last Meeting

 


SPEAKER
:  Dr. Larry Barker, MD

Date:  Tuesday, May 15, 2007
  Time:  6:30 pm - Social & Coffee  7:00 pm - Program
Location:
  Classroom 1,  Wilson N. Jones, 500 N. Highland, Sherman, Texas

TOPIC:   Dr. Barker brought us up to date on the available treatments for failed therapies for growing prostate cancer.  He also answered numerous questions from our members, and also consulted with individuals.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Barker is a local oncologist and has spoken to our group several times.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:   The program covered the available radiation and chemo therapies for failed ADT treatments among others.

 

Back to Top

Other Important Events

 


Your organization's meetings listed here.  Contact the Editor at jerryby@cableone.net .

Back to Top

Editor's Notes

 


Material posted here is intended for educational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for informed medical advice from your own physician.

 Jerry Bylander, Editor

Back to Top