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I'm in the process of making "the decision" on treatment - I'm considering HIFU, Proton, and RALP.
Cycling is a big part of my life now, and it is important to me that it continues to be do. I don't need to jump back on the bike right after treatment, but I want to know that at some point in the near future post-treatment I will be able to do so - even if it is 6 months or a year down the road.
For this reason I am concerned about the RALP option. Two oncologists I met with, one a RALP surgeon and one a radiation therapist, both had concerns about incontinence and pain on the bike after surgery - not just initially, but long term.
I'd love to hear experiences from any other cyclists out there.
Thanks - this site has been an amazing resource for me - a real blessing actually.
I had RALP surgery a year ago in April (still cancer free BTW!). I had an awesoem surgeon (Dr Jaimie Wong, Jenkins Clinic in Atlanta) and have been able to pleasantly, and easily resume my cycling activities. I was able to begin riding again approximately 50 - 60 days after surgery. I bought a new seat and have been extremely comfortable on my rides. The longest ride I've been on is 45 miles. I ride 20 - 30 miles on weekends with my wife, so we are casual riders, but we ride without pain! I followed my surgeons advice and have absolutely no regrets!
Good luck on your journey!
You will have made an excellent choice with Dr Wong if you choose RALP! Dr Wong is an amazingly skilled surgeon and very personable. I cannot say enough good things about Dr Wong...
I had RALP surgery in January of 2008. I rode the 43 mile "5-Boro Bike Tour" through Manhattan & NYC the first weekend in May of 2008.
I am NOT an "avid cyclist," but I checked with my oncologist/urologist (Ash Tewari) to get his OK, and started getting back in shape as soon as he gave me permission.
Aloha Romy,
Even in the worst outcome, there are solutions. I had EBRT/IMRT and was able to ride on/off for several years, but after delayed radiation damage to soft tissue reared its ugly head 2.4 yrs later, I had to change my bike seat to the one that consists of two pads, one under each butt bone. The others just hurt the pernium area too much. The double seat is harder to control, like don't take your hands off the handle bars. But, it is doable for off road use.
Joe
I also used a seat with a pad for each butt bone and nothing in the middle. Some of the traditional shaped seats with a hole in the middle also work, you will need to try a few to find one that gives no pain or numbness, but it can be done.
My experience with biking may not be as encouraging. I rode a bike 2 months after surgery and I was very uncomfortable for a week after. Difficulty walking and sitting for extended time. 6 months later I started riding again, once a week, after a while I started getting a burning sensation after orgasm. My urologist couldn't explain and the condition continued to worsen. A different urologist thought the cause may be inflammation due to riding a bike. I stopped riding and the pain went away. I was happy with outcome of surgery so I don't want to discourage you but I think different input is important when making this decision.
I think you have had some encouraging answers there.
You might like read Tim Godfrey's story and mail him with any specific quesitons. He is a keen cyclist and took part in the rather strenuous 100km cycle ride around the Cape Peninsula in South Africa two or three weeks ago.
I am no cyclist, but you mentioned protons as a possible treatment option, so I feel obliged to weigh in. I work out(off and on at this point)and play tennis three to seven days a week. There were no restrictions on ANY of my activities before, during or after treatment. At the clinic where I was treated (UFPTI)they encouraged us to join the YMCA and engage in rigorous physical activity.
I have fully documented my progress to date in an ongoing journal; see http://protondon.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions or comments let me know.
Regards Don O.
