I went to get a physical (first one in a long time) at the age of 35. Because of family history of Prostate Cancer with my Grandfather and Father (both treated successfully with surgery), I asked to have my PSA taken. The doctor also performed a DRE at the time of the visit which was normal.

The results came back with a PSA of 3.8. First biopsy came back with 1 of 12 cores having high grade PIN. My PSA continued to rise and in April of 2011 I had another biopsy that came back with 1 of 24 cores with PCa Gleason 6. Bad news, I had cancer, Good news, we caught it extremely early.

After research, I was fairly certain that surgery was my best option at my age. I interviewed a few doctors and chose a doctor that had done the RALP on an older cousin of mine. I had my RALP done in September of 2011 and was in the hospital less than 24 hrs. The next week was long with the catheter but I made it.

I was coaching 3 soccer teams for my sons (maybe a bit ambitious at the time). I had incontinence issues during practice and games because of all of the yelling. I started going to a physical therapist who did wonders with me. Within a month I was pad free except for soccer. It is now 7 months post op and I have had 2 non-detectable PSA tests and I am back to 98%. I have been exercising 3-4 times a week and feel great. I took cialis for about 6 weeks and am off completely with great results. Just started soccer practice up again and no pads but slight leaks during intense games. Guess I need to keep working on the kegels.

I was nervous, anxious and scared. Thanks to God, my wife and family, I made it through wonderfully. I know that I couldn't say it before, during, or just after the fact, but I almost feel like it was a piece of cake. I feel very blessed and pray for every man that has to deal with this in their lifetime.

I have been so blessed. My heart goes out to anyone who has had to face this or any other form of cancer. I can honestly say that God has walked me through this journey that is, for the most part, a fleeting thought in the back of my mind. I was diagnosed a little over 3 years ago and treated almost 2 years ago. Today, I am leading a very normal, happy, productive life. I feel that my age was my biggest benefit in this, but obviously finding it early and having options was key. I don't have any issues with ED. I just have to remind myself not to let my bladder get too full, especially when drinking beer. I thank God and my family along with all of the countless others who have prayed for me. I hope to do the same and even more for cancer patients and survivors in the future.

I feel very blessed that we caught it as early as we did. Even though I was only 36 when diagnosed, I feel that my health, state of mind, outlook and faith have made this something that I rarely even think about. I continue to get my PSA checked and happily receive the same results each time. I share my story as often as possible and encourage guys to be proactive.

Just at about my 5 year anniversary from my surgery. I feel extremely blessed to say that it is a mere fleeting thought in my day-to-day life. All is well. T&P to anyone affected and I wish everyone's journey could be as successful as mine.

My health has not been adversely affected due to my diagnosis or treatment. I don't have any issues with ED. Just hit 7 years and all is good.

I am just a few months shy of 10 years being cancer free. I had my PSA checked a few months back and still undetectible. I feel thankful and blessed that my journey was what it was. I have had little to no side affects since my surgery. The only issue I have had is minor incontinence issues when I drink alcohol.

It has been more than 10 years since I was treated. I am very grateful for the doctors that provided me with excellent care during my diagnosis and treatment. It is not something that I think about on a regular basis as I have no daily reminders of it. On occasion, when I drink, I will experience some minor incontinence if I fail to keep my bladder empty. Here is to another 10 years.

I am so thankful to say that it isn't much more than a fleeting thought these days. I have realized that any potential incontinence issues are all but gone as of late. That might be because I drink less these days and that seemed to contribute. My last annual had a <.01 PSA result. I try to give back by giving blood on a regular basis and advocate early checks to any man that will listen.

Case's e-mail address is: cmayag97 AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")