Routine physical in 1998 (age 40) had PSA 3.2 and have watched it rise .2 to .4 ng/ml annually.

Feb 2012 (now age 54) PSA in the 8's, Primary care Dr. said it's time to figure out what is going on. Biopsy 10 of 12 cores positive: 2 [Although Ron does not give his staging, it seems likely he would have been staged T1c. With this staging and a Gleason Score of 6, Active Surveillance is one of the options available.]

Urologist, after reviewing PET Scan & earlier CT Scan, is now recommending a Bone Scan prior to surgery. Currently waiting on Bone Scan to be scheduled.

After taking time for due diligence, I've decided on RP. I have watched it long enough (psA, 14 yrs), have too many hot positive cores, and want to get it out before it morphs beyond Gleason 6 and decides to take a road trip (I am taking a positive approach). Bone Scan sometime before date of surgery, May 21st.

One physical observation to report. It's been about 2 months after biopsy and I've noticed a distinct pressure and slight ache when bowel movement is lining up for launch, which makes the trip for the morning constitutional more response driven than my usual 9 o'clock ritual. I presume it's the prostate being a little sore/sensitive after being treated like a steak being tenderized.

I'm still amazed at the people who go above and beyond on these web sites/blogs, sharing their stories for the rookies benefit. Thank you.

Surgery May 31. Pain managed well. Maintained catheter 2 weeks, came off intermittent pain meds after that. Back at work July 9 but taking it slow and easy. Feel pretty good. PSA 0.00; Final Gleason 4+3=7 T3b no margins. Chose RLP for better/easier recovery, and not disappointed with that decision.

Very satisfied/impressed with surgeon. Explained entire process before and after, allowed all the time I needed to ask questions. Would be happy to provide additional info to anyone. YANA and another site made this ordeal so much better and my thanks to all.

6 mo. checkup, still undetectable. ED persists, but have hopes for return.

January 2013 7 month checkup. Still undetectable. Hoo-Rahhh.

Oops should have been 9 month checkup. And I forgot to add "Thank You" for what you have done for us maintaining this site.

Latest PSA; via ultra sensitive testing 0.001. I was hoping for a continued undetectable report but it is what it is. Urologist scheduled another test in 4 months. ED still persists and doesn't appear to be getting any better. Leakage very infrequent now, but when it's time to go I have to be prompt.

Last checkup with urologist came back undetectable! hooo-rahhhh. Next checkup in 6 months, June 2014. Best of luck to all.

6 month checkup in June 2014. psA 0. Leaking a bit more than in the past, but could be a little infection from wearing pads more frequently. Usually some cranberry juice knocks it out without meds. Next checkup in March 2015. Best of luck to all.

Checkup in March 2015, PSA undetectable. Urologist said he thinks we got the cancer whipped and moved my next appointment to a year from now. To any newbies reading this, don't be afraid to contact any of us for our opinions and stories. RIP T.H.

Yearly checkup no surprises.

1 year checkup next month (8/17)

After being seen by my primary care doctor in advance of my yearly checkup with my urologist, he advised my PSA did register a very low reading. He then wrote an order for the ultra-sensitive PSA test but they have to send it out. Should be about a week to get results back, which will be about ten days before the urologist appointment. I will update with test results and other news next month. Thanks again to the admins of this very important portal!

August 2017 Well, after 5 years, my run of "zeros" appears over. While .13 is a low number, .01 is better. We are going to retest in 3 months to determine if it is increasing. Will update again then.

Annual check up last year went well. Another is scheduled for next month.

Annual checkup scheduled for end of October. Last year, PSA continued to be 0.00, will update after checkup.

Annual checkup still 0.00, all good. Turned 62 this year, gotta make it thru Covid-19 war. May all remain safe.

Covid nearly got me, but so far no cancer reoccurrence.

It is now August 2023, a little over 10 years since the surgery. PSA has remained nearly zero, and I was able to see my son graduate high school last year. Which is what I asked the surgeon to do what was necessary to make happen.

Your decision might be different but this was mine. Now 65, still working until at least until 67 if health continues. Praise to God for being Cancer Free.

Situation is the same. An annual PSA check has continued with undetectable (Less than 0.06) No regrets with the surgery. Before the surgery I told my urologist to do whatever it takes to let me see my son graduate high school. The surgery lasted about 4 hours.

Ron's e-mail address is: hill_billy98 AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")