While attempting "watchful waiting" my PSA spiked from 5 to 6. We agreed to do a biopsy. The results revealed a small evidence of cancer in one of 12 cores. My doctor and I agreed to continue to watch it, but the PSA spike again - over 10. After further discussion, I have agreed to do the surgery (PSA dropped back to 7, but it seems unwise to expect it to continue to drop). Waiting for it to be scheduled, and NOT looking forward to the subsequent recovery process.

I will update this story often, as it is just beginning, and the numbers seem a little different from other stories I have read.

I decided to have the surgery. It is scheduled for mid-May. I am, like some others, more concerned about the recovery period than I am the procedure. Will update again when the time is closer and share any post operative news that seems relevant.

The surgery was successful. A week with a catheter was no picnic, but I survived the experience. There was some incontinence, but it has improved over time (I still dribble a little when out, so I am wearing adult diapers as a precaution, but 98% back to normal). The oddest thing that happened was a case of jock itch that was extremely persistent, but it may have just been a coincidence that it happened during the early part of my recovery. I was finally able to get rid of it with a fungicidal that applies wet while in the shower.

The surgery spared my nerves, so there is still sensation that can lead to erections. They do not last as long as I would like, but that may improve as time progresses. The doctor prescribed Cialis 5mg daily, but it gave me severe headaches, so I discontinued it after 3 days. According to my doctor, other meds have similar risks, so I'm, not sure if I will try anything else.

Still here. The 'plumbing' still works, sort of. It's inconsistent in duration. Enhancement drugs give me headaches, so I don't use them. This presents a challenge for me and my wife, but we are working through it by finding alternate methods.

There is a local support group that meets monthly nearby. I don't attend regularly, but might go to the next meeting, as the topic is erectile dysfunction.

Not much has changed since last year.

An odd thing has happened since the surgery 2 years ago that I haven't discussed with a doctor yet. I have had a severe recurring case of jock itch. Treat it with an anti fungal wash and use anti fungal powder as well, which keeps the symptoms down, but it never seems to go away completely.

It seems others have had a similar problem, so I guess it's not much to worry about. If it it persists longer than usual, I'll consult my Dr.

It's October 2019. I actually forgot to update. I'm still here. No changes to the previous reports.

There is a local support group (meets monthly), but I don't feel motivated to attend. Probably should, as this topic is depressing.

Just an update since the new health scare is not cancer, but Covid-19. I am in good physical health, and generally in good spirits. Making art, binge watching favorite old shows, and spending time with family. Our support group is on temporary hiatus, as it was meeting inside a wing of the hospital (I still wasn't attending meetings, anyway).

It has actually been a year since the last update!

I am fully vaccinated, but still wear a mask when I go out. I think I'm partially avoiding spreading other diseases (flu season seemed much less severe this past winter), and partially just out of habit.

Might be retiring in a couple of years.

Next week, there will be a seminar on ED (still experiencing that - need to seek any new treatments).

Overall, doing well.

Still here, and generally doing well. I have accepted the ED as a sacrifice for continuing to be available for my family (previous updates explain why I am not taking meds for it). It has put a strain on the marital relationship, but not to the point of it breaking.

In a better place emotionally. I now have two graddaughters, and spending time with them is the best part of the day. The youngest, now 8 months old is living with us, so there's plenty of daily contact and time to pour into her life. Work is good, even if it demands a lot of time, and when I'm not working, I have a hobby that I enjoy. No change on the ED front, so that might be a consideration for those who want to choose the same treatment path I did. Overall, though, life is good.

Status is basically the same as the last updat, except my granddaughters are now about to turn 13 and 2.

Ray's e-mail address is: raynerd12 AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")