After routine blood test during a physical showed an elevated PSA level of 10, was referred to a Urologist. Had never heard of a PSA test prior to this. No family history of PC. Normal DRE, bladder scan revealed urine retention, not emptying completely. Frequency urinating and nocturia. PSA test came back at 12.5 (seven weeks in between test). High PSA triggered a 16 needle biopsy. Biopsy came back, 2 cores positive in the left apex. Gleason score of 3+3, T2b. Very slow growing tumor, have time to decide on what to do. Urologist said that if there was a textbook example of someone that could decide on Active Surveillance, I was it. I've been reading much of what the internet had to offer on the topic for the last couple of months, so I was a bit more prepared for the diagnosis and consultation I think than many. I was more relieved after the consultation. I don't look forward to the road ahead, but I have to make it, may as well go at it eyes wide open with a positive attitude.

After doing my diagnosis consultation on 12/27/17, I took time to decide what treatment option I thought would be best for me. I did take time off from thinking about my PC, better said than done, as most of you will probably agree, it's never really far from your thoughts when you're first diagnosed. So, I took the positive and proactive approach, I learned as much as I could about my illness. I don't see it as life threatening, rather some illness that I have to take care of. I was leaning toward Active Surveillance in the beginning, with interest in Proton Therapy. I looked at statistics, especially at my early stage. I talked to a couple of men that had RP done, they regretted it, but it was done more than a decade ago and neither had nerve sparing prostatectomies. I'm at such an early stage that nerve sparing prostatectomy would be the way to go, in my opinion, my Urologist agrees. I got back the results of my GPS DNA test, scoring a 29 combined with a 12.5 PSA and a 62mm prostate, the chances of me dying of PCa in 10 years is 1%, metastasis 6%. My opinion at this point is why wait? I also spoke to my Primary Care Physician, he agrees. Some type of intervention will be needed in the future, why not do it when I'm very healthy and the recovery will be better and faster? I joined a local gym and have started working out on an almost daily basis. I had changed my diet about six months ago to mostly vegetarian and feel great. My goal is to get to the fitness level I was at in my early 40's (176 lbs lean and muscular). I only have about 20 pounds or so to shed, not bad. I have a follow up with my Urologist's partner, who does robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies. I feel really comfortable with my Urologist and had hoped that he would be the surgeon, but his specialty is retropubic. My appointment is on 2/12/17 to interview my Urologist's partner. I'll follow up after that meeting. Feel free to let me know your thoughts and opinions. Thanks!

Okay, it's been a while since I updated, I've been busy enjoying life and have gotten back into the gym 5-6 times per week. I decided on having the laparoscopic prostatectomy. For one, I think that as a pretty healthy 53 year old, having the procedure done now rather than 10 years from now would give me a better survival outcome and recovery from the surgery. I scheduled the procedure for 8/20/18. I would like to get in the best physical condition that I can prior to the surgery and I would like to enjoy my summer. I'm not depressed at all about my condition, rather, like many others have said on here, it may have been a good thing in terms of facing overall health and physical condition, as well as realizing what's really important in life. I'm much calmer now than I've ever been, no rushing, and I take things as they come rather than stressing about every little thing. I know that in the beginning, I experienced the same dread and fear that most, I'm sure, have felt. I'm not going to let this define me, rather, I'm going to define my life and do my best to enjoy what I hope is a long life to come. I'll keep you updated, but I foresee no change in my condition over the next 5 months, so I may not update until after the surgery. Take care!

Well, about a month to go before surgery. Starting to get a little nervous, apprehensive, but talking to my primary care physician, he again assures me that I'm making the right choice. I went on a mostly vegan diet for May and June, worked out 5-6 times per week to get ready for surgery. Injured my shoulders kayaking and had to take a break from the gym so that I didn't damage them further. Plan on going back this week. Looking forward to getting off the Flomax, guess that's a positive! I'm not suffering depression and hoping to recover quickly so that I can get back to regular activities. Good luck to everyone else going through this right now, I'll try and post as soon as I can post surgery. Not looking forward to diapers and pads. (A little levity).

Had Laparoscopic Prostatectomy on 08/20/18. Overnight stay after surgery. Released afternoon of the 21st with catheter in place. The surgeon also repaired a navel hernia while he was in there, would have done so anyway, as it was at the location of entry for one of the tubes. Honestly, the only pain I felt was due to the hernia repair, other than mild irritation of the catheter. Not much blood in my urine to speak of, after a few days of heavy water consumption and not pushing my limits too hard, remained clear with the odd blood clot now and then. Follow up visit the following Monday, the 27th, for catheter removal. Going to miss not having to get up during the night to pee (the upside to catheterization). I was already prepared, having ordered my Depends pads weeks before. The first day, went through five large pads. Got up several times to urinate that night, but the next day was able to regain most of my control. Getting better every day. I'm up and about, very active and cleared to drive (off pain meds since the end of last week). Pathology report came back Monday as well and my doctor (Dr Frank Jevnikar) went over it with me. Started off by telling me he had great news, always good to hear! Prostate was dissected and found to be only 5% cancerous. Margins were clear, neither seminal vesicles nor lymph nodes had cancer cells in them. He spared the left nerve bundle and had to take a slight amount of the right, but that should affect outcome very minimally. I have a follow up PSA test in six weeks and will update my score as soon as I get the results, but based on the pathology report, expect it to be non detectable.

Took my post surgery PSA test yesterday (Tuesday, 09 Oct 18). Results came back .00! Have post surgery follow up with the surgeon, Dr Jevnikar, next month, but everything seems to be going smoothly. Incontinence is getting better, using fewer pads during the day. Highly recommend staying away from coffee while in recovery, as it's a diuretic and may be a factor in taking longer than I hoped for eliminating my incontinence. Alcohol as well. That being said, I'm elated that PSA is undetectable and if I had to do it all over again, I would still have done it the same way. I'll update again after follow up with Dr Jevnikar, but I expect that to go smoothly as well.

Post surgery exam went fine. Still a little incontinence, but have been trying a variety of exercises, not just the Kegel, and have seen improvement. My surgeon told me that where I stand with incontinence at the six month mark post surgery is the best I can expect, so I'm doubling down on the exercises. ED has improved with Viagra, still working on that, but I expect it to be a long road to recovering full functionality. Since my PSA is now 0, I'll be getting tested every six months from here on out. Glad the worst part is over, and to tell the truth, it was never that bad. Peeing like an 18-year-old again is awesome! Getting better every day and refuse to give up until I'm 100% again. Good luck to the rest of you, I'll keep updating after appointments, I hope to be fully continent in a few months or sooner.

Six month check up and PSA test done 2/27/2019, results: 0.00!

Had my one year post surgery check up, other than occasional drip here and there, ED is still a concern, but Viagra helps. Had to use different lab for bloodwork, came back 0.1, but doctor said that's essentially a "0". Feeling fine.

Just realized I had not updated in a while, I'm alive and well! I went for my semi annual check up, usual DRE, blood test. Have a great doctor, very personable and an amazing sense of humor, which is very much appreciated. He asked if I missed my prostate, I replied that I did, but did not miss having cancer even more. Looking back at how much, or little my life has changed in the two years since my prostatectomy, I'd have to say that I pay a lot more attention to my health status and never miss a medical appointment. I have no regrets about the decision on having the prostatectomy, I'm sure I made the right choice. Hope all of you are well, Keep up your fight, be fearless, and do what you feel is best.

Haven't posted for a while, hopefully not listed as "deceased" (a bit of levity, if you will). Still going stong, PSA at 0 since surgery. I look back, lamenting the days of having a prostate, at 57, probably going through mid life crises? Anyway, knowing I made the right decision, I look forward to many more years on this blue marble, having as much fun as possible, enjoying life and family. I'll try keeping more up to date on my status. Wish everyone the best and long life. Now to deal with COVID weight gain........the next great battle......

Going on 4 years since my prostatectomy and still cancer free. PSA remaings essentially 0. ED still affects me both physically and emotionally as I do get depressed about the lack of previous function, but strangely, it's forced me to focus on other areas of my life that may have been lacking before. I enjoy doing more with my family and focus less on work. I always try to remain positive and accept my new normal.

Coming up on 5 years (August 2018) that I had the laproscopic surgery to remove my cancerous prostate. Urinary incontinence is minimal and although sildinefil helps, full erections are not possible due to the removal of most of my right nerve bundle. I go to the urologist every six months to monitor my PSA and still endure the DRE's every visit to make sure I'm on top of my health. My interest in intimacy has waned, the frustration with not being able to maintain and erection turned into focusing on other aspects of my life and other interests to persue. My doctor asks if I miss my prostate, my answer is that I miss my youth as well, but that's not coming back either, so may as well focus on other things that make me happy.

Just had my biannual check up, PSA still essentially 0, .02ng/ml.

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