Hi everyone. It must be about 2 years (or more) since I last read, or posted
to this ng.

This morning I logged on to see what was happening, and was delighted to
recognise many names from the past. That fact alone augers well as an
indicator of perhaps better treatment regimes and better survival rates.
When I first came onto this group just on 5 years ago, it was an unfortunate
fact that over time, several members succumbed to PCA. It is great to see
that more of us are lasting longer!

I stopped posting because I felt that I had nothing worthwhile to
contribute, and that anything I might add was being adequately covered by
others. However, because the 5th anniversary of my RRP is fast approaching,
I thought a visit and post might be appropriate, even if it does nothing
more than to give a newbie some hope that a dx of PCA is not necessarily a
death sentence.

When diagnosed in October 2000, my figures were: age 60, health, apart from
diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, was excellent; PSA 4.8;
Gleason 6 (3+3); stage T1c; 1 core of 12 positive for PCA. Post-op pathology
on Dec 13 2000, confirmed all of these except that it found that the PCA was
extensive throughout the prostate, but still confined. I suffered no
incontinence, but lost, and never recovered erectile function. (Bummer, but
something I can live with, with the emphasis being on "live".)

Until now, I have had a PSA test every 6 months. The first 4 were
ultrasensitive and came back as 0.01, so I switched to the less expensive
"standard" tests which have remained steady at less than 0.1. The last test
was 6 days ago, so I'll probably switch to having an annual test.

To all those who have been posting since 2000, it's great to see that you
are still around. To those who have just joined the group, hang in there!
Many new treatments have arisen in the past 5 years, and continue to do so,
so your chances of survival may be better.

After 5 years, I am starting to think that just maybe I might have a chance
of keeping this thing at bay for a while longer.

Best wishes to everyone

Ray Walsh
Perth, Australia