I  have for the past two years monitored and read  all the posts to this
newsgroup since I was diagnosed in Aug of 2004 with prostate cancer after a
2nd biopsy resulting in a Gleason of 6 with a PSA of 3.7.  Only 1 of  16
core samples  of the 2nd biopsy showed cancer and  then only 1% of  that
sample was involved.  I was  told  I had  the options of surgery, radiation
(seed and  IMRT), or  even  watchful  waiting.  Because I  wanted the cancer
out with the ability to have the gland carefully checked to  see if  it was
contained, I  chose  for personal  reasons surgery.

Surgery was conducted on Nov 12th of 2004 and resulted in a confirmation of
the Gleason with no cancer found in the margins or seminal vessels.  The
nerves  in both cases  were  able to be spared.

Since  then the following  has occurred  for the benefit  of those
interested.

Incontinence:  I did have problems for about  5  weeks that were very
discouraging.  I  started  out using about 4-5 pads  a day and by the end of
a month I was down to about 1-2  pads.  But, by the end of about  5  weeks
or so no pads were required.  I must admit though that very infrequently  I
do have a "squirt" or two that is of no consequence.  But its no problem.

PSA:   My first  follow up PSA  blood  test  in March resulted in a reading
of less than  .006  which is undetectable.

My second  PSA test as of today resulted  in the same reading of less than
.006 (undetectable)  so I am extremely pleased.

I am scheduled for my next  PSA blood  test in early January of  2006 and
according to the doctor if the reading is the same as the previous two, then
he will only require yearly checking.

Erectile:  Since surgery, I have had no activity whatsoever  even after
trying a vacuum pump and Levitra/Viagra.  I do have an appointment with a
specialist to go over the use of injections  to see if this will help.

All in all, I am  extremely  pleased  with the decision to have surgery and
have no regrets  regardless of the erectile problem.

In order of priority, my goal  was to first get out the cancer,  hopefully
not have incontinence, and then  have  no  erectile  problems.  I'll take 2
out of three  any time!!!

Good luck to all  that are  in the process of deciding on options  to them
based on being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Life  goes  on.

Sonny