Christmas greetings to all.
My husband (64) was diagnoses with Prostate Cancer last July with PSA
5.2. After much research, of which this NG was the primary source, he
had surgery at Stanford University Hospital with Dr. James Brooks.
Thank you John Loomis and Peter Headland.

RP Surgery on 12/15/05, released on Saturday 12/17 and out shopping for
Christmas on 12/22!  Post op biopsy report indicated cancer contained
in 10% of prostate, Gleason 3 +3 = 6, margins and lymph nodes clear,
and both nerves spared.

The NG postings have been (and will continue to be) a great source of
information and support to us and others who will unfortunately become
new members of this club.  We have laughed with you and cried with you
and had moments of "AHHH"  as murky or new questions/dilemmas
become clear. Thank you.

Some quick notes about our experience: once my husband had decided on
surgery, through this NG we learned what to look for in a surgeon and
this ultimately led us to Dr. Brooks, with whom we are extremely
pleased.

Stanford University Hospital and staff: we requested a private room.
Although it was offered for me to stay with my husband in the room,
after surmising that he was alert, comfortable and well attended, I
choose to return to the motel room as I had not had any sleep the
previous two nights. Recommend private room. Nursing staff seemed a bit
short staffed...although quickly available, seemed to be rushing...

Shopping list: wonderful - we were well prepared. Even bought a
recliner in which he sleeps at night and rests during the day. (For 40
years I had refused to have a recliner in the house, saw it on the
shopping list and began an immediate search for just the right one:
thank you craigslist.) Thank you to the keeper and the contributors to
the shopping list.

Most uncomfortable episode: within minutes of returning home, husband
complained of constipation and gas. Very very uncomfortable. Called on
the hospital oncall Urologist who recommended Phillips Milk of Magnesia
and stool softners. Husband wanted more immediate relief...this is
where you used to call your ol' granny for a home remedy...ahhh, turn
on computer go to the PCa NG...quick key word search and viola! Prune
juice and prunes...of course! Also info that anesthetic plus the pain
killers = constipation. Problem solved.

Tonight we are going out to Christmas Eve dinner and plan to spend a
quiet Christmas day with walks and Christmas TV. Resting up for the
next challenge(s).

Many thanks to you all.
Wishing everyone (lurkers and posters) a very happy Christmas and the
very best in the New Year!