Dr. Taylor gave Don great news this morning.  The path report for the
October 20th LRP indicated that all of the cancer was contained within
the prostate; the margins, seminal vesicals and nodes were clear.  His
Gleason was downgraded from 7 to 6.  His only restriction is to lift
no more than 20 pounds at any one time during the next two weeks;
after that, he can lift whatever he wishes to lift (but I think he may
wait a bit to start lifting those 300# fire doors he sometimes
installs).

The catheter was removed this morning as well and a deep sample of
urine was drawn via needle to make certain there was no blood in his
urine; there wasn't, but Don did say that this procedure caused a bit
of stinging and was much more bothersome than having the catheter
removed.  Some gushing upon standing up (all pad contained).  He was
able to stop and start his stream in the doctor's office so Dr. Taylor
is hopeful that Don will be continent very soon.  Until then he's more
than happy to live with Depend Guards for Men.  Don was also told to
expect some leaking when he over does it in the lifting department.

He returned to work yesterday morning, one week after his LRP (his
boss is a real slave driver ... I guess that what happens when you run
your own construction company).  He worked only four hours yesterday
since I had to drive him to and from work and had to sit in my car,
reading and knitting, the entire time; he otherwise might have worked
an entire day.  Don left for work again this afternoon, after we
returned from his doctor visit.

While the road to this LRP was bumpy and lengthy (we started the
process mid-June), he feels that the LRP was the right treatment
option.

Only two more real hurdles in the immediate future: the next PSA test
and looking for signs of life in his "tweeter" (a term used by my
blonde girlfriend who lives in Corona del Mar, California).

We again want to thank everyone for their support, prayers and advice.

Don & Linda Smith
Clayton, California