Hello:

A few months ago, I posted here for the first time, seeking some
information about my options for treating my PCa.  I wanted to first
say thank you for the valuable information (and the lovely
sub-discussion on net etiquette!).  I have continued to follow the
group discussions, and though I still don't know enough to respond to
other posts, I have found it comforting to read about the various
challenges that men like me are facing, and the solutions that people
have found.  You all have helped me to feel a little less alone.

My pre-op numbers were: PSA 5.3, clinical stage T2b, cancer in 2 of 10
biopsy samples, Gleason score of 7(3+4).  I am 51 years old, and in
otherwise good health.  I had no symptoms; the first warning was the
PSA.

I had a local surgeon advising surgery, a local radiological oncologist
advising seeds, and my primary care physician advising surgery, but
with one of the 'star' surgeons at the research centers.  His advice
was the most compelling; I decided to have the surgery, though I
dreaded the recovery and the side effects.  I do feel that the younger
a man is, the more agressively this cancer should be treated, and
nothing is more agressive than cutting it out.

I had a laparoscopic prostatectomy at Johns Hopkins on November 13.  I
was in the hospital two nights, and on the catheter for a week
afterwards.  The post-op period with the catheter was unpleasant; I
will not lie.  But though I am a wimp, I still managed to get through
it.

The final pathology report showed negative margins, and the Gleason
score was down to 6(3+3), with 4 in some tertiary sites.  So, I am 95%
likely to remain PCa-free for the next 5-7 years.  I'll start follow-up
care shortly.

As for side effects:  it is far too soon to tell.  I do my Kegels, and
I am beginning to have periods of time when I seem to be in control of
my bladder.  My penis is shorter, but I expected that; I think one of
my docs told me that could happen.  We're waiting on sex and erections
and all that; we won't evaluate anything about that until I begin my
follow-up care in a few weeks.  Sitting is agony; I must lie or stand.
I have a small donut that helps a little, and I have some larger
innertubes that I use in my geometry course that actually provide a
good amount of relief.  But I cannot sit for more than 1/2 hour without
enough discomfort to force me to move about.

But I have resumed my lecture duties here at the college, and am
holding office hours.  And every day is a little better.  

--charlie