Hello everyone!

I had my follow-up with my surgeon today.  Aside from the fact that I am
absolutely delighted to be free of the catheter, the really BIG news is from
the pathology report - No more cancer!  The cancer was confined to the
prostate, and the 'margins', are totally clear of any signs of the cancer!   No
follow-up treatment is planned, just the monitoring of my PSA levels.  I have
been included as part of a study at Massachusetts General Hospital, and they
plan to monitor me for the next 15 years - wow!

The catheter removal was less traumatic than I'd imagined, though it was not
without a degree of brief discomfort.  But it's gone.  Bub-bye.  
Hasta-la-vista, Foley!

It's now 8:25 p.m., and *so far*, I'm pretty continent.  I've peed three times
since I got home at 3.  The first came with a sudden 'full' feeling, and a dash
for the bathroom. There was a slight burning sensation, but that was kind of
expected.  On the 2nd and 3rd trips to the bathroom, I was able to 'stop and
start' the flow, which I'm guessing is a great thing!  I'm wearing a 'guard' in
my briefs, and will be very interested to see how I make it through my first
night.

Recuperation from the surgery will take me back to work on March 8.   If things
go well, and I feel great, my doctor indicated I can go back sooner (but who
the hell wants to go back to work sooner????).  Meanwhile, I'm loaded up on all
sorts of reading materials, a couple of novels (one done, one to go), about 25
movies on DVD & VHS,  a book-on-tape, plus several crossword puzzle books.  In
between all the reading and movies and puzzles, I'll be taking walks to get my
strength back (damn record-setting cold New England temperatures permitting).
And lastly, I've always been a sucker for "The Price Is Right".  So I have
plenty to keep me busy while I heal.  

I cannot begin to thank every one of you for sharing your own experiences (good
and bad), your good thoughts, and prayers, and best wishes that you've extended
my way.

Michael and I are off to Cancun on May 1 (to an all-inclusive resort for one
week), and then, roller coaster riding (my passion) all summer long!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Thank You.  THANK  YOU!

Rus
Massachusetts
(who will continue to participate with the group, and
provide updates as I recuperate)