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BRONZE

Jim Cox live in Missouri, USA. He was 72 when he was diagnosed in January 2009. His initial PSA was 4.6, his Gleason Score was 4+4=8 and although he does not state his staging, it seems likely that it was T1c. His choice of treatment was laparoscopic surgery. Here is his story.

I had the robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery on Monday April 13th, was released late afternoon of the 14th and had the catheter removed 8 days later. Constipation caused the greatest pain and I am still taking a stool softener and eating lots of prunes, so it is getting easier once a day.

What I was concerned about, though, until I read you other fellows' experiences was the periodic painful "spasms" of the penis and the almost burning sensation when I urinate, as well as the periodic extreme discomfort between the scrotum and the anus. Apparently that's pretty standard?

By the way, I had mine done by Dr. Gerald Andriole Chief of Urologic Surgery at the Washington University School of Medicine here in St. Louis.

Also, to anyone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer...get a second opinion. My second biopsy by Dr. Andriole (2nd opinion Dr.) found more cancer than the first biopsy. However, some second opinions (I've heard) find LESS cancer which doesn't require the radical prostatectomy. [Jim is quite correct here - Active Surveillance studies are showing that about 25% of the men in the studies have negative second biopsies.]

Good luck to you all.

Jim C.

 

UPDATED

August 2010

 

 

Time does fly fast. Reminds me of an e-mail I received recently: how life is like toilet paper....the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.

I'm doing very well following the prostate surgery as far as cancer is concerned. The final latest psa showed "less than .01%," which is excellent. I still suffer from E.D., although I had a problem with that before the surgery, and, still wear "men's guards" because of a little leakage. But I did that also before the surgery.

All in all, I'm in excellent health. Had a hernia repaired 4 weeks ago. In at 5:30 a.m., surgery at 7:30, at 8:30 Dr. Brent Matthews was telling my wife all was well, and at 10:30 I was in the car headed home. No stitches, just superglue. Amazing. Back on the tennis courts in 3 and a half weeks.

Jim.

 

UPDATED

January 2012

 

I didn’t realize it had been that long since I updated my story. I’m now 75 years and 8 months old, cancer-free and healthy enough to play tennis 3-4 times a week and go skiing at least once a year. I am very grateful for that. The prostate was removed in 2009, it was two months before I could get back on the courts. PSA test a week ago still showed less than .01.

The only negative side effect, at least for me, is the continued E.D. Viagra and other drugs like that don’t work. I tried something called “Muse” which involves a type of very small suppository introduced into the urethra. It created an erection, but is very expensive and my insurance doesn’t cover it. My urologist suggested that I try the Pos-T-Vac vacuum system, which a friend says works very well. We are considering it. I’ll let you know.

Yes, there’s a “lot of snow on my roof” but a smoldering “fire in the furnace” just waiting to flame up.

Best wishes for a great 2012!

Jim .

Jim's e-mail address is jameshcox@charter.net