THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2015 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I had my first PSA at 41 (my father was diagnosed in his 70's). My first PSA was 2.0 and my doctor told me I should come back in 6 months for a follow up PSA test. I came back 2 years later and my PSA was 5.9! Because it had moved up, my doctor referred me to a urologist and the urologist recommended a biopsy. Had the biopsy and it came back positive (Gleason 7, estimated 15% , more on one side than the other).

Went for the robotic surgery with Dr. David Lee at UPenn because he has done >3000 of the robotic surgeries and has a great reputation (I interviewed 3 surgeons before deciding on Dr. Lee).

Surgery showed that 30% of the prostate had cancer, type was upgraded, but none had left the capsule and no cancer was found in the seminal glands and outside tissue.

First 3 days after the surgery were rough, abdomen was very sore, but was feeling ok after 1 week. The catheter was uncomfortable, but was able to sleep through the night.

After the catheter was taken out I had minimal control over urination. Took me 6 weeks to get control and for awhile it seemed that I wasn't making any progress (very frustrating). Went through 4-6 pads/day....was doing kegels before and after surgery. At 6 weeks, it seemed that something 'clicked' and I was in full control after a week. Right now I am in full control....can sometimes have a tiny leak from laughing too much or when drinking too much beer.

I was getting slight erections immediately after getting the catheter our (10 days after surgery). I was able to get a usable erection 1 month after surgery when using Cialis (1/2 20mg every other day).

My PSA at 5 months after surgery is 0.1 (non detect)...so pretty happy about that.

Its now 6 months after surgery and I have urinary control without thinking about it. I am trying to keep doing kegels and do it when I think about it. I can get a 95% erection using cialis and a 80% erection (still usable) without it. It also seems that my erections and orgasms are increasing in quality gradualy with time. My wife is happy and tells me that it is the same as it used to be (except cleaner).

I'm pretty happy with the outcome and would recommend the robotic surgery. Although the process is not pleasant, 6 months later I feel pretty much the same as before the surgery and am glad I got the cancer out when I did.

Eric's e-mail address is: eteather AT verizon.net (replace "AT" with "@") (but this e-mail address may no longer be valid)

NOTE: Eric has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.