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

During my annual physical (7/13), the Doctor asked if I had ever had my prostate checked. I said no, and after looking at his (huge) hands decided I'd prefer to have my PSA tested and avoid a DRE. he called a few days later and said my PSA was 58.8 and that I needed to see a Urologist asap. The Urologist performed a DRE and noted that my prostate was perhaps slightly enlarged and recommended a 12 needle biopsy to determine if PC was present. 12 of 12 biopsy cores came back positive, about 1/2 came back identified as Gleason 7b (4+3) and the rest Gleason 7a (3+4). He recommended radical prostatectomy as soon as possible.

At the time of my diagnosis, I wasn't aware of any symptoms - no urinary issues or ED, though in retrospect it's clear that my ejaculate volume had been gradually decreasing - and was now just 1-2 teaspoons. I had assumed it was the natural consquence of aging as well as the vasectomy I had in 2005, but perhaps it was an early red flag that something was going on with my prostate.

At the time of my physical, I was 5' 7" and 252lbs, and my nutrition and lifestyle were abysmal. Following the results of the biopsy I started making major changes in nutrition, exercise, and wellness:

- Dramatic reduction in my intake sugar, salt, fat, meat, caffeine, and alcohol

- Began exercising 30 mins a day 4-5x/week

- Began taking a comprehensive set of nutritional supplements

- Began weekly accupuncture treatment including Chinese herbal remedies to detox and cleanse

- Began weekly chiropractic treatment

- Began hypnotherapy to reduce stress and (hopefully) direct my unconscious to boost my immunities and fight the disease

5 weeks later (10/13) I had lost 15 lbs, my blood pressure had dropped an average of 10 points, my cholesterol had significantly decreased and my liver enzymes had improved significantly.

8 weeks later (11/13) I had lost 25 lbs, and my blood pressure had dropped an average of 20 points (no cholesterol or liver enzyme test this time) - but my PSA increased to 66 - was this due to biopsy?

I'm now scheduled for robotic assisted radical prostatectomy on 11/22. I'm very anxious about the surgery, especially the erectile dysfunction. The Dr. says I'm a "poor candidate for nerve sparing" - which I plan to discuss at length at our next consultation early next week. I very much want nerve sparing to have some hope of regaining erectile function.

My robotic prostatectomy was performed two weeks ago today (on 11/22/13) The surgery went well with no complications. Despite setting expectations that nerve sparing would be unlikely, the surgeon reported that he was able to successfully spare both nerves.

It was important to tell the anesthesiologist that I had sleep apnea - so he could monitor me closely during the procedure (which lasted 3 hours) Following surgery, I needed to use my VPAP machine while anesthesia wore off and I was transitioned to pain meds. I spent a total of 4 painful hours in the post-surgery recovery area - the nursing staff was reluctant to administer pain meds until my breathing was deep enough and frequent enough without the VPAP machine.

The pain in between anesthesia and IV meds was brutal - that was the worst part of the entire experience. I spent one night in the hospital on IV pain meds, then 2 days on Vicodin 5-325 (at 4 hour intervals) followed by two days of Tylenol (1000mg) also at 4 hour intervals. Since then, I haven't experienced any pain or needed any additional medication (beyond the Cipro antibiotic prescribed for 10 days following surgery).

On day 10, I had the catheter removed - and I did take 1000mg of Tylenol before I arrived at the Dr.'s office in anticipation of what I feared would be a very uncomfortable process. It ended up being less painful than I expected, although the Tylenol probably took the edge off. I drove to and from the Dr.'s office (first time driving since surgery) without any problems, but filled my adult diaper by the time I arrived at my office about 45 minutes later. I put a new diaper on at about 12 and expected to be changing my diapers about every 1-2 hours - but I was shocked to realize I had regained 95% of urinary continence within 2 hours of the catheter removal. The remaining 5% - which basically means I have about 1/2 teaspoon of leakage per day has gradually declined over the past 2 weeks. I switched back to regular cotton briefs after the first week without any problems. I can stand at a urinal and urinate with a slight burning sensation, but I need to leave a little extra time (10-15 seconds) after I stop before leaving the urinal to avoid any drips on my underwear.

I still haven't had any erections since the surgery, although I do feel a little tingling when I'm aroused. My libido remains high, and I'm hopeful that in time I'll regain my ability to have an erection.

The pathology report was as follows:

Prostate Specimen: 37.5g measuring 3.7cm from superior to inferior, 4.1 cm from left to right, and 4.5 cm from anterior to posterior. Also included: vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and lymph nodes.

Gleason Score: 7 (4+3) with tertiary grade 5

Location: Bilateral

Percentage of Prostate involved by carcinoma: 60%

Capsular Involvement: Capsular invasion with penetration

Margins: Apical, basal, and circumferential inked margins are all involved, multifocally

Extracapsular/extraprostatic extension: Bilateral, predominantly at apical area

Perineural invasion: Extensively present, bilaterally

Lymph-vascualr invasion: Not definitely identified

Seminal vesicle invasion: Present bilaterally

Pathologic staging: pT3b pNO cMO

Comment: The tumor is predominately composed of grade 4 with slighly more areas of grade 3 than grade 5. Estimate of tumor grade composite: 70% grade 4, 20% grade 3, 10% grade 5

My surgeon has referred me to a radiation oncologist for followup care. My next PSA test scheduled for January 10 with a follow up visit to the surgeon and then radiation oncologist on January 14, 2014.

It's been 5 weeks since my robotic prostatectomy and my recovery is moving forward much faster than I expected. I have about 98% urinary continence, which means I leak a couple of drops after I urinate (if I don't pause long enough at the urinal) but I haven't experience any stress incontinence - which I warned to expect after lifting or straining.

I had my first erection exactly 4 weeks after surgery. Until that point, all I felt was a little tingling when I was aroused, but there had not been any engorgement. I was starting to feel apprehensive that I might be facing a long road back to sexual health, and I was reluctant to try to even achieve an erection - thinking it might be too soon after my uretha had been re-attached during surgery. I was also feeling very self-conscious about the surgical scars on my abdomen. All it took was a few minutes with my beautiful lady lovingly caressing me and to both of our surprise I was rock hard! After a few minutes of surprise and delight we agreed to talk to the urologist before trying anything more. Her encouragement and courage to try stimulating me meant so much to me, especially at a time when my confidence had been battered. Even if I hadn't achieved an erection, it was a profoundly touching moment that reminded me what an incredible lady I have in my life.

I sent the urologist a brief email outlining what had happended and I asked if and when we could attempt penetration. His nurse called me back and we had an open discussion about my experience (a bit awkward at first) She confirmed with the Dr. that I was "clear" to attempt penetration. The Dr. also gave me a 30 day trial pack of 5mg Cialis he said would help me achieve and maintain erections. We successfully made love 33 days after my surgery (and again on day 34 and day 35 just be sure!) It was an amazing experience, one I feared might not happen for a long time. Once again my courageous and loving lady made me feel truly loved and adored. In retrospect, it was the kissing, caressing, and skin to skin contact that I wanted most - not the penetration. I continue to feel enormous gratitude for my rapid recovery and the wonderful support of my friends and family.

My next PSA test is scheduled in about a month, and the results will help inform the next phase of my treatment - which may include radiation and possibly hormonal therapy. I don't know what the future looks like - or what side effects the radiation and/or hormones may bring - and if what I have regained will be brief or permanent. But no matter the outcome, I know I'll always feel deep and enduring love and respect for my amazing partner who stood by me through the most difficult time in my life.

It's been 5 months since the completion of my radiation treatments on St Patrick's Day 2014. After a couple of months of greatly lowered libido and marginal response to Cialis or Viagra, my sexual desire continues to return and strengthen, largely due to the tireless efforts of my loving partner. She has learned what turns me on, and makes a tremendous effort to make every moment special. I'm very fortunate to have this lovely lady in my life. The first PSA test just after radiation treatment showed a .1 PSA, and the second 3 months out showed 0 - undetectable. I declined any hormonal medications in addition to the radiation treatment, and I hope the early favorable results last...I'm feeling quite sad at the passing of this website's founder Terry, who lost his long battle with PC this month.

Rick's e-mail address is: 1topgun AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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