THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2016 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I owe my very good outlook for a long and healthy future to the PSA blood test. At no time did I have any signs or symptoms of the tumors (3) in my prostate. I began the tests in 1994 and had a first PSA count of 5.2, the following year it was 6.4 and in 1996 it was 6.9. But because my GP at the time had no faith in the PSA test and seemed unconcerned with the results, no further action or information was forthcoming.

My next test was in September 1999 at the insistence of my current GP who has a much greater faith in any testing. This time the PSA count was up to 10.9 which immediately rang the alarm bells, so I was promptly referred to a urologist. By February 2000 my count was up to 11.3 so the first biopsy was done but this returned a negative result. Another PSA test in May 2000 gave a PSA count of 12.6 so another biopsy was done, again with a negative result. A PSA test again in November 2000 returned a PSA count of 15.2 and was followed by yet another biopsy with yet again a negative result.

Antibiotics were prescribed at this stage but had no effect because the next test in January 2001 gave a PSA Count of 17.7, so back in for biopsy No.4 and at last the culprit was found with one core containing a medium grade cancer with a Gleason score of 4 to 6. A bone scan was ordered for March and this brought the first good news for the future with a negative result. Over the preceding months I had done a lot of research via the internet on prostate cancer, its effects and treatments, and sorted out what appeared to be the most realiable information, so when the time came to make a choice of treatment it was not difficult to decide which path to follow. Considering my age (63) and the test results I felt my best option was radical surgery (get in there, sight the adversary and physically remove). Surgery was carried out on 4th June 2001 and the pathological results showed one larger tumor and two small ones which all appeared to be contained within the prostate. The Gleason score was 6.

My first post op. blood test at 5 weeks after surgery returned a very comforting PSA Count of 0.1 so I am looking to a long and healthy future (no guarantee of course but positive thinking is very much the order of the day). After the initial shock of the possibility of having a cancer I assumed the position that it was not a case of "Why me" (negative) but "We may have a problem here so let's do all we can to resolve it" (positive) and this has helped me immensely to deal with everthing, and of course my wife Frouwktje has been a tower strenght too. As at 31 August 2001, what started out as a rather hard to accept problem of incontinence is almost a thing of the past - thanks to a rigorous regime of pelvic floor exercises (yes it is important), general good health and a natural return to normal after two and a half months. I still have the occasional minor accident and I may always have to wear "panty liners" just in case.

Sexual libido has been unaffected but because there is no sign of an erection yet the word 'adapt' has taken on a whole new meaning. Orgasm is achieved with little problem through intimate contact and the end result is as satisfying as ever, it is just the pleasure of full penetration that is missing and a little disappointing, but it is early days yet. Above all else though I am alive and plan on staying that way for a while yet.

To all those men who read this, take heart, prostate cancer is far from the end of the world, and PLEASE, if you have not already done so, have a PSA blood test, it may just save your life.

Current Age 64. Current PSA Undetectable. Current Treatment Monitoring. Initial treatment Radical Prostatectomy.

It is now 4 months out from my operation and I am feeling just great. A blood test at 3 1/2 months came back with a PSA reading of <0.1 which is really great news. On a scale of probabilities developed from past case histories, my chances of remaining in full remission at 5 years is 97% against the everage of 70%, now to keep it that way and on track.

Incontinance is virtually a thing of the past with only the very occasional 'slip-up' if I am feeling really physically tired at the end of the day (and then only a drop or two), so I still wear a liner during the day 'just in case'. It is good to be back on 'auto-control' again. Erectile dysfunction is still a problem even though feelings and sensation have basically returned to normal, but no sign of an erection yet. I am lucky though, a very understanding partner is of immense help and makes any feeling of inadequacy a very small issue.

Yes, it is disappointing not to be able to enjoy a physical relationship in all its fullness but it does add new meaning to the word "adapt" which to a large degree can compensate for that 'missing dimension'. Where there is a will there is a way. In the short term I plan to try Viagra to see if that will help, and hopefully in time nature will take its course with repair and restructure and set things right again. On a practical note, finding the right pad or panty liner can be a real problem for a man, please email me for my findings on the subject. Modesty was left at the hospital entrance.

Current Age = 65; Current PSA = <0.5; Current Treatment = Blood tests 4 monthly. Initial treatment = Radical prostatectomy.

Well, it is just over 12 months now since the operation and I am feeling just great, on the way to being a long-term survivor. My PSA has remained unchanged (undetectable) since the surgery which is the best news and I now have full control of my bladder. It will never be quite the same as before, but only needs a little conscious thought occasionally to avoid a very minor accident, and remember to do the pelvic floor exercises occasionally to keep the remaining muscles in tune.

Sexual sensations are back to normal but there has been virtually no sign of the return of erections, but as I said previously, this is not proving to be of any great consequence in our relationship, where there is a will there is a way.

Surgery was the right choice for me, looking back there was no great trauma involved and I have done nothing but improve both physically and mentally since then.

Almost three years out from my operation now and I can only say that I am completely satisfied with my decision to go for the surgical option.

With a current PSA reading in the 0.03 - 0.04 range and a positive attitude that the problem is as close to licked as possible.

I find that losing the ability to have an erection is a small price to pay for the sense of well-being that I continue to enjoy. We still navigate the mechanical problem relatively easily and enjoy a normal sex life, ok, so there is a 'missing dimension' but the desired end result is still attainable.

Most importantly though is the fact that I am still alive and hope to remain so for many years to come.

I am very pleased to be able to report "No change" since my last update, my PSA reading has remained unchanged and I am as optimistic as ever of remaining this way. We are so confident of the future that since the last update we have moved to another State and now reside in Tasmania, Australia, thoroughly enjoying the change and making the most of our 'new life' with new friends added to the old and a whole new landscape to explore. Life is good, every day a blessing.

Now in Tasmania, Colin says that the only and good news is that he has nothing to report except, PSA unchanged at < 0.1 and am completely unaware that he ever had a problem (other than lack of an erection, which he says "We cope with OK - no lack of sensation, just needs a different approach to 'technique'").

Silver at last and on the way to Gold - great!

Colin says he has nothing at all to report for the last 12 months, just idling along and clocking up the years, 10 plus plus is the goal of course, so it is all good thus far.

I am still gunning for the 10 year (Gold) milestone, no change so far, my PSA came back the usual <0.05 and I do not have anything else to report - it is all looking good so far.

On that note - Happy New Year to all.

I really have nothing to report again this time, there has been no change to my PSA or anything else for that matter, so I am just looking forward to reaching the ten years free milestone in about another eighteen months.

Cheers, Colin.

I am getting very close to the ten years symptom free and as usual (no, I am not complaining that it is becoming boring) my last blood test last June was still <0.05

I do believe that a positive attitude really does help and this is probably born out by the lastest tests of the placebo effect - 'mind over matter' has given some undeniably positive clinical results.

Nothing else to report except that life just seems to get busier (or is that me getting slower)?

Cheers for now, Colin.

No news is good news is all that I can say once again and to continue to emphasize that a positive attitude is a must, I am sure it has helped me remain free of any cause for concern and remember also it makes it easier for those around you who are affected, they need reassurance too.

Colin Wood

The years roll by, I am not getting older, just adjusting to the changes of time as they are thrust upon me by a body that says, hey! watch it boy, you are not as young as you used to be. Well, I guess that is right but prostate cancer has long gone and remains a memory only for which I am ever so thankful.

The only side-effect that may become noticeable and possibly a nuisance in the future is incontinance (occasionally the brain forgets for an instant to keep sending out the message to 'hold on') but I do notice and react instantly. To date it is not a problem but have accepted that in time it may become one but I am alive and nothing beats that.

On a lighter note: Always leave a smile behind wherever you go - they are free and work wonders.

Cheers all and remember, "Think Positive", it works for me.

Colin.

Another year gone (thirteen now) and no change to the PSA >0.01 so I hope that I am one that can say with 'almost' certainty that prostate cancer can be cured but regular testing earlier rather than later is a definite must, it saved me. If you are fearful of impotence do not be, orgasm can still be attained (for both parteners) without penetration when both of you are understanding and willing to help each other. Just more ways of adapting and experimenting to try and you are still alive to enjoy it - I would choose that anytime.

See you again next year and do not forget "Think positive, it really helps".

Colin

Colin's e-mail address is: colinw AT cacsx.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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