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

Father died with prostate cancer in 1982. My 6 year younger brother recently diagnosed with cancer. He had robotic surgery June 22, 2009. I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma/prostate on June 4, 2009.

I am still considering which therapy to pursue. The surgeon said it is a toss up on which way to go , either radiation or robotic surgery. I have an appointment on July 8 at OSU James Cancer Center for a second opinion. I will decide then. I have had annual PSA tests for the past 5 yrs.

On the 13th of August I had robotic surgery to remove my prostate. Surgery went well.

Recovery has been up and down. I have been battling two bouts with UTI (Urinary tract infection) . I am on antibiotics again.

I went back 21 days after my surgery for my pathology report on my lymph nodes. They were clear of any cancer cells. The surgeon feels that the cancer was contained in the prostate.

I will return in two months for my first PSA report since surgery.

So far my cancer appears to be gone butI have been recently hospitalized for a serious abscess in the area where my prostate was. I have been extremely ill from the abscess with temps at 104. The surgeon said that no doubt the bacteria was induced at the time of surgery. So, be sure the instruments are clean before your surgery!!!!

I have been off work for 4 weeks and on a very strong antibiotic for another 30 days. I will have my 9th CAT scan on December 30 to see if the abscess is smaller. So far it has been increasing in size from previous scans. On Dec. 30 if the abscess is not decreasing I will have surgery to remove the abscess.

That is my progress to date. Complications.... you bet!

In March of 2010 I had to have umbilical hernia surgery which was a result of the robotic surgery. The surgeon readily admits that is no doubt the cause for the hernia. Unfortunately, after going through a very painful surgical process and recovery, the hernia is still there. This is discouraging. I will not have surgery again. I wear a compression band which is about 10 inches high. This band gives me much relief so I wear it constantly except when in bed.

My sexual ability has pretty much returned but after this surgery, NOTHING, is ever the same.

i continue to tolerate a umbilical hernia that was unsuccessfully repaired. I just watch how I lift things and what I lift. I find that lifting, even the lightest things, can make me leak urine. This condition isn't too bad, I just have to be careful.

My brother and I have experienced the same cancer and the same treatment. We both agree completely,"things will never be the same" after this cancer surgical process. We are changed forever and have had to make adjustments to our routine. I suppose the trade-off was worth it, I don't know. Those closest to me expect that, like most other medical conditions, will return me to perfect form. It doesn't work that way. Perhaps there are exceptions out there but I don't know any.

I often find myself thinking about whether I would do it all again the same way. I don't think I would. I think I would cast fate to the wind and live out life. I have gone through some medically extremely difficult times since my surgery, because of my surgery. I was very ill as a result of the surgery, the infection, the hernia. If I were to write this again in two weeks my feelings would be the same. I'm not just having a bad morning. I have had alot of time to think about this.

Basically I continue to do well. I have my PSA checked more often than recommended but I am a little gun shy. I am taking medication for the urgency to urinate feeling. That is helping. I have to be careful because I will leak if not in a good position when lifting or twisting. I have gotten the hang of what I have to do. When I feel the urge to urinate in most cases its too late, I will leak. I most often urinate before I feel the urge and then I am ok. Again, nothing is the same as before the surgery.

I had a period of time when I had difficulty with leaking urine. But the good thing,if there is good, I am taking oxybutynin and what a difference. I do not leak when taking this medication. It has made such a difference. My PSA results continue to be low. The urologist indicated the last visit that after my visit this month I can go to annual visits. For all practical purposes I guess I am cured. Although I realize anything can happen. I have a friend who had the robotic surgery to remove his prostate 6 and his PSA scores are on the rise. He is not sure what this means for him yet. So, I proceed cautiously and pray daily for continued good results.

Dan's e-mail address is: drice17 AT columbus.rr.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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