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

I had a routine visit with my doctor on July 2, 2009 and he checked my PSA as part of a routine physical. My PSA came back at 3.6, I have no family history of prostate cancer, but he wanted to be positive.

I visited the urologist on July 30, 2009, he did the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) and tested my PSA again and his exact words to me " I don't think anything is wrong, but we need to be sure".

The urologist called me on August 3, 2009 and scheduled a biopsy for August 5, 2009 and again stated "he just wanted to be sure nothing was wrong". I finally received THE call on August 13, 2009 at 3:30 pm and he stated 3 out of 10 biopsy samples had tested positive.

I was pretty much in shock and spent almost a week feeling sorry for myself. I have a outstanding wife, two boys (5,2) and a 5 month old baby girl who need me around. I found this website with the help of a friend and YANANOW has truly been my saving grace.

I contacted Joe King and he replied back instantly with encouraging help. I contacted the urologist and after hours of research I decided to have surgery on September 14, 2009.

I had robotic surgery on September 14, 2009 (opening day). The days leading up to opening day were quite challenging. I did my absolute best to stay positive for my family, but the awful thoughts of prostate cancer never go away. I would routinely go to bed thinking about it, wake up throughout the night and begin thinking about it and often begin the day consumed with this challenge. I finally broke down on the ride to the hospital with my wife opening day morning - we had to be at the hospital by 10am with surgery scheduled at 1pm.

The hospital informed us the guy before me cancelled and I was on deck. The last time I recall looking at the clock was 12pm. The next time I remember was 5:15pm, I had IV's in both arms and for the most part thought it was no big deal simply because of the pain medication, the real challenge was just beginning. My doctor advised us all went well, margins were negative, lymph nodes clear and cancer appears contained. I returned home from the hospital on September 15, 2009 at 1pm, my advice to anyone considering surgery is to stay in the hospital at least 2 days. My Doctor called us on September 17, 2009 and informed me my Gleason score had been upgraded to 4+4=8, this has been another mental bump on the road to recovery.

The catheter was removed on September 23, 2009 and life quickly started to improve. I began with short walks on September 23, 2009 and gradually increased my distance. On October 11, 2009 I started lifting weights again, this was another shock, prior to surgery and because of my profession, weight training was a routine part of my life. I had gone from a 220 pound guy who bench pressed well over 300 pounds to a 180 pound guy who couldn't lift 40 pounds without discomfort. I again relied on my faith and family as motivation and as of March 1, 2010 have gained 30 pounds back. I continue to hit the weights hard and concentrate on proper training to avoid any type of hernia if possible.

I had my follow-up PSA on October 27, 2009 and the results of my first test were 0.04. I am a police Officer in Cincinnati Ohio and was able to return to work on November 1, 2009, returning to work was monumental for me personally. I work as an investigator so my work really helps keep my mind occupied.

The road to recovery is often bumpy, but keep fighting it gets better. I have often struggled with anything that reminds me of this awful experience which truly makes me feel like a selfish bastard. Who knows where I would be without the support of my family, friends and this webpage, another bit of advice. Use your resources and take this journey one day at a time.

Who really knows where this journey will end, but one thing is certain. I bust my butt every day to enjoy my life and my family. This experience has not been all bad, I have met some outstanding people and made some new friends. I have communicated with guys using this resource who I truly admire and consider a friend even though we have never met in person. USE YOUR RESOURCES WISELY. THANKS TERRY

PSA 0.04 after 6 months. Keep fighting, thanks for everything.

I have my 18 month exam on April 29, 2011 and will update immediately. I am doing very well with minimal side effects, however; anxiety is certainly an issue with me leading up to my 18 month post-op exam.

I would define my condition/attitude as outstanding 30 months after surgery. I spent countless hours and many sleepless nights trying to understand the impact of a serious health condition at what I considered a relatively "young age". In the real world, life does not discriminate, people have issues at all different ages, it is your responsibility to yourself and more importantly your loved ones to live and appreciate every single minute of every single day. Trouble and problems are the absolute easy challenges in life to locate, the difficult challenge in life is learning to value and appreciate each and every "normal" day. I spend much more time now focusing on the opportunity and less time stressed over what could possibly return someday.

42 month post surgery PSA 0.08!! Terry, I really appreciate all the work and research you have done. THANK YOU!!! See you here in 6 months.

Life is great for my family and I as we approach the 5 year anniversary, however; My best friend on the planet was diagnosed in June 2014 and had robotic surgery recently on July 15th. We can only pray his results meet and exceed our success so far. Terry, My family and I Thank you a bunch. Jeff

Jeff's e-mail address is: jeffdunaway.alg1 AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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