THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2014 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

When I was diagnosed at 70, I was not surprised for I had for too many years suffered with an enlarged prostate and all its symptoms. I had other PSA tests before that were 4 and 5 they were treated with antibiotics and the PSA went down. I had in 2006 a PSA of 12. I then went on a lot of supplements that my wife found, but they did not work, so I wasn't surprised with the PSA of 13.

The biopsy which wasn't too bad, showed cancer. so the next thing was the body scan and bone scan which looked okay to the Dr.

I was then scheduled for surgery, I never really considered anything but surgery. My surgery had to be postponed because of a abnormal stress test. I had to have an angiogram first and found that I had some blockage in one artery. The cardiologist did clear me for the surgery by adding some new pills and we will watch it as time goes on.

On March 31st 2008 I had my surgery (Robotic)It lasted 4 or 5 hours due to the prostate being very large and growing up into my bladder, which the urologist had to restructure at the opening. I did not have to much pain only some gas pain and I went home on the third day feeling pretty good except for the Foley catheter. I did not think I could make it through the following two weeks with the catheter but I did, with adjustments.

I am doing very well and my strength is back.

I am very happy that my pathology report came back showing that I had no spread of the cancer. That made it all worth while.

The only thing left is my incontinence. I dribble all the time. the doctor said that after 2 months he would give me some meds that would help that if I still have it. I am getting better with incontinence all the time 7 or 8 pads a day down to about 3 or 4 and I am urinating well.

I am very happy that I went the way I did. My life is great. Being 70 years old I am waiting for my impotency to subside, but that might not happen for a while.

God bless all that are considering what to due at this time. I will pray for your decisions.

Reverend Jerry Braam Bartlett, Illinois.

Just a note to let people know that it is now 2 months since my operation. I am feeling great!

I still have some incontinence, but as I learned from the doctor today my retention was 800cc before the operation and now I have lowered it to about 100cc after urination. My doctor told me that because my bladder was so extended due to the size of my prostate ,that it will take a while for the muscles to gain the strength they need. He says perhaps a month or two more and I should not be having any incontinence. Praise the Lord.

I am reporting the following information because their are so many men who feel as though their sex life is gone. I know that especially for the younger men this is so important. I have experienced a couple orgasims but no strong erections. It all seems to be coming back slowly.

Life is good Rev. Jerry Braam.

It has been a long year since March 31, 2008 my date of operation.

I had other health issues - I had to have a stent put in my lower left artery. it went fine , but the meds caused some bleeding ulcers which took me back to the hospital.

All seems to be in the past now and my cancer is gone. I am down to 2 or 3 pads a day from 7 or so. I am praising the Lord about that.

I have had a chance to answer questions for several fellows that were diagnosed with prostate cancer. I hope my information helped them.

I am doing so very well. If you are newly diagnosed take heart and investigate what is right for you and most important ask questions about all phases of the treatment. Especially incontinence.

God Bless you all.

I am just checking in. My surgery was performed March 31, 2008 It has been 16 1/2 months since my surgery.

I am very excited to report that I have started to conquer my incontinence. I went for the first 15 months using 4 and 5 pads a day. I did not always stay away from the coffee however. I have been working on that more lately. My usage of the pads has gone down to one all day and then one overnight. This is very exciting to me. Not only less pads but virtually no leakage. I for months really worried a lot about that and was at times embarrased. I am in public a lot and thank God I never had a bad problem when I was speaking or out with people.

I feel very well and am very happy to report this information. You fellows who are struggling with this problem keep looking forward the day will come and you will win the battle.

God bless

Rev. Jerry Braam

Two and a half years have gone by. I have mostly done very well. My life has been good and I am very active.

My PSA is staying low. Slight increase last May. The doctor said not to be concerned.

My only problem was a urinary tract infection about a month ago. I was very ill for a day or so. I should have seen the signs but ignored them. I am doing well now. However the doctor is going to check out my bladder elimination to see if that may have caused the infection.

I still use 3 pads or so a day. They don't bother me when I think of what could have been without the operation to remove the cancer from my system.

I will update on the test. I have counseled some fellows and even met personally with one and I hope I gave good advice. Thank you for this site; I tell many people about it.

Going on 4 years in March of 2012. PSA slightly higher (1.60 ng/ml) but it has been that number for about a year. The Doctor wants to check it every 6 monthes.

I am doing well however still incontinent. I am down to 2 or 3 pads a day. I am dealing with it and it is not to bad. I would advise any fellow that has been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate to look into all ways of treating it very carefully. I just went for the surgery and did not look into the options.

All in all I am doing well and have a good life.

It has been 4 and 1/2 years. Basically doing fine. I am still incontinent and use two or three pads a day.

My PSA went up to 1.06 and stayed there about a year then went down to 1.0 this last May.

I feel fine and have a good life. I do wish there were some ways to stop the leaking but so far the doctor hasn't come up with a real solution.

Please if you are just finding out that you have cancer. work with your doctor and get all the facts and go forward.

I am not receiving any treatment at this time for this condition.

I was diagnosed with a PSA; of 8.6 after having a PSA; of 1.0 just a year ago. I wad directed to have a bone scan go on female hormone shots. I feel fine and am thinking of holding off and having another PSA; in a couple of months. I had a bad case of inflamed bladder in Jan of this year and was put on a daily antibiotic Bectrin. Any advise will be apreciated.

Jerry's e-mail address is: coach1037 AT aol.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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