After watching my PSA values steadily rise during my annual PXE [presumably this acronym refers to an annual medical examination] from a long time base level of between 1.5 to 1.8 (2004=2.1, 2006=2.8, 2007=3.09) up to 4.49 in July of 2008, my PCP [primary care physician] sent me to a urologist who recommended a biopsy, which was done on September 25, 08. The results which came back on October 1, 08 were positive for PCa, with one of twelve samples showing 5% at a Gleason of 3+3=6,with a staging of T1c as my DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) was negative.

My urologist tells me It appears to be very early, small and slow growing (hope he is right),and in his opinion I would be a good candidate for either external radiation or better yet surgery (only briefly considered watch and wait since what I would be "waiting" for would be the spread or growth of cancer, and that doesn't sound good).

I have decided to go with the Laparoscopic Surgery and Da Vinci, and am currently deciding on which surgeon. I hope to get this done before this December.

I have chosen a surgeon, with whom I have much confidence. My surgery is scheduled for December 4, 08. In the mean time I have recently had an MRI for a small lump which I have had for awhile under my left arm. My surgeon (a different one)will follow up next week. He thinks it might be a Schwannoma which is a generally (99%) of the time benign tumor of the nerve. This could however, be a deal breaker on the prostate surgery, if it turns out to be more serious, as the PCa might have to wait.

On Dec 4, 2008 I had my surgery. I spent a couple of days in the hospital and went home with a urinary catheter in place for about a week or so. It was all in all uncomfortable, but bearable, and got steadily better day by day. The catheter was probably the weirdest thing to get used to and quite uncomfortable, especially at first when trying to sleep. Pills did control the pain adequately and as the surgeon told me "well you had an operation".

The tumor was larger than thought at first and was in both lobes. It was also upgraded to a Gleason 7. (3+4). The margins were intact and no seminal duct involvement. (My doctor told me that 35% of the time the tumor was upgraded once removed and more closely examined)

I feel the surgeon who is very well regarded as one of the first on the west coast to use the Da Vinci procedure did an excellent job. At 5 1/2 months out ED issues are almost nil, and incontinence is minimal, and we expect that I will at some point be completely dry.

Now I must continue to have my PSA checked at intervals and just pray that they will all remain undetectable.

Thank God that so far my PSA has been undetectable, and I have minimal if any urinary and no erection problems.

My next PSA is the end of September.

So far, thank God, PSA undetectable, and minimal if any urinary problem. Next PSA in June.

Thanks to God, every thing is good. My next PSA is next month. My surgeon was one of the best in the country, and it showed.

So far so good. Next PSA latter this month, and hopefully will be 0.

So far thank God and a great surgeon, everything is fine.

So far all is good. Yearly PSA checks at undetectable.

Everything is fine with no problems thank God.

All is still good. I am very fortunate and blessed.

All is well.

B's e-mail address is: thefishawk AT msn.com (replace "AT" with "@")