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

I've had my PSA reading carried out since 2003. From that first reading I had it checked every 6 months. It started at 2.1 and slowly increased over the years. In November 2009 it was 3.5 so I went to my GP to discuss the elevation. My GP who at the time had only seen me twice for other matters suggested I have another PSA test. The reading came back 3.7 and he was concerned that it had risen 0.2 in only a couple of weeks, so he sent me to a Urologist. [This is poor advice from the doctor since the difference between these two readings falls within the error margin of the inexact PSA test - see PSA 101 for more information.] The Urologist gave me a rectal exam he said that the prostate felt normal. After conversation with him we decided to have a biopsy done.

The results of that were 16 samples were taken, they found two cancers in the left quadrant of the prostate - stage 1 Gleason Score of 6. [This diagnosis describes what is apparently a Very Low Risk tumour, which would not require immediate treatment.] Well I had all the usual emotions but with the options he offered me I decided to go with total removal of the prostate. It's now two weeks post op. The problems I'm having with incontinence outweigh the mental anguish that I was going through before the op. Both lymph glands were clear.

For those of you who read this story all I can say is that it's not a walk in the park as far as recovery goes but on the other hand you're a long time dead. My decision to have the surgery now finds me cancer free, I will recover from the surgery in time. Also I had my wife and family there to support me so if you have an elevated PSA get to the doctors and have it checked out, remember you only live once.

It has been ten weeks since my operation and my incontinence has all but gone. I am down to one pad a day with leakage every now and then.

I started on Cialis six weeks after surgery with no result, waited two more weeks then tried Viagra, still no result. Tried Cialis 100mg for two days in a row and had some response this time, that was week ten. The response wasn't enough for penetration but very close to it. I am very confident it will happen in the near future.

I have a question if some one can help me I would be most grateful. I have had an X-ray since my prostate removal only to find a bunch of staples come up on the X-ray, 29 to be exact. I wasn't told about these, has anybody else had this situation? I am seeing another Urologist for a second opinion.

Hi, its now been 19 months since I had the radical proscectomy . My life hasn't changed that much since my last update.

All incontinence has gone I tried Cialis off and on for the last 12 months or so with mixed results, have been using penile injections with great results once you get the right amount that suits you.

My last PSA tests have been zero. I am having my 6 monthly test tomorrow (8 may).

Can't say that im happy about the ED results but hey im still alive and cancer free. Im still hoping that my erections will eventually come back on thier own.Other than that my life is pretty normal, as long as my PSA readings stay at zero I will be happy. To all those men contemplating surgery I look at it this way better to be alive with the ones that you love than to put it off untill it's too late.

Regards to all, Michael Knight

Hi Terry, you are so right time flies: its been a while since I updated my story.

Well not a lot has changed since my last update. I still haven't had an erection (without help) since last report; incontinence continues but very slight leakage. Every day life is good; my wife and I have come to terms that I would never be the same after the Prostatectomy. At least I'm still here I don't regret the decision I made in having the opperation.

I now start a new challenge in my life I have since been diagnosed with RA (Rheumatoid arthritis). It is worse than anything I went through with prostate cancer, keep doing the great job that you do and for all those guys presented with the decision on what to do about your cancer just remember that you are not alone.

Regards Michael Knight

Hi , It has been a while since I updated my current condition. I can report that nothing has changed for the worst, my current PSA reading is 0.1. I have it checked every 6 months. The only condition I have is that I still carnt achieve an erection without the help from ED drugs but we manage other than that all is good im still here and enjoying life. Reguards, Michael Knight

Michael's e-mail address is: vvmcmic20002001 AT yahoo.com.au (replace "AT" with "@")

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