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

From 1996 I had had one to two episodes of prostatitis a year and a couple of go rounds with urinary stones so I had been getting PSAs done fairly regular. Not all of my PSAs results were readily available from my doctors lost records etc. So a word of caution get copies of everything and keep them. Because of this some of my PSAs are by memory. In 2001 PSA 1.7 between then and 2006 I had readings of 3.2 and a drop to 2.7 Urologist felt like these were due to prostatitis. Then in spring of 2006 4.0 and fall 2006 3.9 both GP and I some concern but blamed rise on prostatitis. My mistake as will become event latter. Should have been investigated more. Also GP doesn't do DRE's in my case might not have mattered.

Missed Dr. appointment in Jan. 2007 and was not able to get another until May 8 PSA 5.4. GP referred me back to my Urologist. My research began. May 17 appointment with Urologist. DRE done by physician's assistant soft slightly enlarged prostate. I felt the Doctor should have done the exam. Due to my fear of biopsy I suggested a round of antibiotics for prostatitis (with no signs of it) and repeat PSA, but do both total and free. After 6 weeks June 26 free PSA 7% total still 5.4. Fifty 56% chance I have PCa. Feared biopsy planned for 7/17. My research now turns to treatments.

Biopsy was maybe the worst part of my whole experience. Bad haemorrhoids (which will become an issue later)made the biopsy almost unbearable. Six cores from each lobe took about 5 mins. Very sore for 2-3 days after. July 24 the bad news which I had expected due to 7% free PSA. One of 12 positive for prostatic adenocarcinoma. Gleason score 7, 20% of cells effected. PSA doubling time relatively slow. Urologist did not think I needed addition test as he felt was organ confined. Appointments arranged with Radiation Oncologists and Surgeon. I had researched treatments to the point that I had pretty much made up my mine I was going for surgery but felt it was worth at least a consult. turns out all three doctors are of the opinion organ confined.

I think every man with this diagnosis must research all possible treatments and make the choice of treatment based on what he learns. Do not make a decision based on what the Doctors tell you. Opinions from others should be heard but what is best for one person is not best for another. Every man must look at themselves from the stand point of their general health and the side effects that they are willing to live with.

My number one priority was to be rid of the tumor. Second was urinary control and third potency. Numbers two and three being much less important than number one. This is how I ranked my choices and why.

1. Robotic surgery would get rid of cancer, side effects would be immediate and should stay the same or improve not get worst. Pathology reports tell you where you are. If recurrence have options for other treatments.
2. Proton beam looked very good with less side effects but not able to completely stage tumor like possible post-op. Fairly new treatment and therefore limited information as to long term out comes. Plus I would have to be far from home for 10-12 weeks.
3. Brachytherapy and external beam radiation did not sound good at all to me. Seeds migrate and the radiation is less controlled. External beam damages other tissue. Recurrence not many options for other treatments except more of the same.
4. Watch and wait- no way I had already done that for a year.

My consult with a very caring radiation oncologist confirmed my decision. One statement he made which is very true "no matter what treatment you chose you will have some regrets".

I was referred to Dr. Scott Tully in Birmingham AL for surgery. His practice had done over 1,800 robotic surgeries and he personally over 800. Don't be afraid to ask. My surgery was done on 10/08. Took about 4 hours. One reason so long is he does inter-operative frozen tissue sections. Very good for me that he does this as I had microscopic capsule penetration on the left side. So nerve bundles and more tissue removed on that side and get to keep nerves on right. His post-op report to family is clean margins.

Unlike some who have this surgery I hurt after waking up. Most of my worst pain was rectal from the balloon they use and those darn haemorrhoids. Walked around the halls twice that night and ate soft food. Next morning walked some more and was doing not great but ok. As they were preparing me for discharge belly started to swell and had chest pains. I was concerned about heart as was medical staff. Turns out just ileus and gas putting pressure on chest cavity. Thanks to that I get a second night in hospital.

Bowels finally start working, drains removed and I am discharged on 10/10 complete with catheter and large bag. The 90 mile ride home was rough and after two days at home found the leg bag was much easier on the external organs. Did not look forward to going to bed due to heavy tube on large bag made it hard to sleep. The six stab incisions were all closed with internal sutures but I was extremely sore around my waist for almost 3 weeks. Scrotum swelled to size of grape fruit and took almost 2 weeks to go down.

Catheter came out on 10/16 after cystogram showed no leaks. Some pain on urination for almost 3 weeks but has finally gotten better. Had fairly good urinary control with in 3 days of catheter removal which is due to doing Kegels prior to surgery and Dr. Tully doing "prostatic collar". Only one pad a day and have gone from thick one to thin mini pads. Due to soreness not able to restart Kegels until 3 weeks post-op.

One month check up 11/06 seem to be doing fine with urinary control and started penile rehab. Had I not said something to Dr. Tully I would not have gotten appointment for rehab until Dec. 17. Rehab needs to began early or you get the dreaded shrinkage and fibrosis.

Final pathology report sobering. T3a R1 NO MX Gleason 4+3=7. Sobering but not too bad. Lymph nodes clean, seminal vesicles clean with only positive margin being where tumor had gone through capsule. I think this is from biopsy but no medical people will agree and doesn't matter now. Nerve bundle side next to prostate positive perineural infiltration outside edge of nerve bundle negative.

PSA will be done in Jan. 2008 as they want 5-6 half lives of PSA before checking. Like everything through this experience it seems nobody wants to get in a hurry but me. But with that wait if PSA is positive then can start addition treatment at that time.

Regrets: Yes I should have done something in 2006 might not have lost nerve bundle. Concerns: Yes mainly that of recurrence since cancer was outside capsule. Even though I had researched treatments very well I had not spent much time researching recurrence until final path report. So now the waiting game. PSAs every 3 months for first year then every 6 months and pray to stay below 0.2. There are good options for recurrence, but its the fear of the unknown that worries all of us in this brotherhood.

Six weeks today from surgery, and I have come a long ways.

Today was the day I was released for normal activity, but the body is not totally ready just yet for some of the physical activity I did prior to surgery. Still some muscle soreness around waist when make a quick move or lift something heavy. Still have some minor scrotal fullness on left side nurse says healing not complete.

Urinary control is doing very well. Only using thin pads and can sleep with no accidents. Bladder spasms did wake me one night when bladder became very full, but no leakage and spasms went away when voided. A little disappointed but also very encouraged.

Three month post-op PSA done January 11, 08 - results back today - 0.01 ng/ml. Great news - first mile stone completed. Next PSA on April 11, 2008. Once again the waiting was the worst part. Now for progress update.

Have not worn a pad in ten weeks tomorrow. Only one accident when had a little to much to drink at a holiday party and too much time in traffic on the way home. When I got out of car and cold air hit me with a full bladder could not get pants down fast enough. That might have happened if I had never had surgery.

If I stand or walk for long periods of time (2hrs or more)I do have soreness/pain in perineal area and penis but Dr says not uncommon and that should go away with time. Also slight hydrocele on left but it is gradually getting smaller.

As for ED nothing much happening. Dr wants 20mg Cialis daily but insurance will only pay for 8 tablets a month, therefore not able to totally follow Dr's orders. When I do take them daily slight engorgement with stimulation. Dr has sent a letter to appeal insurance coverage as therapy so once again waiting. With good urinary control and excellent first PSA 2 out 3 ain't bad and I am happy with decision. Many PSA tests ahead before "out of the woods" if we can ever be.

Everybody hang tough and I'll update at next PSA or if anything else changes.

Six months have come and gone since surgery. PSA done last week 0.01. Two in a row at 3 and 6 months both at 0.01 thank the Lord.

We are extremely happy. Even with two good reports not able to dismiss possiblity of recurrence, but looking good for now. Total urinary control; don't even think about it now. Back to all my normal activities full time working and dailey routine. Seem to get tired quicker than before surgery but I have gotten older. Still get a little sore in perineal area if stand for long periods of time on hard surface or on long travels (4-5hr car ride).

Dealing with ED is frustrating taking Cialis at least 3 times a week and using the pump. The pump works and at certain times some response from Cialis but nothing "usable". I had discussion with Dr. about injections, Muse and combination of Muse and Cialis. I am not ready for injections but may consider Muse alone or in combination with Cialis. Dr. says since I do have some responce to Cialis things should improve with time.

It has been 11 months since the 5.4 PSA and the beginning of this jounery and I have gone from fear and panic in the beganing to now "controlled concern". I am now much better able to accept what has happened to me and to be thankful for the current sucess of my treatment choice. I am also very thankful to all my "brothers" out there who have been willing to share their stories and support and a special thanks to Terry for maintaining the site.

Nine month check up is due in July and I'll update then or sooner if anything changes. Be tough guys.

Well, guys a year has come and gone since diagnosis and nine months since surgery. My doesn't time fly when your having fun. Only those of us who have traveled this road know the range of fears and emotions we go through.

A lot of good things have happened since my last post; last of three children finished college. I am very proud of her she has become a veterinarian just like her Dad. All three have college educations and good jobs. So the wife and I should be able to have a "second childhood" of our own if not for this "monster in the living room". We also had our 34th wedding anniversary and a vacation in Alaska. Like a second honeymoon only I did not have ED 34 years ago.

Nine month PSA done on 7/15/08 readings continue to come back fantastic 0.01. I am not sure way but I was having major anxiety before this test. Really worried about possible recurrence. In fact reread my final path report 4-5 times before Dr. visit. Ask him when will I be "out of the woods" in 5 years? His answer "95% in 5 years if you stay at this reading." So like all of us must try to live with this dark cloud hanging and live life as best we can.

Have an appointment with my GP for annual physical in two weeks I am going to have PSA with him to compare with surgeon's as after 12 months will be released for testing locally.

Urine control is still excellent. ED that is another story tried Muse 500mg first by itself got some filling but went away when laid down. Tried it 24 hours after Cialis same story. Tried with no Cialis with light band at base of penis it worked. Good news an erection great but the pain after all three attempts was terrible. Burning pain in penis, testicles, perineal area and groin. When told results to Dr. "most guys have pain with Muse". He some how concluded that I have a venous leak since it would not stay up when I laid down. Not that I only have one nerve bundle left and it's only been nine months since surgery and there wasn't enough blood flow to close veins. Needless to say I don't totally think he is right. He is pushing injections but if Muse doesn't work due to leak why would injections. They use PGE1 for injection same as is in Muse. Because of the pain with PGE1 and sticking a needle in your penis I am content to continue with my VED, Cialis and time to see what happens.

Still get sore if stand or sit on hard surfaces for long periods of time and lifting still results in slight discomfort. Thanks to all my PCa brothers for support and sharing your journey and once again a special thanks to Terry for the site, it really helps each of us.

Hang in there guys, I'll post again at 12 month check-up.

It has been a year since surgery. A lot of ups and downs but things continue to be good. Last PSA holding at 0.01. Had another at a lab my GP uses 0.008. Not much difference really between the two labs. Surgeon has released me back to my local Uro guy.

Since my tumor had gotten outside capsule wants PSAs every four months instead of the routine six months after a year has passed that most do. That coupled with the answer to a question I asked has taken a little wind out of my sails. My question was "If PSA stays low when am I cured?". His answer "95% confidence after 5 years of non-detectable PSA".

Urinary control is almost normal once in a great while after too many drinks will have a little squirt.

ED is another issue. Nothing. Some filling about an hour after Cialis on empty stomach and not willing to accept the pain from Muse. Did have a visit with ED nurses at surgeon's office and they present a very positive opinion of thr bi-mix (Papaverine plus phentolamine) injection and will work with me for correct dose. So......... I am considering trying it. No way was I going to try the Caverjet after the experience with Muse.

I am not sure why but have suffered some periods of depression and anxiety over the last few months even with my fairly good prognosis. I think part of it is the fear of the unknown and yes the ED issues certainly contribute.

As always a special thanks to Terry and all my brothers out there for caring and sharing. Hang tough guys.

Sixteen months since surgery and for the most part things are good. Was released from surgeon back to my local Uro for PSAs every 4 months. This frequency based on the path findings of microscopic PCa outside capsule.

Had six month check up with GP for blood pressure etc. so included PSA in blood work 0.008 same as in July of 2008 and slightly below the 0.01 reading from surgeon's in house test. Good news and really was not as concerned about this test as I had been with some of the previous ones.

Still get sore in floor of pelvis if stand for long periods of time or sit on hard surface, but that seems to be getting better. Still have a slight hydrocele on left side and think that has gotten as small as it is going to. Have been dealing with some depression over the last few months but have gone to therapy and that has helped. I would certainly encourage anyone with depression issues to get professional help; it makes life better. I feel a little guilty having depression when things appear to be going well, but ED issues and fear of recurrence are two of the main factors.

On the ED issue things seemed to be improving with the help of Cialis during the month of Nov. but then nothing during Dec. almost like I had gotten a bad batch. Now in Jan some response again so that is encouraging. Like all of us fighting this battle the sex life is sure different but you learn to deal with it the best you can.

I have been able to visit with others and hopefully been of some help to them in their journey as many of you were able to help me. As always a big thank you to Terry for the site and to all my brothers for sharing. Everybody hang tough and remember every time to convince someone to get screened you maybe saving a life.

Twenty months since surgery. PSAs now being done by local urologists and local lab using very sensitive test. Latest results 0.008 about as low as it gets. Wonderful news. Both surgeon and local want to continue on an every 4 month testing but this one was more like 5+ due to heavy appointments at local uro. Why I need to see him for results is unclear to me. I know how to monitor it and keep copies of everything. The frequent testing is due to capsule penetration. After 2 years will go to every 6 months.

Total urinary control except when bladder is too full usually after too many adult beverages and move too quickly. One unusual problem is first thing in morning if bladder is full doesn't always seem to completely empty. None of medical staff seems overly worried.

At last check up doctor did find a hernia on left side. I had been full on that side of scrotum since immediately post-surgery but everyone though was a hydrocele. Now it appears I have both a small hernia and a slight hydrocele. For now watch and wait on hernia but will one day get it fixed.

Still have a strange soreness in floor of pelvis after prolonged standing or sitting on hard surface. This soreness tends to come and go I don't think it has anything to do with the hernia. I am not sure where the hernia came from other than maybe some effect of surgery as one of the robotic port holes was very close to the canal. Interesting none of medical folks found it until now.

On the ED front that is a very frustrating issue. I have tried almost every option with out much success. It is apparent I do have a venous leak. Local uro not of much help in this area. So I have returned to surgeon's ED clinic they are helpful but I am still not happy with results. Who ever made the statement on this site that sex will never be the same is absolutely correct. Here is a list of the things I have tried and the results.

1. Vacuum pump-works but sensations greatly reduced.
2. Viagra did next to nothing but terrible headache and blue vision.
3. Levitra didn't work and felt hungover or like having flu
4. Muse semi-worked but terrible penile pain
5. Cialis + Muse 80% effective but very painful again
6. Trimix injections 80% effective but also very painful
7. Bimix injections 80% effective at highest dose
8. Cialis + band 80% effective if standing
9. Bimix + band almost 90% effective but sensations dulled<

With the things that are semi-effective climaxes are not what they were before surgery. I am afraid at 20 months out this is about as good as it gets. For now I will continue Cialis and band as that is as close to normal as it gets and will sometimes use band and Bimix.

Although the ED is frustrating I am overjoyed with the surgery outcome and still feel it was the correct choice for me. I am not as fearful as I once was about recurrence and still have plenty of options if it should happen.

As always a very special thanks to Terry for the site. And thanks to all my PC brothers for sharing. I'll update in October after next PSA until then everybody hang tough.

Well guys its been 25 months since surgery and most recent PSA less than 0.008. A milestone I think. Some older material suggested 2 years of undetectable PSA was really good but more recent information seems to suggest 3 years if any capsular extension. Nevertheless we are thrilled with recent test.

Had a little concern two months ago when GP ordered tests and included a PSA. It came back 0.01 still undetectable but different but also different lab similar to the first year of test with surgeon. Anyway over two years of non-detectable.

Almost total urinary control sometimes a little squirt when bladder is full and move different or something hard to explain but not frequent enough or wet enough to worry about.

Now the bad news no erections. As stated in last update have tried almost everything. Each treatment has varying failures ranging from no response to pain to reduced sensations. Either the frustration of ED or age has reduced the desire to some degree. Most material I've read state up to two years for return. Well I am past that now so this may be all that happens. It is odd that at times there is a little response so I guess I will always be hopeful and continue to try different things.

But for you guys starting out on this journey even if nerves are spared it is not a given things will work or return afterwards. Granted I lost a nerve bundle but even guys with both spared end up with ED.

As always guys fight the good fight, and thanks for sharing I still check the site daily. As always a very special thank you to Terry for maintaining the site. I think all will agree this is the most helpful place to turn.

Cheers Bob

My 30 month post-surgery PSA was done in May. Came back no change still holding at <0.008. Once I get to 3 year test in October odds of additional treatment even with capsule pentration really go in my favor.

I feel "normal" and seem to be in fairly good health. Urinary control is excellent sometimes after too many adult drinks have a little squirt but nothing major. I still get bladder spasms when bladder becomes over filled, but these go away after voiding. Still get sore in pelvic floor after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Quit going to therapy for depression about 10 months ago, but still have to deal with it at times.

The ED has not changed. At 30 months out I have sort of accepted it is not going to get any better, but am hopful for improvement. With the help of Cialis and a band I am able to get something usable. I am sure I have a venous leak as I need a band even with injections. The VED works but is slightly painful and not much sensation. My desire has decreased probably due to both age and frustration. Although the partical lost of sexual function has been both depressing and frustrating I still feel surgery was the right choice for me.

As always a special thank you to Terry for the site and all his efforts. And to all my PCa brothers thanks for sharing and hang tough guys.

Well time flies when you are having fun; I am now close to 38 months since surgery and last PSA is holding at 0.008 great news. Latest work from John Hopkin's now gives me really good odds of not needing any addition treatment in next 10 years. Can't say I am cured (if we ever can) but things are looking good. Local Uro says I am doing great and should live to be 100 and wants to see me in a year. I still want PSAs every six months and he agrees with that. Most likely not needed but it makes me feel better.

Now for the negetive part of this story. A few months back I began to really question if I had made the right choice in treatment. The sexual side effects (ED and a hernia being the only ones) really was the thing that made me have these questions. Of course there is no going back so you live with what you've got. Re-reading my final path report also helped accepting I made the right choice. Gleason was 4+3 and capsule penetration; extra tissue removed (with nerves) on left side for clean margins. An ugly 4 being primary cell type and other treatments might not have gotten the cancerous cells outside capsule. Yes it was the correct choice.

Another observation I found interesting recently was an "educational" meeting on ED with the medicial group who did my surgery. The room was overflowing with men. Most of whom had two things in common surgery and ED. I don't think pre-surgery they give you the true odds of ending up with ED. [This seems to be a majority view if the MiniPoll I conducted reflects the reality of the position.] The meeting went over all the treatment options that most of us had tried and then they made a push for implant surgery which they now do. Pretty much a waste of my time. Surgery gave me ED and I not ready to let them work on that part of my anatomy again.

As I have posted before my two side effects are ED and a hernia. The hernia I'll someday get fixed. As for the ED what seems to work on certain occasions is 20mg Cialis and a light tension band. What is somewhat frustrating is the response is not always predictable. Sometimes a usable erection and sometimes nothing. I have a script for daily Cialis but have not tried it as of yet; maybe daily will be more predicable. I do get side effects of back and leg pain and headache from Cialis but side effects seem to be less than with Levitra or Viagra.

So in summary to a post that is too long. [Not at all!] I am doing great and learning to manage the ED and still think I made the right choice in treatment. As always thanks to my PCa brothers for sharing and a special thanks to Terry for the site.

Just got my most recent PSA back today <0.008 with ultasensitive test has not changed and has been 44 months since surgery. Local uro wants yearly test but I am sticking with my plan of every six months until the fiveyear mark. My idea is that since there was evidence of PCa being outside capsule every six months will allow for early detection of biochemical recurrence and a better handle on doubling time etc.. Very happy with the test results and prognosis. Kattan tables predict at the point I am now only a 14% chance of recurrence at 10 year mark, and that gets better with each undetectable PSA as time goes on.

As far as side effects urinary control is excellent. Have not had the hernia repaired but it has not gotten any larger. Hydrocele seems to vary from day to day in size and even time of day. Uro suggested I get them both operated at the same time but I am in no hurry for either. I do on occasion have some pain/soreness in pelvic floor and epidymial tenderness Uro says both are not uncommon.

Now for the topic all us guys want to hear about ED. Not much good news there. Sometimes things seem like they want to work and then at other times nothing. Even tried Cialis daily; seemed for first couple of weeks was helping able to get a usable erection with aid of band then nothing. Have gone back to using vaccum device and have noticed when on Cialis need only a light tension band for maintance. Libido is not great and not sure if that is from frustration or low testosterone which I plan on having checked at next visit with GP. Then the decision if it's low. Am I brave enough to supplement with PCa history.

Life should be great expecting first grandson in August very happy about that, and retirement is in sight. However; still have an occasional period of depression. Thearpy helped before and I am considering going again. I think it has a lot to do with becoming older and not having the energy to do the physical activities I once did and ED most certainly plays a role in those feelings. Other than the few moments of depression I feel good and am doing well.

As always a big thank you for all my PCa brothers for sharing and a very special thank you to Terry for the site. It is impossible to know how many this site has helped. The best to everyone and hang in there guys.

Bob

I had my 50 months post-surgery PSA about a month ago <0.08 so all is good. Still battling ED issues but coping with them. Still walking around with a hernia from the robotic surgery but otherwise doing well.

From time to time I do have to deal with depression and yes PSA anxiety. Sorry to hear about Gregg; the two of you have helped more men than you will ever know. [Bob is referring to the January 2012 E-Letter where these subjects were mentioned.]

Five years ago my PSA was 5.4 with free being 7%. Today 56 months after robotic surgery it is <0.008. So good chance I am cured if one can ever use that term. Since I did have evidence of tumor out side capsule I have decided to have one more test in 6 months before going to annual test.

As far as side effects nothing has really changed. I do have a small hernia from having my belly inflated for the robot. [It is estimated that between 12% and 20% of men who have prostectomies - whether open or laparoscopic have these inguinal hernia] After a consult with a general surgeron; I am going to watch and wait. His opinion was it was so small and only way to repair was open surgery that if not getting larger or bothering me then leave it alone. I also have a slight hydrocele on left side but size has unchanged so I am living with it.

Urinary control is still good with an occasional squirt but not enough for concern. As to ED well that is another issue. At times with daily cialis and a tension band things work but certainly not like before. After US Task Force report I sometimes wonder was I too quick in going to surgery. I think I made the right choice for me. My Gleason post-op being 4+3=7 and evidence of being outside capsule and the fact that my maternal Grandfather died form PCa; I needed it out.

As always a big thank you goes out to Terry. This site has been a great help to me throughout this five year journey and I hope by sharing I have helped some others.

Cheers to all, Bob C from AL

Well, Brothers I am now at 5 years and 2 months post-surgery and PSA is <0.008 so according to the Dr. who operated on me I am 95% cured or only 5% chance of ever needing any addition treatment but all of us know that can sure change. Good news and a milestone for sure. Now I will agree to yearly tests. No other treatment along the way.

Side effects I do have a inquinal hernia on left side and hydocele as well but consulted a Dr. few months ago "unless they are bothering you or painful I would not recommend doing anything" so for now living with those. ED yep its still with me I can get a fair erection with daily cialis , a tension band and alot of stimulation but frankly sex is not very rewarding anymore likely a combination of things. Am I the same person as I was 5 years ago? No, this monster changed me my treatment was/is successful but at what price. My sexually/manhood has changed and will never be the same. I don't remember my maternal grandfather as he died when I was less than a year old from this monster so I made the right choice. Some other health issues a few months back made me question my treatment as I was worried I had given up 5 years of a active sex life to have something else get me. However; those issues turned out to be only tempory so life is good and my sexuality is what it is.

Happy Holidays and hang in there brothers.

I got a little behind with update due holidays etc. Had PSA done in Dec.2013; 0.008 same as its been for last 5 years using ultrasensitive test. Six years and 2 months since surgery. Three side effects small hernia of left ring, bilateral hydroceles and ED. Hernia was checked out some time ago and conclusion was "if it's not causing any problems leave it alone". Only option to repair was open techique as likely too many adhesions to repair with a scope. Hydroceles have not gotten any larger so leaving them alone as well. Recomendation from Dr. if necessary repair all three at same time. I am going to wait. Something new is occasioal pain/tenderness of both epidymides. Local uro says not uncommon in men with prostate removal. As for the ED not much has changed able to get a "usable" erection with daily Cialis and tension band; however sensation and climaxes are not what they used to be. Frankly not sure if those problems are age or surgery related.

Everything I have read indicates that I am far enough post-surgery that odds are in my favor that no additonal treatment will be needed, but as we all know it can come back.

As always a big thank you to Terry for maintaince of the site and to all my brothers for sharing. Good luck to all of you as we travel this journey., Bob

Bob's e-mail address is: carsorl AT auburn.edu (replace "AT" with "@")

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