I've been reading the forum and not posting so much as my "cancer journey" over the past 6 months has taken some interesting and confusing turns. Some very brave guys here, up against some very tough circumstances. Sharing your experiences is invaluable to others who are faced with difficult decisions. I know it has been extremely helpful to me. Thanks for that.
For anyone whose circumstances are similar to mine, I thought I would share a bit.
After many formal and informal consultations that recommended I take the sugery route sooner rather than later, I decided to have a consultation with Dr. Peter Scardino head of surgery at Sloan Kettering in NYC, who is a published proponent of Active Surveillance for non-aggressive cancers. At my first consultation he recommended another biopsy, which turned up more 3+3 than initally detected in 3 of 14 cores. This was a bit of a blow.
Net/net - Dr. Scardino recommended a protocol of AS that includes 6 month exams and if there is no apparent escalation another biopsy in two years. So I am going to follow that protocol under his care.
I may very well end up having an RP in the future and I am preparing myself for that eventuality. In the meantime, I can enjoy my prostate a bit longer... even if it does have 38 holes in it.