6 Year Anniversary come and gone again without notice...

So, yet again I forgot my surgical anniversary. On 11/4/2011 @7am, I was on the operating table at Johns Hopkins. This 11/4/2017 slipped by without the slightest whiff or recollection of PCa. For guys just diagnosed or those worrying, I hope my outcome is yours - - - that the whole ordeal just becomes a distant, fleeting memory. I had my annual physical a couple days ago and I continue at undetectable (<.01). My Hopkins guy cut me loose from office visits after the second year. I get a nice note from him after letting him know the PSA each year.

My short story... Got my first psa test at 40 after the Dr. felt a spongy prostate on a dre. PSA 2.6. The next year it was "tough," and he followed up with a second psa. 3.8. Referral to specialist. First guy was a d1ck. "At your age, it's likely an aggressive form of prostate cancer." Exactly NOT what a guy of just 41 wants to hear, especially with two kids under 6 AND a bun in the oven - - - that I learned about within days of my diagnosis. I decided that if it was true what the first guy said, I'd better get to the best; and since I live 15 minutes from Johns Hopkins, off I went. Second guy was far better and much more realistic, "Whatever you have is treatable. Nothing is bad until it's bad; and even then, we have many weapons." Just what I needed to hear.

pCa confirmed in August a few days after turning 42. 3x3 on biopsy. open surgery recommended. Dr was open to robotic or radiation too. I decided on open. Surgery without incident. Wore a contraption that connected my water-making insides thru my pecker to a bag that I'm convinced was created by a sadist. It was the worst part of the experience. Some Spaniard from the Inquisition was laughing from beyond the grave at my suffering. Surgical pathology 3+3=G6 confirmed by Hopkins, no EPE or SVI.

Bag off. Home. Recovery. No runs, drips, or errors in the urine department. Sexual function ok. Still not back to pre-surgical status where erections arose from a stiff breeze, but it's workable mostly without meds and real nice with.

Today, 3 healthy kids; girls 10 and 8, and the son that was in the oven at diagnosis will be 6 in April. My wife is aces too! Time flies. Our 8 year old diagnosed with Type One Diabetes last year is doing great and is becoming quite an athlete. Since last year's update we've moved from our beloved little house into a place where we can all have some more space. The extra bonus is that I get to take my kids to the elementary school where I teach and see them each day doing their school activities. What a special treat seeing them like this. I'm a lucky guy.

If I can give any advice to folks, especially younger guys, that come here looking for information. You've got a great resource here. Remember above all that none of these guys are doctors even though they might like to think they could be in another life and talk as though they are; discussing studies and treatments. Take what seems like "expert advice" with a grain of salt from anyone here trying to sound like an authority on pCa. The experts are the guys you talk to at the hospital or clinic. Use the information that you read and hear about here, plus the expertise of your doctor to make your decision on treatment AND to ask questions. AS, surgery, radiation, chemo... there's no wrong answer considering your needs and whatever you choose is correct for you.

I stop by only sporadically and to post on my anniversary to touch base with guys that were good to me during that initial shock of a cancer diagnosis and to let younger guys know that there are younger guys like them here who resume their life where it was sort of interrupted. You might do yourself a favor if you're a G6 to search ChrisR on here. He's about the most knowledgeable guy I know of on younger guys, G6, and Hopkins. He's a great guy. Of course there are others and hopefully some will check in.

My first hope would be that no one gets pCa, but if you do, maintain a level head, research many options and venues for treatment, engage your family in the discussion, and go with your decision. It is correct - for you!

Merry Christmas and Holiday wishes to all. Life goes on. wink

Hey Dude congratulations on your 6 yr milestone but I have to say I loved your description of the catheter experience!!!!!

Larry

And my congratulations too. Enjoyed reading your story and admire your spirit.

Happy Anniversary, Dude!

It's nice to see some familiar faces and some new ones too. And just to be very clear, the worst part really was the door knob locator device. 10 days of my pecker being tugged at prior to pCa was what I considered a very nice run. But that bag was nearly the end of me. The first pee that I made after the contraption was removed, and after struggling to hold it in on the car ride home, was simply rapturous.


Merry Christmas to all.