Welcome


Welcome.

When I wrote that banner above, I was just days into this adventure. I'm a pretty analytical guy, and the simple act of writing every day helped me wrap my head around the fact that I had just introduced the word "cancer" into my vocabulary, and it helped me rationalize my treatment options. It also helped keep friends and family informed on my status.

Those daily updates tapered off to weekly updates and eventually to monthly updates (which I continue to do on the 11th of every month, the anniversary date of being told I have cancer).

I've kept this blog going because I remember how helpful it was for me to hear first-hand experiences of other prostate cancer patients. I wanted to return the favor by sharing my own journey in order to educate others and increase prostate cancer awareness.

But I wanted it to be a truthful sharing of details, so you will quickly see that I didn't sugar-coat much of anything. That means that you'll find some pretty graphic descriptions of the male anatomy and biological functions in this blog.

Finally, if you're reading this as a fellow prostate cancer patient, please understand that I am not a medical professional, and you should not construe any of the content of this blog as medical advice. Each case is unique, so please solicit the advice of your own medical team.

I wish you all the best as you go through your own journey.

-- Dan

Life After Radical Prostatectomy - 24 Months Later

So it's been two years since my radical prostatectomy, and I think that things have plateaued for me.

There really hasn't been any significant change in my status since writing my 18-month update.

Status

PSA remains undetectable.

Incontinence

Pretty much dry, but still occasional minor (couple of drops) leaks with stress--hard cough or sneeze; bending or lifting (not all the time); and, on rare occasion if my bladder is nearly full, simply standing.

I'm able to travel long distances without a problem (10 hour flight from Europe), although I have to admit that I am a bit more tactical in locating bathrooms.  That's because there are times where I will get an urge to empty my bladder. So even though I may not really "have" to go and can probably wait, I may just stop and empty my bladder for convenience purposes.

I'll have to admit that I could be more diligent about performing three sets of Kegel exercises per day, and that may help with those issues.

Sexual Function

With only one nerve bundle spared, I'm able to achieve a 50% to 75% erection without Cialis, enough to achieve an orgasm.  Orgasms are different than pre-prostatectomy in that in some ways, they're less intense, yet I find that post-orgasm, I'm much more sensitive to touch.

Summary

All in all, I'm leading pretty much the same life today as I did before the surgery, with only minor and occasional inconveniences in my daily life.  If I was in a relationship, the sexual function issue would be more of a concern, but, for now, I'm okay with where I'm at.

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