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 - 42 Months Later

So it's been three and a half years since my radical prostatectomy.  How am I doing?

Status

PSA remains undetectable.

Incontinence

Stress incontinence remains a minor issue for me--sneezing or coughing are the worst, especially if I'm standing.  If I'm seated, it's less of an issue.  The vast majority of days for me are "dry" days, but there's an occasional day where I guess my body is tired and I'm a little more prone to issues.

Sexual Function

Remember that they took one of my nerve bundles, but I have to admit that I'm pleased with my progress without the use of a pill, slow as it has been.

I can achieve about an 80% to 90% erection under my own power most of the time.  My urologist offered up a vacuum pump as an option during my last visit, and I declined for now.

Orgasms for me are pretty much the same as they were pre-surgery, although perhaps just a tad shorter in duration and less intense.

Summary

Overall, I'm pleased with where I'm at--cancer-free and pretty much back to normal functioning with minimal inconveniences.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)