ExRx.net

This is to let you know that I had surgery on 6/21 and am on the mend. No strenuous exercise yet--walking only--but I am reading on this site and getting my exercise vicariously.

The surgery (prostate removal) was a complete success. The cancer was confined to the prostate. None was found in the lymph nodes or other areas outside the prostate. No further treatment is required.

Allow me to make a plug for regular annual prostate cancer testing with a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test beginning at age 50. Without these I would not have known I had cancer, because I had no symptoms. One in six men will get prostate cancer. If it is caught early, it's curable. If not, it is still treatable but it may have spread and the chance for cure is greatly diminished. Also, with modern surgical techniques, incontinence is usually not a long-term problem and nerve-sparing prostate removal allows for a return to a full active sex life ( in some cases with the help of Viagra, Cialis or similar drug).

I am looking forward to resuming regular exercise. Once I hit the six week mark, I can gradually work up to my former strength training and cardiovascular exercise levels.

Thanks to all of you for your good wishes and prayers!

Hi Tim. I love the "shameless plug" you just put in. My father, now 80, had a prostate condition 3 years ago, and they put in radiated pellets. He still does his PSA checks regularly, and now, I'm 56, and I get checked out regularly. Just do it. I was watching some health shows on the public broadcasting channel, and they said that for males, it was not a matter of if, but a matter of when it would develope. Good post Tim

Has anyone rooted the cause of such high rates of prostate cancer? Is this cancer happening regardless of location or diet?

TimG - great to hear you are on the mend and look forward to hearing more successes from you. Good on ya!

I would add one minor change to your plug - change the age from 50 to 30! I am 34 years old and already having problems with my prostate. I've been in treatment since November of last year for an extremely enlarged prostate which has been causing me all kinds of other problems upstream and downstream from it and have had to make major adjustments to my life style and lifting as a result. NO big C yet. And taking every precaution to avoid it if possible.

Best of luck to you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

-Hoister

Here are a few facts: There seems to be some connection between a high-fat, Western diet and developing prostate cancer. In the US, African-Americans have the highest incidence, with Asian-Americans the lowest. Studies show that there may be a genetic link and that the responsible gene is similar to the gene causing breast cancer in women. If a man's father or brother had prostate cancer, the odds are higher that he will develop it.

The big event, in terms of the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer was the development of the PSA test in the mid-80s. More men are being diagnosed in their 50s and early 60s, without symptoms. By the time symptoms are present the cancer may have already spread.

Selenium appears to have a preventive effect on prostate cancer, as does soy. Regular vigorous exercise has a preventive effect, but hey, we already know that. Three helpful books I read were 'Prostate Cancer for Dummies' (Paul Lange), "Dr Peter Scardino's Prostate Book' and 'Dr Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer'. These books also have a lot of solid, medical information regarding the other prostate conditions, BPH and prostatitis.

Good deal Tim. Glad to see everything came out (pun intended) okay. I'll echo Hoister, 30 is better. I'm 34 and just got my PSA checked as recommended by my doctor. I'll have it checked every year from now on. I have a good doctor, though. Tim - keep up the updates.

I agree. I am 30 and have some enlargement already. Peeing takes a little more time. I'm sure by 40 or 50 I'll need some type of treatment. Glad to hear they got all the cancer out.

My father had his prostate removed at the age of 65. He's doing well now. Glad to hear you're also doing well.

Exercise, proper diet ... and get that PSA test, fellas!!