YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Jerry Braam and Evelyn live in Illinois, U.S.A. . He was 70 when he was diagnosed on December 4, 2007. His initial PSA was 13.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and although he does not state his staging, it seems he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was robotic surgery. Here is his story.

When I was diagnosed at 70, I was not surprised for I had for too many years suffered with an enlarged prostrate and all its symptoms. I had other PSA tests before that were 4 and 5 they were treated with antibiotics and the PSA went down. I had in 2006 a PSA of 12. I then went on a lot of supplements that my wife found, but they did not work, so I wasn't surprised with the PSA of 13.

The biopsy which wasn't too bad, showed cancer. so the next thing was the body scan and bone scan which looked okay to the Dr.

I was then scheduled for surgery, I never really considered anything but surgery. My surgery had to be postponed because of a abnormal stress test. I had to have an angiogram first and found that I had some blockage in one artery. The cardiologist did clear me for the surgery by adding some new pills and we will watch it as time goes on.

On March 31st 2008 I had my surgery (Robotic)It lasted 4 or 5 hours due to the prostrate being very large and growing up into my bladder, which the urologist had to restructure at the opening. I did not have to much pain only some gas pain and I went home on the third day feeling pretty good except for the Foley catheter. I did not think I could make it through the following two weeks with the catheter but I did, with adjustments.

I am doing very well and my strength is back.

I am very happy that my pathology report came back showing that I had no spread of the cancer. That made it all worth while.

The only thing left is my incontinence. I dribble all the time. the doctor said that after 2 months he would give me some meds that would help that if I still have it. I am getting better with incontinence all the time 7 or 8 pads a day down to about 3 or 4 and I am urinating well.

I am very happy that I went the way I did. My life is great. Being 70 years old I am waiting for my impotency to subside, but that might not happen for a while.

God bless all that are considering what to due at this time. I will pray for your decisions.

Reverend Jerry Braam Bartlett, Illinois.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

Just a note to let people know that it is now 2 months since my operation. I am feeling great!

I still have some incontinence, but as I learned from the doctor today my retention was 800cc before the operation and now I have lowered it to about 100cc after urination. My doctor told me that because my bladder was so extended due to the size of my prostrate ,that it will take a while for the muscles to gain the strength they need. He says perhaps a month or two more and I should not be having any incontinence. Praise the Lord.

I am reporting the following information because their are so many men who feel as though their sex life is gone. I know that especially for the younger men this is so important. I have experienced a couple orgasims but no strong erections. It all seems to be coming back slowly

Life is good Rev. Jerry Braam.

Jerry's e-mail address is: coach1037@aol.com