THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2019 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I decided I was over 40 and due for a check up. I had always been relatively fit and healthy, running or cycling most days, participating in fun runs and cycle rides.

My doctor asked whether, as part of the blood test, I wanted a PSA test. I was an avid listener to health podcasts, and had heard the evidence for and against, but aware that my maternal grandfather had had prostate cancer late in life, I decided to get the PSA test. The result came back at 2.9 - slightly above the 'normal' of 2.5. The doctor referred me to a urologist, who did a DRE and found a slight ridge on the left lobe of the prostate. He was concerned enough (although not alarmed) to send me for a biopsy. All 16 cores came back positive.

I have decided after advice from the urologist and a radiation oncologist to go with Robotic Surgery. Surgery is scheduled for 20 July 2010.

I have commenced complementary therapies - acupuncture and Chinese medicine, along with some meditation. I have also looked at my diet which, although not bad, could do with some fine tuning.

My approach (and the approach of those around) is one of optimism. A positive attitude will get me through.

I'm now approaching 18 months since surgery, and all is well. PSA score initially was 0.01, and last score was 0.03.

Apart from some urinary retention immediately after surgery, I haven't had any urinary issues.

Erections have been slowly returning. After a brief look at using injections, I have reverted to drug therapy.

The choice for laparoscopic surgery was a good one in hindsight. Recovery was quick and the urinary outcome was good. The 6 small scars are now almost unnoticeable. I try to keep fit with regular running and weekend cycling, and entering 10k runs and 100k cycling events. I also continue with acupuncture on a regular basis. I didn't make my diagnosis too public - preferring to tell only a select number of people. I must seem to be healthy because even those in the know have stopped asking me how things are going.

Looking forward to hitting the second anniversary, and beyond!

I'm now well past the 2nd year anniversary of the surgery and things continue to be progressing very well.

My PSA tests have consitently been at "below 0.03", which I'm told is virtually undetectable. And having passed the 2 year mark, my urologist has changed my PSA tests from 6-monthly to annual.

I continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, particularly with exercise. Running most days about 6km, bike riding on the weekends between 50 and 60 kms, and some group personal training a couple of days a week.

I changed jobs also just after the last update. None of the people I now work with know about my previous diagnosis or treatment, and for the most part that suits me fine. I am very appreciative of the support that my former work colleagues gave me during a tough time. My decision to change jobs was unrelated to my medical history, but looking back at the past year, I feel there is a greater sense of normality in my life with people for the most part being unaware of my medical history. Nevertheless, I do tend to take a more active interest in men's health issues, and can't help but become more vocal whenever a casual discussion turns to men's health issues.

My brother-in-law was diagnosed with PCa about 4 months ago. He's about 10 years older than me, and has some other health issues. He has since had the same treatment as I had (with the same great surgeon). I think he and his wife gained a lot of comfort knowing that many others (including me) had come through with good outcomes.

I'm now approaching 4 years since my original diagnosis and treatment, and in almost all respects I feel entirely back to normal. I continue to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, cycling 50-60kms each weekend, and enjoying other longer rides.

My PSA testing has been on an annual basis, and although I remain confident that I have beaten the cancer, it doesn't stop the anxiety as I wait for the test results each year.

My only medical issue at the moment is a torn medial meniscus in my right knee, which probably says more about my efforts to stay fit, and to act like a 20-something, rather than someone approaching 50.

On the verge of 5 years since my surgery. I remember in a heated moment after my diagnosis saying to my wife "I might be dead in 5 years". Thankfully that will not be the case.

Before my diagnosis I was a regular blood donor. I was told by the blood bank that I had to wait 5 years after surgery before giving blood again. I will relish turning up at the Red Cross in a few weeks' time. Weird I know.

I'm still keeping fit, regularly going to group personal training, and keeping up the cycling. The knee seems to have cleared up too.

My brother-in-law underwent robotic surgery yesterday for PCa. My wife has 3 sisters. 3 out of 4 of the husbands (including me) have now had PCa. I know it's coincidence, but nevertheless very strange.

Now more than 7 years since treatment and my PSA score remains at virtually 0. I have moved to annual tests and whilst I feel that I am clear of PCa, I still get nervous waiting to hear the result each year.

Today I gave blood for the first time since being diagnosed - more than 8 years ago. I was told that I could not give blood within the first 5 years after surgery - or being "clear". It is another milestone. And now next time I give blood I won't have to explain why it was so long since my last donation. Pushing the PCa further back into history for me.

Life is good. My daughter just turned 18. There was a time when I wondered whether I would see her graduate from high school, but she has now completed the first year of university. Life moves forward.

Neal's e-mail address is: texacano AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")

NOTE: Neal has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.