Let me wrap this up with an end of year summary of my experience with prostate cancer.  I could have written more after that last blog but really, I don’t think about this much anymore.  That might sound odd but it’s true.  Eight months after my prostatectomy, my recovery is complete enough that I am no longer preoccupied with thoughts of cancer or measuring my recovery progress.  Only one relative asked me about it over the holidays and I was fine with that.  I’m done bringing it up.

I should relate my experience with the penis pump.  I asked my Urologist for one because I wasn’t satisfied with my erections.  I began to obtain erections fairly quickly after surgery.  They grew more robust with each passing month.  I only took the 30 day sample of 5 mg Cialis and never asked for refills because I believe my extreme running has my blood flowing strong.  My issue with erections has been two-fold.  I had not been able to obtain a boner without a helping hand.  And it would not remain hard during intercourse.  Talk about frustrating.  I got over my initial immature concerns with the pump and determined to try it in an effort to avoid prescription medication.  I’m not totally against meds but I do feel they should be a last resort.  Also, I never noticed any benefit from the 5 mg sample of Cialis.

I found the pump to be a bit of a process.  It’s fairly simple if only using the vacuum to create an erection.  But much more complicated if you apply the ring to clamp the blood flow.  And good God is that ring ever uncomfortable.  I could never imagine actually having sex with that rubber band around my shaft.  Maybe if I was into S&M, but I’m not.  It works fine though to spring a stiffy.  My Urologist suggested therapy to me during our last visit when I related my requirement for physical stimulation.  I declined.  I can’t see myself in therapy.  And I really do improve measurably each month.  In fact, I woke up with a boner on Christmas Day.  Talk about a Merry Christmas.  This was a first since surgery and a very welcome gift.

I wouldn’t say I’m 100%.  I’ll never be 100% again.  I aged from this, both physically and emotionally.  It still bugs me not to ejaculate during orgasm.  That takes some getting used to.  But I do orgasm.  There are worse things.  Overall, my quality of life is fully back and probably better than most men my age.  In my first race after the surgery, I ran a PR 3:31 marathon.  One minute shy of qualifying for Boston.  After ten years sporting a buzz cut, I’ve purposely grown my hair long.  My bangs are down to my nose.  I’m not stupid, I know I’m compensating for having lost my prostate to cancer.  But after all this, it feels good to know that at 52 my hair still grows like a weed.

At the end of the day, I feel very fortunate.  I am 100% cancer free.  I don’t consider myself at all unlucky to have prostate cancer fifteen years below the average age.  My youth made surgery an option and enabled me to recover much quicker than average.  I won’t have to worry about prostate maladies when I’m 65.  I’m good.  I’ve been able to advise a couple of men after they read my blog, and several more have thanked me for chronicling my story.  Happy to share.