UPDATE - 17 November 2009

Some of you have noticed, it has been awhile since I provided an update in this space. I am happy to report that I am doing fine. I have had two PSA test since my surgery in June, both with negative results - PSA undetectable. This is the result we need to continue going forward. I moved back into the full swing of things back in early August I have remained very active since then. I continue to do a few projects around my mom's house and try to help a few other folks as time permits. I am happy to report that the temperatures in Selma, Alabama has improved considerably since my last update. Thus, we are enjoying some great Fall weather. As the attached picture shows, even here in the south, the trees do change their colors this time of the year. Thank you once again for all of your prayers and encouragement during my surgery and recovery. God has truly blessed me with many friends and with a successful surgery and recovery.

UPDATE - 27 June 2009

It has been a good week, but one of the hottest weeks I can ever remember. Despite the heat, I continue to walk morning and afternoon. I have not had any problems at all. I received the results of the lab report several days ago. It was a good news report. The cancer was confined to the prostate. The surgical margins" were clear and the lymph nodes had no signs of cancer. I don't guess one could ask for a better report. I thank the Good Lord above of all of these blessings and answered prayers!

UPDATE - 22 June 2009

It is Monday morning in Selma, Alabama. Thanks for stopping by. I would say that my recovery is going very well. I am sleeping good at night, eating more solid food, and doing a lot of walking each day. I also do not have a lot of pain. I have some medicine for the minor discomfort that I am experiencing. Each afternoon I go to the local shopping mall for my walks because it is air conditioned . The temperature outside is 105 degrees. I did take a 20-minute walk outside earlier this morning. Everything is going just fine at this point.

UPDATE - 18 June 2009

The attached picture shows me preparing to depart Vanderbilt University Hospital this afternoon -- 24 hours after my surgery. Surgery was completed yesterday late in the day. It was about a three to three and a half hour surgery spread over almost twelve hours. The good new is I was being attended by a highly proficient staff of doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt. The best news is that the cancer appears to have been contained in the prostate. We will know for sure when the pathology report is completed next week. No additional treatment is anticipated. I am sore, but otherwise in pretty good shape. Praise God from Whom all blessing flow. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

UPDATE - 17 June 32009

It is game day. I am suited up and ready to head over to the hospital in a few minutes. My brother and his wife will meet me there and my friend Allen Friday is also here. My physical yesterday was a snap. Except for having prostate cancer I am a picture of health. My heavy training paid off -- I lost 20 pounds in preparation for the surgery. Surgery can last up to four hours, but likely less. I will look forward to providing an update later today or first thing tomorrow. Thanks again for all of your prayers and encouragement.

UPDATE - 16 June 2009 - Here I am in Nashville, where in the heck are you?

Today is pre-op day. I will have a physical this afternoon. Bad news - no food today. Ugh!

UPDATE - 14 June 2009

My surgery is still schedule for 1200 Noon on Wednesday 17 June 2009. I will be headed up to Vanderbilt tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. I have an appointment at the hospital on Tuesday morning. I am scheduled to report back to the hospital at 1000 AM on Wednesday. I am trusting God that everything will go as planned and that I will be released from the hospital and be headed back to Selma, Alabama on Thursday. I hope and pray I will be able to make an update on this page sometime on Thursday. Stay tuned and thanks again for your prayers and encouragement.

UPDATE - 11 MAY 2009

About three weeks ago I visited Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee to have a consult with Dr. Joseph Smith, the Chief of Urology at the University and the Hospital. I was impressed with his demeanor and his experience. He has performed about 3000 of the prostate removals using the DaVinci robot. http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com/index.aspx

Based upon his experience and the data he has collected, Dr. Smith believes that the robotic method of removing the prostate is "equal to or better that the open radical procedure" in all respects. I liked what I saw at Vanderbilt and I liked Dr. Smith and his staff and his honest discussion with me. For these reasons I have decided to have Dr. Smith perform the surgery using the DaVinci robot. I will go to Vanderbilt on 15 June. On 16 June at 1000 I will have a physical at the hospital. On 17 June I will return at 1000 and check in for the surgery to be performed at 1200. I will be released from the hospital the next day on 18 June. I think I must remain in Nashville for another night in order to see the doctor again on Friday 19 June before returning home. I will return to Vanderbilt after six to eight weeks for a follow-up with Dr. Smith. I will see a local urologist for any immediate needs that arise here at home.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

What Is Happening

I received my cancer diagnosis on 10 March 2009 from a doctor in Montgomery, Alabama. I am so very thankful that he was experienced and knowledgeable enough to recognize the problem despite other data that appeared to be normal. Since receiving the diagnosis, I have been attempting to get smart on what I am facing. This includes talking to men who have already gone through what I am about to experience, reading a book on the subject, and talking to a number of doctors. On 26 March 2009 I have an appointment with a surgeon in Birmingham, Alabama. The following week, on 3 April 2009 I have an appointment with another surgeon at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. There are several surgical methods that can be utilized and I want to gather as much information as I can about the pros and cons of each method. God has placed some strong men in my path in the past two weeks -- all who have been through this ordeal utilizing different treatment methods. I am happy to report all of them are doing fine. I am thankful that each of these gentlemen were willing to take their time to talk with me and help prepare me for the road I am about to walk. Many of you have also written by e-mail to tell me of friend or loved ones that have also done fine over many years after surgery or other treatments. You have also suggested people I should contact for information. Thank you for your encouragement and suggestions. That is all for this time.

BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

1. I am truly blessed to have many friend and family far and wide. I will use the Foxhole Branch Office as a place to keep friends and family updated about my surgery and my recovery after surgery.
   
2. I will update the blog only if I have learned something new or there is some new information to report. This will be a place where you can come on the web to check and see if there is anything new without having to write an e-mail. Should you desire, you will be able to make a comment on the blog.
   
3. In my posts I will use only generic references to the type of surgery I will be undergoing. Most of you already are aware of the nature of the surgery. Additionally, I will not list any addresses, phone numbers, or other personal identifying information on the blog.
4. I truly appreciate the prayers that are being offered on my behalf by my friends, family, and by people that I do not even know. These prayers mean a lot to me.