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| Men can't lay prostrate to prostate cancer (continued) | |||||||
| Time to make a decision Should there be a recurrence after treatment, a radical prostatectomy with prolonged radiation or chemotherapy is usually required. “Because of the profound effect on my marriage, I had to first consult my wife,” Wright said. He presented the possible life-changing side effects of incontinence and erectile dysfunction to his wife of 21 years. Privately, then with Renner, they talked at length about the best course of action. “There were no sure-fire guarantees, but we agreed that a prostatectomy offered the highest chance for a cure without recurrence,” Wright said. Wright underwent a prostatectomy Feb. 9. Renner examined the nearby lymph glands to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread. When prostate cancer metastasizes into the lymph fluid, it can run like a racehorse to other organs. Surgery showed Wright’s cancer was confined to the gland. With the operation a success, he spent three days in the hospital before going home. During the first eight weeks after surgery, Wright said “incontinence was very high.” Kegel exercises helped strengthen the muscles surrounding the bladder and prescription medications lessened other lifestyle side effects. On April 20, Wright returned to work full time. “Now, I walk one to two miles, three or four times a week,” Wright said. “Recently, I’ve started riding my bike and playing golf. My golf game has actually improved.” He watches his diet. “I eat more fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes, oranges, bananas, broccoli and carrots.” But the biggest change has been mental. “I feel blessed because of my cancer,” Wright said. “It’s allowed me to look at my family and life with more appreciation. Flowers smell sweeter, water tastes clearer and the air feels fresher. I look forward to each day with a joy I didn’t have before. You can’t ask for more than that.” Continued |
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