Hi, Parson. Do we ever know how you feel. I want to semi-quote Swimon, here, just because it's what we're doing at present. Let your body heal from the surgery first. Get the first PSA and then make your decisions/have discussions with the specialists. If that first PSA is undetectable, then you may have further options other than aggressive treatments in an area that's already been through so much. Yes, I know some docs take the "aggressive" approach to getting it all following surgery. But, for many of us, those other options are what we chose to avoid in the first place, unless totally necessary.
If we had seen anything but an "undetectable" at that first PSA, we would certainly be looking at options. Our second PSA is mid-April and that will be our turning point. If there's any rise, then we'll begin a new plan of action - with the support of everyone here.
The emotions are overwhelming, especially coming off the preceding months as you have planned for this surgery. We're all here with you, too.
Husband age 65
PSA on 5/1/06: 4.2 (had doubled in 13 mos. and rising monthly)
DaVinci Surgery 8/2/06
T2a (at biopsy)
T4c (at pathology) w/cancer cell leakage into fatty tissue
Post-Surgical PSA on 10/3/06 - undetectable!
Update: 11/1/06 - perhaps bladder neck involvement; 30%-50% chance of recurrence
Future: PSA tests twice-yearly for now