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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Full life after prostate surgery

Marcy Sugar and Kathy Mitchell Creators Syndicate

Dear Annie: I had a strong reaction to the letter from “Missing It,” whose husband had a prostatectomy. I am a prostate cancer survivor who had a prostatectomy, and my experience has been nothing like her husband’s. No one who is facing prostate cancer should take her husband’s story as typical. Did her husband faithfully do his physical therapy exercises to prevent incontinence? I did, at least three times a day. I’ve had complete control for years. I worked with my urologist on sexual activity, and we experimented with various therapies because there are many options. I had to do my part, but my sex life is now as satisfactory as it was prior to the surgery. To other men with a prostate cancer diagnosis who choose the prostatectomy route, if you do your part, there is every reason to hope for complete recovery and a fully normal and satisfying life. – Not Missing Anything

Dear Not Missing: Thank you for pointing out that there are individual responses to prostate surgery, and a great deal depends upon how dedicated one is to doing the necessary exercises and therapies. There are also other options besides prostatectomy. For all men facing this, it is important to find a physician who knows what treatments are available and can discuss them clearly, along with the potential outcomes. And if the doctor isn’t doing that, get a second opinion or find another doctor. This is your future. You need to be your own best advocate.

Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.