“I would like to share this story hoping it will help others. I remember my father in 1998 lying in Hope Hospice telling me to make sure I get a regular PSA. At the age of 67, he passed away from prostate cancer and at that time I was 43 years old.  I took my father’s advice and had my PSA checked. I did have a low PSA level, however it increased as time went on. Then at the age of 54, my PSA level hit the top awareness number of 4.0. I was taking Avodart plus Flomax when my PSA was 2.0, but when taking Avodart your number has to be doubled which made mine 4.0. My regular urologist suggested a prostate biopsy which turned out to be positive for prostate cancer.

The biopsy was a twelve needle biopsy in which two needles came back positive with a Gleason Score of 6 + 6. My regular urologist suggested I have a bone scan to make sure the cancer had not spread out of the prostate. Thank God and with my Dad’s prior advice it has not spread. I caught it in time. My urologist then wanted to speak with my wife and I about our different options. After a 45 minute conference, we came to the conclusion that Robotic Surgery was the way to go.

The urologist referred me to Dr. David K. Ornstein. During the first week of December 2009, I had my consultation with Dr. Ornstein.  From the moment we met, I felt I was in great hands. He truly cares about his patients and wants to help them.  While looking over my chart, he assured me that my cancer level was low but he was very confident that I was a perfect candidate for Robotic Surgery.  Dr. Ornstein was up-front about everything.  He let me know that after the surgery I would have a catheter for seven (7) days.  During recovery after the surgery, I would probably have to wear small pads in my underwear for approximately (1) month after the catheter was removed.  Of course, he explained that each individual is different.  I am a healthy individual who enjoys golfing and fishing.  I also work out with weights at the gym along with a cardio program.  After surgery, I was on the treadmill (10) days later along with lifting very light weights.  I took things very easy for a few weeks.

 

My surgery was on December 15, 2009.  It took 3 hours, from 2:00p.m.-5:00 p.m.  I went home the next day at 10:00 a.m. I was taking short walks down my street with my catheter.  My neighbors were wondering what in the world happened.  I told them about my surgery.  What a conversation piece that was!

By March 2010, my lifestyle was great.  I am back lifting weights at 100% and doing all the cardio I want at my gym.  I’ve had (2) PSA tests since surgery and both have turned out “non-detectable”.  Dr. Ornstein explained sexual risks associated with prostate removal and again reiterated that everyone is different.  Although Robotic Surgery is more pinpointed and less invasive with lower percentage rates for nerve damage, Dr. Ornstein explained that if I had no sexual problems before surgery, my chances for a normal sex life were more promising for me.  He further explained that either way, I would most likely have to use Viagara.  At this point in time regarding my sex life, nothing has happened yet but I am sure things will improve.  The most important thing is

I still have a very loving family that truly loves me.  I, in return, love them so much for supporting me through this difficult time.  The best thing is that I am cancer free!

Thank you so much Dr. David Ornstein for caring so much about me.  I will never forget that call you gave me at my home the night before surgery to assure me that everything was going to be fine.  After surgery, you came into my room and gave me your personal business card, including your cell phone number, advising me that I could call you at any time if I had questions.  You office staff are also very caring and concerned.  Thank you very much!