At a cross road what to do…. RP (Gold Standard) or Da Vinci Robotic?

2

Comments

  • randy_in_indy
    randy_in_indy Member Posts: 496 Member
    NM said:

    Both surgeries do the main thing ,remove the cancer
    Hi ,Nick here and im going to throw my hat into the ring. First of all did you get a second opinion? John Hopkins is a good option if you didnt,that said I chose Davinci for 2 main reasons.

    I had to keep working,I know this sounds like a dumb reason but mortages must be paid and food bought and I am not yet wealthy,lol

    And the second reason was removing the cancer,obvious of course with as little side effects as possible. I had Davinci on Sept 3rd and am back to work,lifting weights and doing whatever I like.

    On a lesser note I had no dietary restrictions and didnt watch my liquid intake from day 1 and no incontinence,meaning I was the same as before.(beer was included in my diet)

    Hope this helps and prayers to you.

    Nick age 52...

    Nick
    I am surprised you had did not have any incontience from day 1....even at night. Who and where did you get the Da Vinci done? I am currently on day 17 and have some incontinence using about 1 pad per day and 1 at night...last night was the most leakage about 2 ounces but I had about three beers last night also. The one good thing is the Viagra is working...had a 3/4 usable erection last night and it worked but orgasm was not the same...not nearly as powerful...but at day 17 I will take it!

    Randy in indy
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010

    Nick
    I am surprised you had did not have any incontience from day 1....even at night. Who and where did you get the Da Vinci done? I am currently on day 17 and have some incontinence using about 1 pad per day and 1 at night...last night was the most leakage about 2 ounces but I had about three beers last night also. The one good thing is the Viagra is working...had a 3/4 usable erection last night and it worked but orgasm was not the same...not nearly as powerful...but at day 17 I will take it!

    Randy in indy

    THose orgasms should also
    THose orgasms should also improve with time. I'm at 5 months post davinci.

    Larry age 55
  • randy_in_indy
    randy_in_indy Member Posts: 496 Member
    lewvino said:

    THose orgasms should also
    THose orgasms should also improve with time. I'm at 5 months post davinci.

    Larry age 55

    Larry
    That's some really good news! I figured it might but with this stuff you just never know what is going to happen. One thing was I got there really fast and I know that usually makes it less intense at least pre-surgery for me anyway. Thanks for the uplifting news!

    Randy age 52
  • NM
    NM Member Posts: 214

    Nick
    I am surprised you had did not have any incontience from day 1....even at night. Who and where did you get the Da Vinci done? I am currently on day 17 and have some incontinence using about 1 pad per day and 1 at night...last night was the most leakage about 2 ounces but I had about three beers last night also. The one good thing is the Viagra is working...had a 3/4 usable erection last night and it worked but orgasm was not the same...not nearly as powerful...but at day 17 I will take it!

    Randy in indy

    Lucky about that
    I went to a cancer/surgeon who only deals with and operates on cancer patients. He has done over 500 open and almost as many Davincis.

    He recommended Davinci over open both because of the side effects and I wanted to return to work ASAP.

    I had no special diet from day 1 and was even told on the day after the surgery go home and have a couple of beers.Seemed to work so far on the incontinence issue at least.

    I went to Danville,Pa for my surgery on the advice of my family doctor.

    I said one time on this site if you have no incontinence you love your doctor if you do it seems to be your doctor didnt do as good.I truly believe that some luck plays a part as you may go either way even with an experienced surgeon.

    Peace to all who have any side effects or worse yet lose their life to this disease. It is not a minor thing like many people have told me.I still look forward to my second PSA reading in Feb with a bit of dread as I dont know what it will find.

    Nick....52 years young..had Davinci on Sept 3rd of 2009.....
  • Lindorf
    Lindorf Member Posts: 11
    NM said:

    Lucky about that
    I went to a cancer/surgeon who only deals with and operates on cancer patients. He has done over 500 open and almost as many Davincis.

    He recommended Davinci over open both because of the side effects and I wanted to return to work ASAP.

    I had no special diet from day 1 and was even told on the day after the surgery go home and have a couple of beers.Seemed to work so far on the incontinence issue at least.

    I went to Danville,Pa for my surgery on the advice of my family doctor.

    I said one time on this site if you have no incontinence you love your doctor if you do it seems to be your doctor didnt do as good.I truly believe that some luck plays a part as you may go either way even with an experienced surgeon.

    Peace to all who have any side effects or worse yet lose their life to this disease. It is not a minor thing like many people have told me.I still look forward to my second PSA reading in Feb with a bit of dread as I dont know what it will find.

    Nick....52 years young..had Davinci on Sept 3rd of 2009.....

    Howdie:
    I had 4+3 preop but

    Howdie:

    I had 4+3 preop but high psa of 24. Did quite a bit of research, and have noted that though the number of patients requesting DaVinci is definitely rising, the notable advantage of the robot is not really supported by research, except that robotic patients pend 1 day less on average in hospital. Still, all in all, the most important statistic is the number of operations that the surgeon and hospital do. I would use that as the first and most important consideration. I chose open, did radiation after just in case, PSA is undetectable.

    I wish you the very best

    harry
  • Trew
    Trew Member Posts: 932 Member

    Debating...
    I have similar stats to you which I will post below here....but prior to surgery mine looked better 3+3=6 only right side with a palpaple tumor felt in DRE. Did a MRI with coil and they said it was organ confined. So I stuck with Da Vinci surgery 12/29/09. I really never considered RP because of the down time afterward...probably not right when we are talking about cancer but I just saw all the benefits from Robotic that I liked...away from work less. quicker recovery to get back to doing things...and the nice success rate of the experienced local team here in Indianapolis. Now my post op path came back with more aggresive cancer as you can see below...and the part that is ugly for me is the extraprostatic extension that occured on both the right and left side anterior=front. I look at this as a huge ? of whether I will be dealing with this down the road again some day with radiation. The really good part of the path report is no positive margins...and the only other concer was the perineural invasion....which I found out today is extremely common on Post Op path reports because there are nerves that go into the center of the prostate and run through it so if there is cancer in there it goes to reason the nerves inside the prostate would like have invasion. I was concerned that it was with the nerves attached to the outside of the prostate which it was told most likely not...since there was none in the surgical margin which is all the tissue they take from around the entire sphere of the prostate. I like the other comment about interviewing the docs and see what they say then making a decision....I can tell from reading on here for several months that no matter what path you choose...and no matter what results you get after the choosen treatment...cancer can come back....I honestly think it's somewhat luck that determines who gets it back and who doesn't. My best advise find the one that turns you on the most with his answers and the one you feel the most confident with as far as his skill level.....what I found leading up to my surgery after I had made the decision was everyone around said ...you got the best guys....even other docs said they would use who I used if they had it and were going to do the robotic. I am now two weeks from the day from my surgery...and honestly...I could go out and play at least 9 holes...maybe even 18 tomorrow. I have never really felt tired or out of energy...I was out runining around shoping for 5 hours yesterday and yes when I got home felt a little tired but man this has been a peice of cake with the worst part for me being the bowel movements and catheter...which I had to keep an extra week and got out today...YEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWW! I'm friken free...and actually going to the bathroom and peeing on my own. I am on my second pad since the removal at 11 am this morning but its pretty darn dry....so hope I am continent soon....I am also doing a no, no drinking a beer right now...but heck a person has to have some fun....heck its a flat two week old home brew so the carbination is not a factor...well see how the bladder reacts. Good luck with your decision! here are my full stats.

    52 years old
    PSA 9/09 7.25
    PSA 10/09 6.125
    Diagnosis confirmed Oct 27, 2009
    8 Needle Biopsy = 5 clear , 3 postive
    <20%, 10%, 10%
    Gleason Score (3+3) 6 in all positive cores
    11/09 Second Opinion on Biopsy slides from Dr. Koch
    (4+3) = 7 5%
    (3+4) = 7 10%
    (3+4) = 7 10%
    Endorectol MRI with Coil - Indicated the Palpal tumor was Organ confined
    da Vinci 12/29/09 - Dr. Hollensbee & Scott
    Post Surgery Pathology:
    Prostate size 5 x 4 x 3.5 cm Weight: 27 g
    Gleason: Changed to (3+4) = 7
    Primary Pattern 3, 80%
    Secondary Pattern 4, 18%
    Tertiary Pattern 5, 2%
    Tumor Quantitation:
    Greatest Dimension, Largest tumor focus: 19 mm
    Additional Dimension 18 x 15 mm
    Location, largest tumor focus: Right posterior quadrant
    Multifocality: Yes
    Greatest dimension second largest focus 10 mm
    Location: second largest focus: Left Posterior quadrant
    Extraprostatic extension: Yes
    If yes, focal or non-focal: Nonfocal
    If yes: location(s) right and left antero-lateral
    Seminal vesicle invasion: No
    Cancer at surgical margin: No
    If no, closest distance with location: less than 1 mm, right posterior quadrant
    Apex involvement: No
    Bladder involvement: NO
    Lymph-vascular invasion: No
    Perineural invasion: Yes
    Lymph nodes: 9 from right pelvic 0/9 positive
    Stage: pT3a, pNO, pMX
    All nerves sparred - found two additional pudendal arteries</p>

    Lymph nodes after Da Vinci
    I just finished radiation at Loma Linda U in CA. I had Da Vinci surgery back in March 09. My oncologist at LLU told me he seldom sees more than 3 lymph node samples with the Da vinci sugery then he wouldlike to see 15, especially with positive margins.

    Reading your report above I think you have a very good surgeon.
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 846 Member
    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    As we all know the thought process it is not an easy task with all of the “snake oil” salesmen out there…. all of the information given to you by some with a whole lot of bias… I live in Atlanta and have elected to move forward with the open surgery instead of Robotics. I personally would have selected Robotics if I had been a 3+3 and did not have a palpable nodule. I was diagnosed on Dec 14, 2010 with a Gleason 4+3 present in 9/15 biopsy specimens. I have a palpable nodule right base and right mid and presented with a PSA of 4.29. On Dec 28 I had a negative bone, CT scan and my first consultation…I am scheduled to have open surgery on March 3 up in Chicago at Northwestern with Dr. Catalona (over 5000 surgeries)… I have a great Uroloic oncologist (not biased in my opinion) out of St Joe Hospital in Atlanta if anyone is looking for another opinion…let me know
  • Trew
    Trew Member Posts: 932 Member
    bdhilton said:

    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    As we all know the thought process it is not an easy task with all of the “snake oil” salesmen out there…. all of the information given to you by some with a whole lot of bias… I live in Atlanta and have elected to move forward with the open surgery instead of Robotics. I personally would have selected Robotics if I had been a 3+3 and did not have a palpable nodule. I was diagnosed on Dec 14, 2010 with a Gleason 4+3 present in 9/15 biopsy specimens. I have a palpable nodule right base and right mid and presented with a PSA of 4.29. On Dec 28 I had a negative bone, CT scan and my first consultation…I am scheduled to have open surgery on March 3 up in Chicago at Northwestern with Dr. Catalona (over 5000 surgeries)… I have a great Uroloic oncologist (not biased in my opinion) out of St Joe Hospital in Atlanta if anyone is looking for another opinion…let me know

    Did You Consider Proton Therapy?
    I am surprised more men do not consider proton therapy.
    Loma Linda University has a very good CD and book they send out free to any who request it. The testimonials from hundreds of men who have been through proton therapy are very encouraging.

    Consider the benefits of proton therapy:

    NO surgery
    Little or no change in sexual function
    Little to no incontinency problems
    No recovery time
    Patients are very active during the 40 or 45 treatments needed, playing golf, working out in the gym, and having intercourse.

    There are 5 or 6 certer in the US that offer proton therapy now. Talking to men at Loma Linda who were using proton treatment as their primary treatment for PC they were very happy, but most got very little support form their urologists back home who really favor surgery. Imagine that.

    Go ahead, do a google search on Loma Linda U proton therapy and see what you find.
  • randy_in_indy
    randy_in_indy Member Posts: 496 Member
    bdhilton said:

    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    As we all know the thought process it is not an easy task with all of the “snake oil” salesmen out there…. all of the information given to you by some with a whole lot of bias… I live in Atlanta and have elected to move forward with the open surgery instead of Robotics. I personally would have selected Robotics if I had been a 3+3 and did not have a palpable nodule. I was diagnosed on Dec 14, 2010 with a Gleason 4+3 present in 9/15 biopsy specimens. I have a palpable nodule right base and right mid and presented with a PSA of 4.29. On Dec 28 I had a negative bone, CT scan and my first consultation…I am scheduled to have open surgery on March 3 up in Chicago at Northwestern with Dr. Catalona (over 5000 surgeries)… I have a great Uroloic oncologist (not biased in my opinion) out of St Joe Hospital in Atlanta if anyone is looking for another opinion…let me know

    Decision Made!
    Sounds like you are committed to a very good surgeon (over 5,000) With those kind of numbers I would think your recovery time would be lessoned some just from his massive experience. My thought processes were I needed to have someone local that I could be in contact with for any followup problems....however in your case you have what seems to be a pretty good support group around you in Atlanta with your Dr. suggesting the Northwestern surgeon. Beside the fact if you need further treatment it will be yet another doctor in Oncology which I think you also already have set up in Atlanta. I will tell everyone if I am completely satisfied with my choice on 2-17 after getting my first PSA...With no positive margins all indications would point to a non-detectable PSA even though I had a palpable nodule that was multifocal in both the right and left side with extraprostatic extension. Stats are above in this thread.

    On day 26 of Da Vinci recovery and here is my recent thoughts....when you party dowm for a Playoff game...YEAH COLTS..played like the Champs they are....and drink ample amounts of beer...you will leak often and without being aware...completely filled - which I have not done to date yet up to the game...TWO pads...Alcohol is the devil for incontinence! I guess I will have to give up that for a while to try and get this under control. Hopefully I can get to several days without any leaking. I think I am going to start exercising again soon...starting with the Elliptical machine I have in the basement...I need to start training for my Spring project of building "man cave" number 2...workshop below a screened in porch on my walkout. All for now - Hope your team won yesterday...I liked the Saints but was very sorry to see how they tried to beat up on Farve...that was totally bush league and now they deserve to get punished for that in two weeks!
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    Trew said:

    Did You Consider Proton Therapy?
    I am surprised more men do not consider proton therapy.
    Loma Linda University has a very good CD and book they send out free to any who request it. The testimonials from hundreds of men who have been through proton therapy are very encouraging.

    Consider the benefits of proton therapy:

    NO surgery
    Little or no change in sexual function
    Little to no incontinency problems
    No recovery time
    Patients are very active during the 40 or 45 treatments needed, playing golf, working out in the gym, and having intercourse.

    There are 5 or 6 certer in the US that offer proton therapy now. Talking to men at Loma Linda who were using proton treatment as their primary treatment for PC they were very happy, but most got very little support form their urologists back home who really favor surgery. Imagine that.

    Go ahead, do a google search on Loma Linda U proton therapy and see what you find.

    Trew, I agree with you that
    Trew, I agree with you that there are some benefits with proton but not every thing is peachy cream rosy either. My dad was treated at Loma Linda in I believe 1997 or 96. He is still alive and doing well however.....He has very frequent need to urinate and Has to go IMMEDIATELY. About 3 years after treatment he lost the ability to have erections. From what I understand things are A OK for awhile then the Prostate scars and dies.
    Also I friend from Church went to Loma Linda and he is now battling Bladder cancer. They told him this can occur after Proton. So all treatments have plus and minus to them.

    Larry (davinci was my choice) age 55
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 846 Member
    Trew said:

    Did You Consider Proton Therapy?
    I am surprised more men do not consider proton therapy.
    Loma Linda University has a very good CD and book they send out free to any who request it. The testimonials from hundreds of men who have been through proton therapy are very encouraging.

    Consider the benefits of proton therapy:

    NO surgery
    Little or no change in sexual function
    Little to no incontinency problems
    No recovery time
    Patients are very active during the 40 or 45 treatments needed, playing golf, working out in the gym, and having intercourse.

    There are 5 or 6 certer in the US that offer proton therapy now. Talking to men at Loma Linda who were using proton treatment as their primary treatment for PC they were very happy, but most got very little support form their urologists back home who really favor surgery. Imagine that.

    Go ahead, do a google search on Loma Linda U proton therapy and see what you find.

    Yes I looked at Proton
    Yes I looked into Proton very much and it was not for me...
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 846 Member

    Decision Made!
    Sounds like you are committed to a very good surgeon (over 5,000) With those kind of numbers I would think your recovery time would be lessoned some just from his massive experience. My thought processes were I needed to have someone local that I could be in contact with for any followup problems....however in your case you have what seems to be a pretty good support group around you in Atlanta with your Dr. suggesting the Northwestern surgeon. Beside the fact if you need further treatment it will be yet another doctor in Oncology which I think you also already have set up in Atlanta. I will tell everyone if I am completely satisfied with my choice on 2-17 after getting my first PSA...With no positive margins all indications would point to a non-detectable PSA even though I had a palpable nodule that was multifocal in both the right and left side with extraprostatic extension. Stats are above in this thread.

    On day 26 of Da Vinci recovery and here is my recent thoughts....when you party dowm for a Playoff game...YEAH COLTS..played like the Champs they are....and drink ample amounts of beer...you will leak often and without being aware...completely filled - which I have not done to date yet up to the game...TWO pads...Alcohol is the devil for incontinence! I guess I will have to give up that for a while to try and get this under control. Hopefully I can get to several days without any leaking. I think I am going to start exercising again soon...starting with the Elliptical machine I have in the basement...I need to start training for my Spring project of building "man cave" number 2...workshop below a screened in porch on my walkout. All for now - Hope your team won yesterday...I liked the Saints but was very sorry to see how they tried to beat up on Farve...that was totally bush league and now they deserve to get punished for that in two weeks!

    It is what is right for you
    Randy it is what you guys told me about 2 weeks ago and it is what feels right to you. You made the best decision for yourself and I made the best for me. Truth is I am blessed. My urologic oncologist could have "pressed" one of his surgeons (all three plus him highly regarded here in the southesast as surgeons) and they are all excellent and experienced surgeons but for reasons unknown to me he gave me Northwestern as one of my options on top of his folks plus he will be my urologist when I return …

    True local would had been nice...and right now I am not looking forward to flying home 5 days after surgery (staying in a hotel across the street for 2 days before leaving even though I was told I could go home after I was released) I feel blessed I had this option with such an experienced surgeon and yes it is true his down time “statically” is as good as robotic surgery and right now I am believing the best will happen…cancer free, limited pad time and a fast erection recovery…seriously I am interested in any workouts that you are considering plus your time lines during your recuperations with getting back in shape.. and perhps you should limit the beer...now scotch is another story...

    Best to you-BD
  • tcm123
    tcm123 Member Posts: 1
    bdhilton said:

    It is what is right for you
    Randy it is what you guys told me about 2 weeks ago and it is what feels right to you. You made the best decision for yourself and I made the best for me. Truth is I am blessed. My urologic oncologist could have "pressed" one of his surgeons (all three plus him highly regarded here in the southesast as surgeons) and they are all excellent and experienced surgeons but for reasons unknown to me he gave me Northwestern as one of my options on top of his folks plus he will be my urologist when I return …

    True local would had been nice...and right now I am not looking forward to flying home 5 days after surgery (staying in a hotel across the street for 2 days before leaving even though I was told I could go home after I was released) I feel blessed I had this option with such an experienced surgeon and yes it is true his down time “statically” is as good as robotic surgery and right now I am believing the best will happen…cancer free, limited pad time and a fast erection recovery…seriously I am interested in any workouts that you are considering plus your time lines during your recuperations with getting back in shape.. and perhps you should limit the beer...now scotch is another story...

    Best to you-BD

    Did anyone consider a perineal prostatectomy?
    First, this thread has been very enlightening. Thanks to all who contributed. Here's my story, which is similar to others. I'm an otherwise healthy 43-year old who was diagnosed with PC on new year's eve. My last PSA (early December) was 2.3 and my Gleason score is 3+3=6, with 10-20% affected cells on 3 of 6 samples from my biopsy. Because of my age and health status, I've all but decided to go the surgical route with a prostatectomy, but my dilemma lies in which approach (open, robotic/davinci, or perineal). All indications are that my PC was detected early-stage and has not spread to lymph nodes, which makes me a good candidate for any of these approaches, with strong prospect for full recovery, though I'm taking nothing for granted.

    I work in downtown Chicago, walking distance from Northwestern, where my urologist resides. He recommended Open, performed by Dr. Catalona at NW. I've met with Dr. Catalona and was impressed - his experience means alot. In addition, I met with Dr. Nadler at NW, who recommended robotic, and Dr. Laurence Levine at Rush, who suggested perineal.

    Question: Did anyone consider perineal? I like the concept of less invasive, faster recovery, and the "quickest path" to removing the prostate via that route. On the other hand, it does not seem to be a very popular or well-practiced approach, at least not as much as open RP or robotic.

    Also, if anyone had a prostatectomy performed by Drs. Nadler, Catalona or Levine, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks in advance.

    --Tom
  • az4peaks
    az4peaks Member Posts: 1
    bdhilton said:

    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    As we all know the thought process it is not an easy task with all of the “snake oil” salesmen out there…. all of the information given to you by some with a whole lot of bias… I live in Atlanta and have elected to move forward with the open surgery instead of Robotics. I personally would have selected Robotics if I had been a 3+3 and did not have a palpable nodule. I was diagnosed on Dec 14, 2010 with a Gleason 4+3 present in 9/15 biopsy specimens. I have a palpable nodule right base and right mid and presented with a PSA of 4.29. On Dec 28 I had a negative bone, CT scan and my first consultation…I am scheduled to have open surgery on March 3 up in Chicago at Northwestern with Dr. Catalona (over 5000 surgeries)… I have a great Uroloic oncologist (not biased in my opinion) out of St Joe Hospital in Atlanta if anyone is looking for another opinion…let me know

    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    Hi bd, - You certainly can't go wrong with Dr. Catalona, a man for whom I have a great deal of respect and who is one of 2 men in the U.S. with over 5,000 Prostatectomies under his belt (the other is Walsh at Johns Hopkins).

    Once having chosen, go forward with confidence, knowing that it is being done by one of the widely acknowledged "best", and realizing that NO ONE can ever know what the result of any alternative decision would have been. Your choice has also made you the recipient of surgery that provides the added benefit of a post-surgical Pathology Report, that will be provided by a department with volume enough to have an expert in Prostate tissue examination on the staff. A luxury that is only available at high volume institutions like some University Cancer Divisions and recognized "centers of excellence".

    If you wish any "tips" about your immediate post-op considerations (like dealing with the catheter), don't hesitate to contact me. - John@newPCa.org (aka) az4peaks
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 846 Member
    az4peaks said:

    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    Hi bd, - You certainly can't go wrong with Dr. Catalona, a man for whom I have a great deal of respect and who is one of 2 men in the U.S. with over 5,000 Prostatectomies under his belt (the other is Walsh at Johns Hopkins).

    Once having chosen, go forward with confidence, knowing that it is being done by one of the widely acknowledged "best", and realizing that NO ONE can ever know what the result of any alternative decision would have been. Your choice has also made you the recipient of surgery that provides the added benefit of a post-surgical Pathology Report, that will be provided by a department with volume enough to have an expert in Prostate tissue examination on the staff. A luxury that is only available at high volume institutions like some University Cancer Divisions and recognized "centers of excellence".

    If you wish any "tips" about your immediate post-op considerations (like dealing with the catheter), don't hesitate to contact me. - John@newPCa.org (aka) az4peaks

    thanks John
    Thanks my decision is made I believe it is the best for me…now I’m running around finalizing some additional tests, etc…I believe I am so saturated with information I will pass on the cath stuff right now …but I am sure I will reach out for this soon :-) as it is something everyone talks about…thanks again for the positive and well wishes-BD
  • Ralphie62
    Ralphie62 Member Posts: 61 Member
    bdhilton said:

    Decision Made… March 3 Open Surgery
    As we all know the thought process it is not an easy task with all of the “snake oil” salesmen out there…. all of the information given to you by some with a whole lot of bias… I live in Atlanta and have elected to move forward with the open surgery instead of Robotics. I personally would have selected Robotics if I had been a 3+3 and did not have a palpable nodule. I was diagnosed on Dec 14, 2010 with a Gleason 4+3 present in 9/15 biopsy specimens. I have a palpable nodule right base and right mid and presented with a PSA of 4.29. On Dec 28 I had a negative bone, CT scan and my first consultation…I am scheduled to have open surgery on March 3 up in Chicago at Northwestern with Dr. Catalona (over 5000 surgeries)… I have a great Uroloic oncologist (not biased in my opinion) out of St Joe Hospital in Atlanta if anyone is looking for another opinion…let me know

    Exploring options
    Just diagnosed this week..........i live in Atlanta...would appreciate referrals to physicians and outcomes ...thinking davinci .....ralph
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 846 Member
    Ralphie62 said:

    Exploring options
    Just diagnosed this week..........i live in Atlanta...would appreciate referrals to physicians and outcomes ...thinking davinci .....ralph

    when in Atlanta...
    Ralphie62... I know a few Urologic Oncologist in Atlanta:
    I am bias towards St. Joe in general and their staff (even though I am going up to Northwestern in Chicago):

    If you are looking for an Urologist/Oncologist -William Nabors and his entire practice are excellent 404 255-3822

    Dr Shah is part of this practice + is director of Robotics at St Joe + has trained 1000’s of surgeons in the di vinci robotic method and I believe has done about 1200 +/-…CNN did a spot on him in 2008 (goggle and see video-he actually did a friend of mine on this procedure for CNN)

    Emory is obviously excellent along with Northside. From my perspective, you need to make the decision and believe in the treatment and doctor you select…There are lots of choices. Again from my perspective you need an experienced surgeon/doctor and their stats need to reflect the same…lots of good doctors out there..

    Best of luck
  • Ralphie62
    Ralphie62 Member Posts: 61 Member
    bdhilton said:

    when in Atlanta...
    Ralphie62... I know a few Urologic Oncologist in Atlanta:
    I am bias towards St. Joe in general and their staff (even though I am going up to Northwestern in Chicago):

    If you are looking for an Urologist/Oncologist -William Nabors and his entire practice are excellent 404 255-3822

    Dr Shah is part of this practice + is director of Robotics at St Joe + has trained 1000’s of surgeons in the di vinci robotic method and I believe has done about 1200 +/-…CNN did a spot on him in 2008 (goggle and see video-he actually did a friend of mine on this procedure for CNN)

    Emory is obviously excellent along with Northside. From my perspective, you need to make the decision and believe in the treatment and doctor you select…There are lots of choices. Again from my perspective you need an experienced surgeon/doctor and their stats need to reflect the same…lots of good doctors out there..

    Best of luck

    Atlanta
    BD, thanks so much for your help!! I think you are way ahead of me, and i am realy appreciative of all the info. A friend suggested Scott Miller, but we have also heard of Dr Shah....we will look into all of your suggestions and pray for your successful surgery and speedy recovery!! Ralphie
  • bdhilton
    bdhilton Member Posts: 846 Member
    Ralphie62 said:

    Atlanta
    BD, thanks so much for your help!! I think you are way ahead of me, and i am realy appreciative of all the info. A friend suggested Scott Miller, but we have also heard of Dr Shah....we will look into all of your suggestions and pray for your successful surgery and speedy recovery!! Ralphie

    Nothside is an excellent hospital and staff
    ...I have heard great things about Miller as well as many other surgeons in the Atlanta area...just be comfortable with the surgeon and/or treatment you decide on...No one can do that for yourself...but from my perspective you want experience and success rates…. Best of luck
  • shane59
    shane59 Member Posts: 86
    bdhilton said:

    Nothside is an excellent hospital and staff
    ...I have heard great things about Miller as well as many other surgeons in the Atlanta area...just be comfortable with the surgeon and/or treatment you decide on...No one can do that for yourself...but from my perspective you want experience and success rates…. Best of luck

    great decision
    Glad you have made the decision now you can move forward.I had open radical prostectomy had very similer stats to you gleason 5+2 psa 2.4 as I have mentioned on other boards Doc removed all cancer very possitive .also good nerve sparing results just over 3 months on recovering well 1 pad a day .yet to try the viagra etc but very happy with surgery .things will get better now so best advice try and keep your fitness up and if needs be lose a bit of weight it makes a differance .best wishes for the future Shane