Bertram Lewars, 49, Pembroke Pines, FL Date of Surgery 02/02/2008
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On October 1st, 2007, I found out that I had prostate cancer. Upon hearing the news from my
urologist that the biopsy had come back positive for cancer, I was absolutely devastated. My
family has a history of cancer and, although I had been aware that I had a high probability of
contracting cancer, the reality was still extremely difficult to accept. I remember being in denial
for the first few days as if the doctor were not speaking to me about me, but about someone else.
Once I came to accept the fact that I had cancer, I began weeks of intense research.
I searched the internet, consulted with urologists and other doctors and spoke with current and
former prostate cancer patients. Based on the research and given my age and good health, I
determined that to remove the prostate via robotic surgery was the best option for me. The prognosis
bode very well for me to make a full recovery since the amount of cancer was small and it was
caught early.
The following question was asked of various urologists "If you, yourself had to have the surgery
done, who would you have perform the operation?" Dr. Vipul Patel was named more than any
have ever seen. The attention to detail and follow up is second to none. Dr. Patel, himself, has a
great "bedside manner" that exudes total confidence and makes the patient feel at ease with the
prospect of undergoing this very complicated and sensitive procedure.
On the day of the surgery, I was not nervous at all. Naturally, there was some anxiety as this was going
to be a major operation. However, I had every confidence in the doctor and was relaxed on my way
to the hospital. Once I arrived, the medical staff was reassuring and everything went smoothly. The
day after the surgery I felt great. I was walking down the hall and back and had very little pain or
discomfort. Once the catheter came out on day six, things began to improve even more quickly. I
stopped taking oral pain medication altogether on day seven. Two weeks later all that remains is
some minor abdominal soreness.
This experience has changed my life in that for the first time I actually thought seriously about my
own mortality. My hope is that as a result of this surgery, I will have many more productive years
ahead of me. I gladly recommend Dr. Patel and his robotic procedure, and have already done so. I
feel blessed to have found the best.
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