David Anthony, 55, Akron, OH Date of Surgery: February 7, 2008
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I am David Anthony from Akron, Ohio. I am presently 55 years old. In February of 2007 a biopsy
indicated cancer in my prostate. The good news was that I showed a Gleason Score of 6, which is
considered low risk. I was concerned but optimistic because the cancer was not advanced.
On March 8, 2007 my wife and I met with my urologist to discuss various treatment options for a
involved risk of complications which included impotency and incontinence. This was very
depressing information for both my wife and me. We needed to learn more about each procedure
before deciding upon a treatment.
During the next few weeks, we began using the Internet and individual testimony to research
available information about treatments for prostate cancer. I personally spoke with three
individuals who had undergone different treatment options for prostate cancer. These treatments
included external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy (radioactive implants or “seeds”) and
robotic prostatectomy. I candidly asked each individual about their treatment and any
complications with incontinence and impotency.
As part of our research we visited many websites. In very little time we reached the decision that
the best treatment with the fewest complications would be robotic prostatectomy. The benefits of
this procedure included better cancer control, reduced recovery period, excellent record of
continence after surgery and a high percentage of normal sexual function within a few months
after surgery. With any surgery however, the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure
is critical to its success. Individual testimony and the Internet helped us to choose Dr. Patel.
We arrived on February 5, 2008. The arrangements by Dr. Patel’s staff were perfect. My pre-surgery
appointment with Dr. Patel was on February 6, surgery was on February 7 and the post surgery
appointment was on February 11, 2008. I was nervous on the morning of surgery but everything
went well. The operation took only about an hour and 15 minutes and I have no memory of the
procedure. I believe that the anesthesiologist was excellent.
After the surgery I awakened in a private hospital room with my wife and family standing over me.
Nurses and other hospital staff were very attentive to all my needs. Within a few hours after
surgery a nurse assisted me as I slowly walked up and down the hospital hallway. I felt no pain
other than soreness in the abdomen. That evening I was served the most delicious chicken broth
and cherry Jell-O I have ever eaten.
Dr. Patel came to see me the next morning and check on my progress. He said that the surgery
went well and that I would be released from the hospital that afternoon. He also confirmed my
appointment for a Cystogram and catheter removal on February 11, 2008. Soon after Dr. Patel’s
visit a nurse gave me instructions about caring for myself during my recovery and I was released
from the hospital wearing a catheter.
Four days later we returned to the hospital and a staff person from Dr. Patel’s office led us to the
area for the Cystogram. The test showed no problems and therefore the catheter was removed.
Moments later I saw an associate physician who gave me a diaper for any incontinence problems. I
put it on for security but thankfully I did not need it. Dr. Patel arrived soon after and inquired about
any problems. I mentioned constipation and he recommended a laxative. Dr. Patel then said that I
should follow up with my primary physician in Ohio for a PSA test in 3 months and send him the
results. Every 3 months he said to check the PSA and to contact him anytime.
Today is March 4, 2008, just three weeks and four days after the surgery. I feel great but I do have
some problems with incontinence. The problems are minor most of the time and I am optimistic that
they will eventually disappear. During the day I have only an occasional leak or squirt of
uncontrolled urine, but during sleep I need protection against wetting the bed. I do Kegel
exercises several times each day to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle. This problem will not last
long. It is still too soon after the surgery to expect normal sexual function but I believe that it will
return because my general health is fine.
Dr. Patel and his staff are wonderful. I am certain that I have had the best medical care provided by
the best medical professionals available anywhere in the world. I am very thankful to Dr. Patel and
everyone at the Florida Hospital Celebration Health involved in my care.
indicated cancer in my prostate. The good news was that I showed a Gleason Score of 6, which is
considered low risk. I was concerned but optimistic because the cancer was not advanced.
On March 8, 2007 my wife and I met with my urologist to discuss various treatment options for a
involved risk of complications which included impotency and incontinence. This was very
depressing information for both my wife and me. We needed to learn more about each procedure
before deciding upon a treatment.
During the next few weeks, we began using the Internet and individual testimony to research
available information about treatments for prostate cancer. I personally spoke with three
individuals who had undergone different treatment options for prostate cancer. These treatments
included external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy (radioactive implants or “seeds”) and
robotic prostatectomy. I candidly asked each individual about their treatment and any
complications with incontinence and impotency.
As part of our research we visited many websites. In very little time we reached the decision that
the best treatment with the fewest complications would be robotic prostatectomy. The benefits of
this procedure included better cancer control, reduced recovery period, excellent record of
continence after surgery and a high percentage of normal sexual function within a few months
after surgery. With any surgery however, the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure
is critical to its success. Individual testimony and the Internet helped us to choose Dr. Patel.
We arrived on February 5, 2008. The arrangements by Dr. Patel’s staff were perfect. My pre-surgery
appointment with Dr. Patel was on February 6, surgery was on February 7 and the post surgery
appointment was on February 11, 2008. I was nervous on the morning of surgery but everything
went well. The operation took only about an hour and 15 minutes and I have no memory of the
procedure. I believe that the anesthesiologist was excellent.
After the surgery I awakened in a private hospital room with my wife and family standing over me.
Nurses and other hospital staff were very attentive to all my needs. Within a few hours after
surgery a nurse assisted me as I slowly walked up and down the hospital hallway. I felt no pain
other than soreness in the abdomen. That evening I was served the most delicious chicken broth
and cherry Jell-O I have ever eaten.
Dr. Patel came to see me the next morning and check on my progress. He said that the surgery
went well and that I would be released from the hospital that afternoon. He also confirmed my
appointment for a Cystogram and catheter removal on February 11, 2008. Soon after Dr. Patel’s
visit a nurse gave me instructions about caring for myself during my recovery and I was released
from the hospital wearing a catheter.
Four days later we returned to the hospital and a staff person from Dr. Patel’s office led us to the
area for the Cystogram. The test showed no problems and therefore the catheter was removed.
Moments later I saw an associate physician who gave me a diaper for any incontinence problems. I
put it on for security but thankfully I did not need it. Dr. Patel arrived soon after and inquired about
any problems. I mentioned constipation and he recommended a laxative. Dr. Patel then said that I
should follow up with my primary physician in Ohio for a PSA test in 3 months and send him the
results. Every 3 months he said to check the PSA and to contact him anytime.
Today is March 4, 2008, just three weeks and four days after the surgery. I feel great but I do have
some problems with incontinence. The problems are minor most of the time and I am optimistic that
they will eventually disappear. During the day I have only an occasional leak or squirt of
uncontrolled urine, but during sleep I need protection against wetting the bed. I do Kegel
exercises several times each day to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle. This problem will not last
long. It is still too soon after the surgery to expect normal sexual function but I believe that it will
return because my general health is fine.
Dr. Patel and his staff are wonderful. I am certain that I have had the best medical care provided by
the best medical professionals available anywhere in the world. I am very thankful to Dr. Patel and
everyone at the Florida Hospital Celebration Health involved in my care.
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