David Ligler, 57, Orlando, FL Date of Surgery May 2008
VIP Friends Online
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Read Other Survivors' Personal Stories CLICK HERE |
In March 24, 2008, I was told by my urologist that I had prostate cancer. It was an aggressive growth
with a Gleason score of 7 and should be taken care of ASAP. Needless to say my wife and I were in
a state of shock! I always kept up with my PSA tests and they were always under 4.0 so how could I
have Prostate Cancer? We now know that my cancer began fours years prior when my PSA was
only 2.1.
Together as a team, my wife and I researched all possible options and chose robotic surgery
because it is less invasive, has quicker healing time and it uses a nerve-sparing technique. My
father died of prostate cancer and my older brother was also diagnosed with the disease, so I
knew that I just wanted my prostate removed as soon as possible. We Googled and researched
various surgeons. Dr. Patel was mentioned to us by a friend. I emailed Dr. Patel asking if he could
assist me, and within 24 hours of that email an appointment was set for a consultation. From the
first phone call, the staff made my wife and I feel comfortable.
My surgery was performed on May 29, 2008. That morning I was nervous and apprehensive, yet I
was at peace with my decision. There was a slight glitch with one of the robots and my family and I
spent too much time waiting in pre-op, but it all worked out fine in the end. My wife and daughter
enjoy telling the story of how I began singing “follow the yellow brick road” as my bed was being
pushed into the surgery area.
When I awoke from surgery I felt relieved and the pain was minimal. I was able to take short walks
within a few hours. I was released from the hospital less than 24 hours after the surgery, along
with my new friends: Mr. Catheter and Mrs. Pain Pump. Within three days I was able to remove Mrs.
Pain Pump and within five days Mr. Catheter was gone. At the same time, I received my biopsy
results which were outstanding.
It took me five days to have a regular bowel movement, and that was uncomfortable. Within a week
I felt like I was getting my life back. I was able to drive and my strength was returning. I was able to
return to work within four weeks.
Since the initial diagnosis I appreciate life more and I know that I made the right choice in
undergoing the Robotic Surgery. I feel more at ease discussing PSA and prostate issues with
others, whereas before I had not. Dealing with cancer is frightening and stressful but beating it is
a wonderful feeling. My wife and I were both completely amazed at the quick healing of the surgical
area. Incontinence was very mild and I believe I will have total control within six weeks after
surgery.
Our deepest gratitude and respect goes to Dr. Vipul Patel and his amazing team for his
extraordinary gift of robotic surgery. Would I recommend this remarkable surgeon and robotic
surgery? Absolutely!
 |
