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I made the right choice
My name is Donald.
This is my story
Scott & White has been recognized by Thomson as a "100 Top Hospital."
Learn more about Robotic Prostate Surgery including potential risks and full information about the procedure
“In 1997, I had just recently retired from the military and was a newlywed. My wife and I were enjoying traveling with friends and hosting barbecues. One week, I went to see my family doctor, for a routine check-up. He noticed that my PSA level was elevated. He told me the prostate specific antigen lab, or PSA, is the gold standard in screening for prostate cancer. It measures protein levels in the blood that increase with the possibility of cancer.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
PSA is a blood test that measures the level of prostate specific antigen. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate gland, which may be found in higher amounts in men who have prostate cancer. As recommended by your physician, the PSA test is usually done annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consult their physicians about being tested at a younger age or more often.
After reviewing my test results, my doctor then asked me to follow a strict diet of fresh vegetables, minimal red meat and regular exercise to see if my PSA level would decrease. A few weeks later, he performed another test. I went back for my follow-up appointment, and my doctor told me my PSA levels were even higher. He performed a biopsy from my prostate. What came next was what I feared most-the diagnosis. My wife, Renee, and I met with the doctor for the diagnosis. I had prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Except for skin cancer, cancer of the prostate is the most common malignancy in American men. It is estimated that nearly 235,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer in a year.
In most men with prostate cancer, the disease grows very slowly. The majority of men with low-grade, early prostate cancer (confined to the gland) live a long time after their diagnosis. Even without treatment, many of these men will not die of the prostate cancer, but rather will live with it until they eventually die of some other unrelated cause. Nevertheless, nearly 27,000 men die of prostate cancer in a year.
I'm a Type 1 diabetic and have high blood pressure. My wife, Renee, is a nurse. I felt very blessed to have her help research treatments, medicines and procedures. She stood by my side and we researched the disease and many treatment options, together.
During this period, I spoke with a friend who was treated for prostate cancer at Scott & White. He recommended robotic prostate surgery.
Robotic Prostate Surgery
Robotic prostate surgery uses cutting-edge technology to achieve cancer control with fewer side effects. In the past few years, this procedure has quickly become the fastest growing treatment for prostate cancer.
The da Vinci® Surgical System uses robotic technology to translate surgeons' hand movements into precise maneuvers using small instruments inserted through five tiny "dot" incisions instead of one large incision. This revolutionary technology also provides the surgeon with a magnified "inside the body" view using a 3D video console to display the telescopic image.
He told me robotic prostate surgery is less painful than traditional surgery and his recovery time was only about three weeks. That's the main reason I decided to have the operation at Scott & White. That, and I wanted to be near home.
My doctor referred me to Dr. Kristofer Wagner at Scott & White, in Temple, which is near where I live. My wife and I met with Dr. Wagner. He patiently explained all the complicated details of the robotic procedure. I felt very comfortable both with Dr. Wagner and the procedure.
I was ready for surgery in less than three weeks after my diagnosis. My family surrounded me and supported me before the surgery. A priest at Scott & White, visited with us and we all said a prayer before I went into the operating room.
After my surgery, Dr. Wagner told me I could expect to be moving around and feeling like my old self, in about three weeks. The care I received during my stay was excellent. The nurses at Scott & White were very attentive. They managed my pain with medication and were so friendly. The next day, Dr. Wagner visited me in my hospital room. He made sure I got up and walked around. In all, I spent just one night in the hospital. The staff was great, but I was ready to get back home, so I got up and walked. The next thing I knew, I was home.
Just about 3 weeks later, I was feeling like my old self. It was wonderful. Everything Dr. Wagner said would happen, happened. Thanks to Scott & White, and Dr. Wagner, I'm doing what I love – again. I'm watching my son play football for the Chicago Bears, spending time with my beautiful wife, Renee, and enjoying our family and our new life, together.”
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