Hi A.D. et al...
I am a PC survivor now just about 11 months post-op after having a RLRP (Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy) last November. As I'm sure you know there is a wealth of info out there and I would recommend you research and read and talk to as many people as possible to get as much info as possible before deciding on YOUR personal course of action/treatment. Check out the "Us Too" website, and attend some local chapter meetings. DON"T take what your Dr. says as totally gospel, but seek out some of his past patients and ask about their experience with their treatment.
I am fortunate to live in Chicago and have tremendous resources available to me. I consulted with the guy who actually discovered (created? invented?) the PSA test, another guy who has performed more nerve-sparing RP operations than Patrick Walsh, and another guy who was recommended by the first two. (In all cases I asked the Dr's "If I was your son or your best friend, who would you recommend THEY go to if you couldn't do it yourself?")
I got opinions from 2 of the leading Radiologists and Oncologists in the Midwest and after all the research chose to have the nerve-sparing RLRP done at the Center for Advanced Medicine at the University of Chicago Hospital, as they had more experience with the DaVinci machines than anyone else, and worked with the most experienced Urologist at that facility who'd been recommended by the others.
And 11 months later, I still wish I'd learned more before deciding. My PSA was only a 2.0, so I probably could've waited longer, but I hated that "Sword of Damacles" hanging over my head so much that I just wanted to be SURE it would go away. And now I struggle with the post operative impact on our love-life almost as much as I struggled with the cancer. Viagra, Cialis and the like do help, but I fear I will never be as vigorous as I used to be.
Bottom line is: Remember that the doctors are also in business, and everyone who comes to them is a potential $40 - 75K "sale" for their hospital, their clinic, their practise or whatever. They will quote you studies and talk of encouraging percentages, but that's all they can do.
Read much, download the most recent medical articles authored by your doctors or the doctors under whom they trained, bring them with you to your appointments and ask them to explain anything you don't understand. Talk to everyone you can, think long and pray hard for the guidance and wisdom you need to make the best decision you can, and don't make a move until you OWN that decision and can take ALL the responsibility for making it.
My experience with the RLRP was fabulous! I was out of the hospital in 1 day with nothing but a few bandaids on my belly covering the incisions that were small enough to be closed with superglue! My PSA is now "undetectable", so I feel confident that I'm "cured".
Just remember that there's more kinds of cost to consider than just the out-of-pocket or deductibles... That's all I'm saying.
If anyone reads this and wants more info, feel free to PM me. I don't lurk around this board like I used to, but I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Good luck, and God bless...
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