MY RELATIONSHIP TO DA VINCI SURGERY: Patient

MY CONDITION: Prostate Cancer

TYPE OF PROCEDURE I HAD: da Vinci Radical prostatectomy

MY SURGEON: Dr. Jeff Yoshida

HOSPITAL WHERE MY PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

OTHER TREATMENTS I CONSIDERED BEFORE DA VINCI SURGERY:
All of them (surgery, radiation, hormones, cryotherapy)

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
Incontinence and impotency (quality of life concerns)

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
I felt it would give me the best chance to have the best quality of life possible

HOW LONG I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL:
Two days

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
No, I did not even have to take Tylenol

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
One week

WHEN I RETURNED TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES:
At two and a half weeks, I rode my bicycle for a short ride of 40 miles.

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
Immediately following my consultation with Dr. Yoshida, I knew I had found the right physician and hospital. I can never say enough about the excellent care that I received. I can't say enough of how great this doctor was in both compassion and skill. At Hoag Hospital, I thought with the great care that I received that I was the only patient in the hospital. Everyone was so caring.

HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
No previous experiences

I WOULD RECOMMEND DA VINCI SURGERY TO MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS!

To be where I am today is remarkable. I feel as if have completely cheated cancer. I expected to experience a time where I would be completely incapacitated, followed by a prolonged period of healing, but that was never the case. If I had one message for men, it would be that there is significant hope. Don't postpone getting regular prostate screenings. And if you are faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis, know your options and seek out the best possible care. I now know firsthand that taking a proactive approach to your health really does make a difference.

Sheldon and Tara Hough