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Posted 1/6/2010 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the information. I called Dr Menon's office today but could not get through and had to leave a voice mail. I emailed the contact lady on the website but I have not heard back. I wonder how much is the surgery and hospital cost with him.
Best of luck to you Mel!!!

Post Edited (HelpingmyDAD) : 1/14/2010 11:12:59 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/6/2010 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
The contact # I have is:

 

Arleeta at 1-888-881-1117

 

She is very personable and efficient and can answer your questions.

 

I seem to remember them saying the cost of the surgery is $64000. but I am not certain. I am very fortunate to have good insurance. Don't assume I am correct; check with them.

 

It's a very impressive web-site. I guess I'll be able to say more after the surgery!

 

Mel

Posted 1/7/2010 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
City of Hope National Cancer Institute California That may say something
my Surgen was recomended to me Mark Kawachi, M.D. as having done thousands and that was the main important aspect of my decision I went through with very little side effects Good luck

Mark Kawachi, M.D.
Associate Professor of Surgery
800-826-HOPE (4673)

Timothy Wilson, M.D.
Pauline and Martin Collins Family Chair in Urology; Chief, Urology & Urologic Oncology; Director, Prostate Cancer Program
800-826-HOPE (4673)
Posted 2/1/2010 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello guys,

My dad's PSA is going down... what does this mean? why is it going down is this a good sign? Surgery is still scheduled for March. My dad's doctor went on vacation so he can't see him for the next 3 weeks. We are both intrigued.. maybe you have some insight? His gleason is (4 + 3) = 7 All 10 biopsy cores had cancer.

PSA LEVEL DATE
2.40 April 2004
5.30 November 2006
6.10 March 2007
6.08 April 2007
5.78 December 2007
7.89 March 2009
7.79 June 2009
7.17 December 2009
6.21 January 2010
Posted 2/2/2010 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
My insight, such as it is, is that accuracy of the test is such that increases or decreases of less than 20% of reading are probably not statistically significant.
Posted 2/4/2010 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Check on the WEB for a Doctor named Patel working in Celebration, FL. He originally was at Ohio State and is considered one (if not the one) that is an expert on robotic surgery. Find a Dr your comfortable with.
Posted 2/4/2010 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Julian,
I had my Da Vinci surgery done by Dr. Randy Fagin in Austin Texas. He is well known in this field and has done over 1200 such surgeries.
Posted 2/4/2010 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
thank you all for your contributions.
Posted 2/4/2010 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
My surgery is scheduled for April 7, 2010. 
I have chosen Dr. Joseph Smith at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville TN).

Here is their site: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/vumc.php?site=urologicsurgery

Dr. Smith has performed over 2000 open surgeries and since switching to robotic, has performed over 3000 robotic.
He performs between 6 and 10 per week.
He is one of the best and I am confident of a good outcome.

As to the cost, refer to the following discussion on our HealingWell.com site:

How much does prostate surgery cost in the US?  

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&p=1&m=1693080

RickyD

Posted 2/5/2010 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Helping dad, aftetr reading halfway throught all the posts. I decided to reply with a thought to focus on the cancer and beating IT. The incontinence and ED are side effects of the fight. Some have beat the side effects and lost the fight. The cancer is the focus and may determine the best course. I just happen to also have had access to Dr menon in Detroit. When I did my research, I had a urologist who wanted me to be his 1st Robotic, I freaked and ran. That sent me to the Internet where I found Dr Menon, a highly experienced surgeon, involved in the development of Robotic Surgery. They offered excellent information and follow up as well as risk management. They however couold not give guarantees either. I am fortunate to have no Incontinence issues and had no ED either. But after 1 year a slowly rising PSA, I opted for Radiation followed by HDT and now the ED is a fact of LIFE. In all other ways my life is full. I try not to look over my shoulder but the CA could show up from the shadows. I havent even looked at this forum for months. I still think about it as do all those who have been through this thing. Good Luck to you and your DAD. He has a good asset in you.
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