Said goodbye to my local Uro

I met with my local urologist yesterday. The purpose was to go over my CT Scan and discuss treatment. I had the CT Scan done 10 days ago and he called me a week ago giving me the results (clear). In the meantime, I have already had my surgery consult, unbeknownst to him, at UPENN 3/31/16. I kept this appointment to tell him in person that I am seeking treatment elsewhere. This Friday I go to Fox Chase for RT consult (cancelled from today).

This doctor has the best beside manner and is just an overall quality person and a good resource for information. He has spent about 2 hours with me in 4 different appointments since my diagnosis (going over biopsy results, bone scan, ct scan, etc.). He has never dictated anything to me, but presented things to me that we DISCUSSED. I asked him many, many questions and he took his time and answered them all. Most questions I already knew the answers too, simply from reading posts on this forum. But, it always felt better hearing those same answers from him, a doctor, in person.

So, I told him I was going elsewhere and told him that I already spoke to Dr. David Lee at UPENN. He highly recommended him and stated that he went to a robotic surgery demonstration with him several years ago. I also told him I was seeing Dr. Horwtiz at Fox Chase for a RT consult. He also told me this was as good choice and he knows of Dr. Horwtiz.

One thing he wanted me to be aware of is my expectations going into any treatment. He told me that Dr. Lee and Dr. Horwitz are experts and very experienced in their respected fields, however, they are not infallible, nobody is, nor is any treatment 100%. He just wanted me to prepare myself for the side effects of any treatment, and that although the most severe SE's are uncommon, per statistics, that it is always that possibility. I thanked him, we shook hands and he called me a true gentleman thru this process. He stated again, that he thought I would do well in treatment. He also stated that he would remain my local 'guy' should I need him for anything, if that's what I wanted. I do.

I trust this doctor. When I feel the glass is half empty, he makes me beleive it is half-full. But, I just could not bring myself to be treated surgically by him. His practice does 40-50 robotic surgeries a year. Dr. Lee does over 400 and has done over 4,000 total. I just feel better, if surgery is my route, that I go with Dr. Lee. I am pleased that I still have a local guy just in case an emergency comes up and I cant get to Philly 1 hour away.

As one of our last topics, he stated that he doesn't know how a surgeon like Dr. Lee can do so many of the same procedures every day, month, year. He said he likes the variety of cases that he is able to deal with everyday and that he seemed he would be bored doing the same thing everyday. I am hoping that, although the robotic surgery is somewhat routine for an experienced surgeon, that every case brings something different to the table, and that Dr. Lee will have the focus to perform to the highest level on me.

To make a long story short, this doctor brought me so far, and now I have to leave him for more experienced doctors. This is for my own good and something that absolutely needed to be done. I feel like I am exchanging a more personal experience with a more professional experience. It doesn't feel good, though.

J

clocknut,

Doing my best.....some highs and lows thru the process. Sometimes the path is so exhausting that it beats you down. I am having a hard time staying positive. Again, although a little different as far as stage and grade, your story gives me hope that I can do well. That's what I liked about my local Uro. He delivered a true message, but focused on the positives. My first impression with the new Dr. is that he is more direct in just delivering the information. Nothing wrong with that, just different.

It looks like you are doing well per your signature. That's good. I hope to post similar in the future!

J

That's nice that you like your local uro. One would have thought you would have informed him about going ahead with surgery and radiation consults, but then , like most people here, probably think you know more about than he does.

Smart move, JayMot.

The "Newly diagnosed with PC" sticky thread does a really good job of describing exactly WHY you don't want to go with an inexperienced surgeon. Glad that you found us here at HW/PC so that you can use data like this to your advantage. Having an inexperienced surgeon doesn't mean that YOUR surgery will have an unfavorable outcome...but more people have unfavorable outcomes with inexperienced surgeons than with experienced surgeons. Put the odds in your favor.

I too have met a number of really good patient-centered urologists in my visits where I go with patients. The nicest, best-informed urologist I met only had 150 robotic surgeries under his belt, but the patient (who ultimately chose IMRT) was able to hold onto him as his urologist should any urological problems arise later. When I was interviewing doctors for my own treatment, it never occurred to me to tell them I was moving on, or who else I was seeing. Likewise, they never called me to find out what became of me. I guess I approach it like a first date - if it doesn't work out, I never feel it necessary to explain or "break up" in person.

- Allen

Jay that was a great post. And it conveys that you are a quality guy. The fact that you know it's the right thing for you but you don't feel good about it. I think, pints to your sensitivity and concern for others, if I'm reading it right.

As far as staying positive, I was the same way. Felt better after a final decision was made on treatment, and started to feel better mentally, over time, after the surgery, when it dawned on me, that the guys here, who told me that there was life after PC, were right. There really is. You will get past this, and you will enjoy life again, and positivity will return.