Ginjer,
I can understand the physician hurrying you to the terrific providers at Henry Ford - given the 9 gleeson and the biopsy information.
I can even say that given those numbers and information, I would choose a DaVinci Robotic procedure ASAP, too.
However, if it is at all possible - even as you are scheduled for surgery at Henry Ford - try to get a second opinion from another facility that will review the case and discuss all of your options.
I was scheduled for robotic in two weeks and while I was waiting, I scheduled a consultation at M.D. Anderson - over 100 miles away. This physician concurred I should go for DaVinci, cautioned my previous surgeries could have caused adhesions and possibly cause the robotic surgery to become "open" surgery (As my physician had also warned, it did.), and for 30 minutes he discussed all of the other types of treatment (including HIFU & Proton Therapy) and why I was not a candidate for each of them. He offered to do the surgery, his assistant encouraged me to have it done there, and then both of them privately agreed my choice of surgeons and facility was top notch and close to home. The second opinion changed nothing but gave me even more knowledge and confidence in both my choice of procedure and physician.
I had made up my mind. I fought the idea of the second opinion. My Pastor convinced me to go for the second opinion. He first reminded me that before I was so emotionally involved in this particular cancer surgery, I had advised countless cancer patients to at least consult disparate opinions from the best available. He also pointed out that if you don't get a second opinion, "you will never know" if you should have.
While some of us may not understand your physician's idea of ruling out the open procedure for medical reasons, we are not physicians and we don't have all of the data in your husband's file.
Perhaps have your physician explain how this choice is not just expedience (vacation?)- or not that the surgeon is trying to get to the magic 150 number - or whatever.
This type of questioning may sound rude, but if there is that big of a rush, I would expect some kind of explanation to forgo a second opinion. There are reasons insurance pays for second opinions.
Even if the two of you opt not to wait and decide to have the surgery immediately, WE WILL SUPPORT YOUR CHOICE. Henry Ford is an excellent facility.
Start planning your post-op second opinions from oncologists today!
Whatever happens, know just how treatable (even a 9) this disease is - and that you are forever among friends.
ICTHUS!
CCedar