Douglas C. – high tech sales executive, surgery performed in March 31, 2010

I have a family history of cancer, but was not even thinking of cancer when I was diagnosed at my age 50 physical. My father was diagnosed with PC at age 65.

I had no symptoms or PSA elevation since my last physical at age 45 to signal that I had PC in 20% of my prostate. I eat well and exercise diligently. My internist Dr. Yamouti, discovered a nodule on my prostate on Dec 5, 2009. The urologist found the same nodule, scheduled a biopsy and the results showed PC stage 2a with a Gleason of 3+3. The left side results were 6 of 6 cores with cancer. It was scary to realize that if my internist had not paid attention and found my PC at this physical, my next physical and chance of discovery would have been 5 years later!

At my young age, and from our extensive research, long term survival was best if I followed a surgical path. I met with 4 urologists/surgeons over an 8-week period. I met Dr. Gholami and found him to be the most experienced with the Da Vinci “miracle” machine. He told me and my wife that we should not rush into anything, answered a long list of questions, and referred several patients for further info. He also insisted waiting for the prostate to calm down after the biopsy before any surgery – very important for nerve sparing success. Something other doctors failed to mention.

The first 2 weeks after my March 31 surgery were difficult, but I was walking laps in our back yard the day after surgery. I extended my walks further each day. Once the catheter was removed, I started to exercise on my stationary bike and returned to work. I ran a 10K at week 7 post surgery. Plumbing was back to normal quickly. My pre-op energy level returned about 7 months post surgery. Lucky for us all, we have this technology and medical talent in our country.

Advice for those considering Dr. Gholami and surgery:

• I found him to be the most experienced and most talented. Nerve sparing result was 95% saved.
• Surgical staff has been with him over 6 years and they are exceptional too.
• Write your questions down because he is busy and you will forget something if you don?t write it down. Bring your wife to appointments so she can participate and help from her perspective. Regardless, Dr. Gholami responds quickly to emailed questions.
• Get in top shape and do your Kegels.
• Talk to PC patients from several doctors.

If you have a family history and ignored it, tell your friends to learn their own family history. You could save their life with that simple advice.