From John P.
My Prostate Cancer story is similar to many I have read on the internet. For approximately 3 or 4 years I had a slowly increasing PSA number with no enlargement of the Prostate or urinary symptoms. I was lulled into complacency after reading about false positives, the slow growth of the Prostate Cancer and the inaccuracy of the PSA test. Then things began to change. I had a brother who developed Prostate Cancer. At the urging of a company nurse I had a fresh PSA test run and was shocked to learn that it was 8.2. Realizing that a quickly rising PSA was a sign of aggressive Prostate Cancer I ask my Primary Physician to recommend a specialist, and was referred to Dr. Colton at Morris Urology. Dr. Colton sensed my concern and to alleviate my anxiety he was able to quickly schedule a biopsy with Dr. Zimmerman. After two biopsies, it was confirmed that I had Prostate Cancer.

On March 22, 2007, I underwent Robotic Prostatectomy at Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville with Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Colton using the da Vinci Surgical System. The procedure was even better than advertised. Blood loss was minimal, and although blood was available during the operation it was not needed. I didn't feel any pain after the operation, except for a backache from shoveling snow and ice several days before. The operation was performed early in the morning. By evening I was drinking liquids and walking. There were five small incisions 3/4 to 1 inch long and a longer one approximately two inches in length at the belly button. The catheter restricted my movement and was a little uncomfortable but bearable. The next morning I ate solid food, did some more walking, learned how to take care of the catheter and was released from the hospital in the early afternoon.

I recovered at home for ten days with the only inconvenience being the catheter. A smaller bag was provided that could be strapped to the leg under trousers for traveling. I preferred staying with the larger bag. There was little pain during the recovery. A prescription was provided for pain and I essentially used it for my backache. After ten days I went to the doctors office and the catheter was removed. My biggest fear was incontinence. Went to the doctors office with Depends, which I wore for three days and found I didn't need them. Oh I noticed a difference in control and I did have a couple of accidents later (when exercising I foolishly walked several miles after drinking coffee in the morning). I tried using pads since I returned to work a week ago. Didn't need them either.

The Robotic Procedure has been a miracle for me. My brother had radioactive seeds implanted and it worked for him. Although he works at a hospital in Upstate New York, the Robotic technique is not available in his area. Since my Cancer was confined to the Prostate I wanted the Prostate removed. However, if the traditional surgical procedure requiring a 10 inch incision had to be performed, I don't think I would not have done it.

I'd really like to thank Dr. Colton and Dr. Zimmerman for their skill, dedication, and concern for treating Cancer patients. I knew when my biopsy was performed so quickly I was at the right place. My wife and I were impressed with our consultation with Dr. Zimmerman at the end of his work day when he discussed the procedure in detail, letting us take as much of his time as we needed.

I have to also thank the supporting staff at Morris Urology. They were always ready to answer questions no matter how busy they were.