From Thomas G.
I am a 62 year old male who has gone for annual physicals for last 25 years or so. My blood work has always returned all within normal limits. I consider myself in very good health. This July 2007, my Internist recommended I see a Urologist since I have had recurring microscopic blood in my urine. He recommended I see Dr. Gregg Zimmerman. Dr. Zimmerman did an ultrasound for my bladder and prostate, and other prostate gland procedures, along with other tests. All of my tests were returning normal. However, a rectal prostate gland exam revealed a nodule on my prostate. Dr. Zimmerman explained that it could be normal for me, but recommended I have a prostate biopsy, which I agreed to have done in August 2007. After approximately 2 weeks, the biopsy came back positive for cancer. It was a grade 3 on the Gleason scale. When Dr. Zimmerman revealed this to me in his office I was shocked and devastated. At that moment Dr. Zimmerman also told me that my condition does not warrant panic or immediate attention. It was a slow growing cancer and he would give me options on how to cure it. He immediately said that if "it were me" I would have it removed. He explained the relatively new Da Vinci Robotic prostatectomy surgery was his method of choice. He also told me that I should go home and speak with my wife and family and he did not need a quick decision. He gave me prostate cancer booklet to study, and a video explaining the Robotic procedure. Dr. Zimmerman asked me to meet with him one evening with my wife so we can have a candid discussion of my cancer. After careful consideration and conversation with my family, I returned to him on Sept. 17th explaining that I wanted the procedure as soon as possible. Once ag ain he explained the procedure thoroughly, and instilled in me, a sense of trust and confidence that things would go well. We scheduled the procedure for 10 AM on Oct. 18th 2007, and Dr. Zimmerman called me the night before surgery to assure me and my state of mind. He also called with my wife in the waiting room just prior the surgery, and immediately afterwards while I was in the recovery room, assuring her that all went well. On October 19th, I was released from the hospital. That weekend I was already doing everyday chores. On Oct. 22nd Dr. Zimmerman called me at 8:45 PM explaining to me that my final pathology report had returned showing that my cancer was completely confined to the prostate, as he originally explained to me, and that only 10% of the prostate was cancerous and that my margins were negative. What a rel ief. As I am writing this testimonial it is November 27th and all of my bladder functions and sexual activities have returned to normal, only 5 1/2 weeks after surgery. I have also begun doing all inside and outside chores around the house. Initially, Dr. Zimmerman said that after my catheter was removed it would take approximately 2 weeks for the incontinence to subside. I was incontinent for about 4 days. Upon my last visit, Dr. Zimmerman said I am well ahead of the curve. Dr. Zimmerman always said when my surgery was complete, all of my normal functions would return, but I didn’t expect them to return so soon. In addition to feeling great, my follow up office visits have gone fantastic. Dr. Zimmerman is not only a warm and caring individual but an expert in his profession. I also found his staff at the office to be not only carin g, but top notch professionals. For me, if I had to take this uncertain journey again, I would most certainly do it with the Morris Urology group. I will always cherish their warmth, support, and most of all Dr. Zimmerman's confidence, bed side manners and expertise.
