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Patient Testimonials - Russell |
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Russell
My journey began with the diagnosis of early prostate cancer. Urologists recommendation was “watchful waiting” due to my ripe old age of 62.
This was not an option for 2 reasons. A younger brother had chosen this option only to have second stage cancer after two years. My sister died with Lung Cancer one year prior as well. As an aside 3 of 4 brothers were diagnosed with prostate cancer over a period of about 4 months. Same mother, 3 different fathers!
Having had an initially diagnosed skin cancer the year before which was removed STAT, I have no intention of harbouring cancer at a known site in my body. So for me it was NB to get rid of it.
Once having met the team at Toronto location, confidence was high as a result of being well looked after before, during, and after the procedure. To me this was as important as getting the procedure done. My confidence was kept up by the regular contact calls from the nurse. 8 weeks post-op I contracted a UTI which I did not easily recognize due to similar HIFU symptoms. The nurse (Gina Bernard) was able to get the appropriate orders within literally minutes, saving additional hassle with the medical profession, who are largely not aware that the procedure exists.
Having the benefit of a younger brother (4 years) who had a radical prostatectomy, this fact confirmed the procedure’s benefits even more. He has been off work for 6 months and has pretty well all of the complications of surgery mentioned in the literature. I had the procedure on Saturday Feb 3, 2007, and was back to work on Monday Feb 5, 2007, which in retrospect was pushing it. As an entrepreneur, our team was able to carry on as normal with a bit of rescheduling.
In addition, I do front of the room entrepreneurial coaching and was able to complete 5 -one day sessions with a catheter and pee bag which were possible due to the supra pubic catheter and with co-operation of the team which accompanies me. No one but the team had any idea!
The procedure provided great flexibility to carry on with minimal disruption (most important) with no sacrifices in company revenue.
Considering the controversy in Canada regarding two tier medical delivery; I have had a good experience personally with both. In the public system, once you are out the door, there is no follow-up (left to family doctor, who probably was not involved). All things being said, I am glad that the offending bits are gone with my first post-op PSA in a month. But most of all I appreciate the process and teamwork which made me feel valuable and taken care of. Thank you to all at Toronto HIFU.
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