When the test results came in form the biopsy of my prostate, my urologist asked to meet with my wife, Denise and I. I’ll never forget his first words to us, “you have prostate cancer but it is not going to kill you!” He felt we detected the cancer in an early stage and explained to Denise and I the options for treatment that were available.

I knew I wanted my prostate cancer removed and the option of having a robotic – assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy was my first choice. After further consultation with my urologist whom I have great respect for but does not perform this procedure, he referred me to Dr. Kevin Slawin. I felt it was very important to have a doctor who had a great deal of experience in this procedure and who was trained by the very best. After further research on my part and after my appointment with Dr. Slawin and his wonderfully talented and caring team of Pat Meyers, RN and John Dodge, PA-C, MPAS we immediately scheduled my procedure.

I arrived at the hospital in the early morning, Wednesday, May 31, 2006. Dr. Slawin performed the procedure that morning and told Denise and I that all went well. I spent the night in the hospital and checked out of the hospital Thursday afternoon immediately after lunch. I started walking around my home that afternoon and started walking around our neighborhood on Friday. During the procedure a very little pain associated with the procedure, the catheter was a bit uncomfortable but really no big deal. While at home, Denise and I went for walks, to the movies and out to eat a lot! After about a week to 10 days I went to my appointment with Pat Meyers who removed my catheter. Pat asked that I go to the restaurant downstairs and drink some water and then try to urinate. I’m happy to report the plumbing worked perfectly, I do not suffer form any incontinence issues!

I returned to working half days less than two weeks after the procedure and full time three weeks after the procedure. My Pathology diagnosis resulted in a Gleason score 4 + 4, higher than originally anticipated but the cancer was confined within my prostate which as John Dodge put it, “was in a jar across the street!” I continue to see Dr. Slawin, Pat, and John for PSA screening now once every six months. The bottom line is Dr. Slawin, Pat Meyers and John Dodge saved my life. The procedure was a success, very little pain, short recovery time and oh yes, Denise and I enjoy normal sexual relationship thanks to Dr. Slawin’s nerve sparing approach.