Dear Kevin,
When I first met you, it was on the recommendation from a close friend who had been treated by both you and your partner, Peter Scardino. I was seeking care for my father, Oliver Harper, who had been treated for prostate cancer in another city some years before he moved to Houston. On one of the many times I came to your office with him, I asked how often I, as the son of a prostate cancer patient, should be checked for the disease. You advised me to do so every six months. It was because of that conversation that my cancer was caught on my “in between annual physicals” exam.
The velocity of the increase in my PSA was about 100% over the previous reading six months earlier. I called Pat Myers, and she was able to get me in for an examination within days. Following the exam and a subsequent ultrasound test, both of which revealed nothing to be concerned about, you suggested we take tissue samples for biopsies to be sure. The biopsies which you advised confirmed the appearance of cancer in my body.
Subsequently, my wife and I had a very thorough conversation with you, your angelic nurse (Pat Meyers) and your very capable physician’s assistant (John Dodge). I had read your partner’s book about prostate cancer and came armed with many questions. You and your staff were patient and took the time to answer all of my questions, even though some of them were pointed at determining your own competence, that of your staff, the laboratory, and the hospital. We left feeling confident in our selection of you and your team to perform the
treatment we selected, the non-invasive robotic surgery. Your staff then helped us select a date that fit into both your schedule and ours.
The surgery journey began with a well-organized visit to pre-register at Methodist Hospital. When I arrived at the hospital for surgery some time later, my wife and I were greeted professionally and courteously. An hour later, surgery began. Immediately after the surgery, you came out and briefed my wife on what had happened. Fortunately, everything had gone well, just as we had hoped and prayed.
My memories of the hospital remain fuzzy. I was medicated and do not remember much at all. My wife tells me the hospital staff was also courteous and professional for the day and a half I was there.
The recovery period has also produced no surprises. Except for the dreadful experience of wearing a catheter for about nine days, my recovery has been pain free and uneventful. While I expected success, I was surprised to experience almost no incontinence beginning the first day and night after the catheter was removed.
While a few drops of urine would occasionally seep out when bending or coughing, there has been almost no leakage. I wore only one thin pad per 24-hour day, more for my own peace of mind than because it was needed. Regarding erectile dysfunction, there was some, and some remains four month after the surgery. While the regularity and dependability of my erections is not yet complete, there has been a gradual increase in both respects.
I am not totally dependent on ED supplements for performance, and my natural function is returning. I expect to be on my own within a few more months. My wife and I are grateful to you and your staff for preparing us well for the surgery and the recovery. We remain confident of the long-term prospects for me to remain cancer free. We could not be more pleased with your work. Our confidence was well placed in you, your staff, and the hospital. Please feel free to share our experience with any of your current or future patients.
Respectfully, Morris N. Harper
MORRIS N. HARPER 606 Durley Drive Houston, Texas 77079 November 15, 2006 Dr. Kevin M. Slawin, M.D. 6560 Fannin, Suite 2100 Houston, TX 77030
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