Patient Testimonials
How I Chose My Prostate Cancer Treatment
by Amnon Ben Yehuda
National Prostate Cancer Coalition November 20, 2007
...At about the same time, I discovered the Web page of Dr. Thomas E. Ahlering, Professor and Director, Urological Oncology at U.C. Irvine in California. He has performed approximately 500 prostate surgeries and is now specializing with the Da Vinci Surgical System.
click here to read the full story
From Ron, M.D., W.B.S.
September 23, 2008, 3 months after surgery
"...The good news is I'm doing very well:
1) My PSA is 0.1 (Wow!)
2) Incontinence: At 6 weeks no pads, at 4 months almost perfect..."
"...I consider myself "the world's best surgeon" [W.B.S.] and now include you in my exclusive club"
From Thomas (Montana)
April 24th, 2009, 6 months after surgery
Dear Dr. Ahlering,
This is written to express my sincere appreciation for the robotic prostate surgery you performed on me on October 7, 2008.
I was diagnosed on September 15th in Great Falls, MT. My doctor and I considered many options…seeds, radiation, traditional versus robotic prostate surgery, and visited with physicians at length rearding each alternative. Based on a history of prostatis, my doctor felt like the robotic surgery would be best suited for me. His recommendation was to contact you for this procedure. The time I spent on the phone with you prior to my coming to UCI was extremely informative and helpful. Your quiet, reassuring demeanor made me feel very comfortable.
I really had little conception of the procedure, but with the explanation and literature provided by my doctor and you, I felt well informed and my apprehension was diminished. My greatest concerns prior to surgery were 1) risks related to anesthesia, 2) whether the cancer had spread beyond the confines of my prostate 3) loss of continence and sexual function following surgery. After learning more and visiting further with you, I fully expected success with the prostate removal and normal post surgical continence and sexual function. Following all the normal tests (bone scan, blood work, ekg, etc.) with my doctors encouragement, I started kegel exercises in advance to minimize continence issues, which proved to be beneficial.
After surgery on Tuesday, I was released from the hospital Wednesday at noon. The only real pain I felt (other than the typical discomfort associated with the air injection) was in my left shoulder where I received a flu shot. I was pleased to be able to walk across the street to the hotel and have lunch with my wife after being released on Wednesday. Following our return flight home on Friday, I was able to resume limited physical exercise program and within a short time, my normal exercise routine. This included pheasant hunting with a fair amount of walking within 15 days after surgery! Within a month, I had no continence issues and I now have absolutely no limitations in physical activities. I am pleased that my 3 and 6 month follow-up tests showed my PSA as undetectable. My scars are barely visible, and I have become a great advocate of this procedure. I have encouraged numerous men to be checked regularly by my doctor and to consider talking with you if this surgery is recommended.
I am eternally grateful to my doctor for recommending you as my surgeon, and after visiting with you, I was very comfortable with my decision. My wife and I did a great deal of reading and research about the surgery and your expertise in robotic prostate surgery.
The staff at the hospital and your office were most helpful and understanding. A special word of thanks to Lydia whose help and assitance during this whole experience was like that of a family member – she is exceptional!
Sincerely,
Thomas
From Richard (Florida)
2009
Dear Dr. Ahlering:
I would like to thank you, your assistant Lydia, your nurse, Reina, the rest of the urology department, and the UCI hospital staff for the professional manner in which my recent Hypothermic Robotic Prostatectomy was handled. I felt like I was in professional hands throughout the process and that I was very well treated as you promptly worked through the diagnostic process, ultimately resulting in a successful surgery and removal of my prostate and surrounding cancerous tissues.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the successful removal of the prostate and all cancerous tissue was due to your experience and skill as a surgeon and medical professional. Cerainly the mesh from a prior hernia surgery was a complication but one which you readily handled. This complication would not have been easily handled by a less experienced surgeon. My recovery is progressing on schedule which I am confident has been accelerated by virtue of your having used the Hypothermic process during surgery. I hope to remain cancer free and enjoy an extended care-free life due to your efforts.
Should you ever need a lay-person to speak with other patients regarding the process, or what to expect, I would be happy to do so or assist in any other way I can. Thank you for your professionalism, your caring and personal approach, and your surgical skills.
Cordially,
Richard
From Jerry (California)
April, 2009
"I had great respect for Dr. Ahlering and was greatly comforted by his constant striving to improve his technique and methods to give his patients the best results possible. I could feel his passion for improvement and dedication just from what I read. When I met him it was all confirmed"
"The next best thing to not having Prostate Cancer is to be fortunate enough to have Dr. Ahlering and his incredibly competant and caring team take care of you. Thank you for being there for me"
From John (California)
May, 2009
"Dr. Ahlering's statistics and experience speak for themselves. his role in research and dedicationwas definitely the primary factor in my decision. I would highly recommend Dr. Ahlering and robotic surgery. He and his staff were very courteous and professional, therefore making my decision a very comfortable one. Thanks! John."
