Dr Thomas Ahlering, Urology, UC Irvine Medical Center

 

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Patient Testimonials

From Fredric

June 25th, 2015

Just thought I'd drop you both a line--tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of my prostate surgery.

This year has flown by, and I feel I've made huge progress in getting to a place that is much better than I where I was a year ago. In all key respects I am virtually completely recovered (some with an easy bit of medical assistance) and if I progress no further, I feel my cup is completely full. Yet I continue to improve. I feel great!

Oh, yes, I almost forgot...apparently no cancer.

Thanks for your great knowledge, expertise, skill and caring.

Sincerely, Fred


From Ralph Lawler (California)

November 18, 2007

Last season, Ralph Lawler, the voice of the Clippers for 29 years now, learned he had prostate cancer. With approval from his doctor, Lawler continued to call the Clippers games from start to finish a year ago before undergoing surgery on May 30.

"I met a very special person in Dr. Thomas Ahlering at the UCI Medical Center," Lawler said. "I don't owe my life to him, but then I may very well from now on. Let me tell you, I feel just great."

Lawler worked his 2,199th Clippers' game Saturday night.

He's a survivor, all right.

Read more


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 cancer surgeries and is now specializing with the Da Vinci Surgical System.

Choosing Prostate Cancer Treatment


From Gil (Nevada)

August 19, 2012

"Dear Dr. Ahlering,

...I am delighted to report that only ten days after your surgery, I am almost continent and already regaining sexual function.

For over a year after my cancer was found, I put off surgery, knowing that many men have long periods of incontinence and possibly permanent lost of sexual function. Frankly, it scared the heck out of me, but with my family history of prostate cancer, I had to do something. After meeting you, my wife and I knew that we had found the right surgeon." Read more


From John (California)

May, 2009

"Dr. Ahlering's statistics and experience speak for themselves. his role in research and dedication was 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."


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 competent and caring team take care of you. Thank you for being there for me"


From Thomas (Montana)

April 24th, 2009, 6 months after prostate cancer surgery

Dear Dr. Ahlering,

This is written to express my sincere appreciation for the robotic prostate cancer 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 cancer surgery, and visited with physicians at length regarding each alternative. Based on a history of prostatics, 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 UC Irvine 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 cancer surgery.

The staff at the hospital and your office was most helpful and understanding. A special word of thanks to Lydia whose help and assistance during this whole experience was like that of a family member – she is exceptional!

Sincerely,
Thomas


From Ron, M.D., W.B.S.

September 23, 2008, 3 months after prostate cancer 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"