Seeking Surgeon Recommendation for Birmingham, Alabama Area
Good Evening Everyone,
I appreciate the great information I've found here, and especially all who have taken time to answer questions.
I am 54 years old, was diagnosed with PC in summer of 2017. PSA level (over 6) was first red flag, then a PHI test confirmed that a biopsy was in order, and they found cancer at that time. Gleason 6...active surveillance recommended. An MRI showed a lesion...two biopsies later...still active surveillance, but then an oncotype report came back showing that the genetics of the cancer was more aggressive, moving me into Grade Group 2. I'm either 3+3 or 3+4 depending on which doctor you ask.
Anyhow, treatment has been recommended, and I'm leaning toward surgery.
My question...and it's my first post, so I hope I'm okay asking this here...is whether any fellow Birmingham area patients can give me guidance on doctor recommendations. I've got a urologist at Urology Centers of Alabama and have seen a surgeon at UAB. UAB has the new single port Da Vinci robot, so that's one difference, while UCA has the older model.
Anyhow...this is all overwhelming. I keep hearing how choosing the right doc is critical, so I'd love to hear from any of my fellow Alabamians.
Thank you!
Regardless of your geography it is good to remember that prostate cancer tends to be slow growing and a Gleason 6 typically falls into that category.
My advise would be to take your time and speak with several MD's until you find someone you are comfortable with and trust.
I interviewed several MD's prior to making my decision. While there is a lot of technology that can treat the cancer my approach was to look for those who had significant experience and had patients who were willing to speak to me about their experiences - good luck in your journey
In addition to Dennis's great advice, I wanted to add what the folks on Facebook have been saying. Some of it is similar:
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The key is to find a da Vinci robotic surgeon with hundreds of surgeries. Better yet teaches other surgeons. I chose a surgeon at USMD Arlington,Tx all of the criteria I mentioned. Understand the surgery, post operative recovery. Good luck and God Speed. Bob Tierno, Moderator ProstateCancer.net" "Great advice Bob, I could not have said this any better. The thing to know is how much experience the Doctor has with this type of surgery, the more the better. Bob hit a home run with his comment and I concur, see part of doing this is getting the knowledge you need to be comfortable with the choice you've made, then accept that you are about to have surgery and that it will be successful, that positive all the way through okay, you can do this."
"I found the answer. One doctor in Texas knew more than other doctors. Seek a good doctor"
Here's the link to the post in case you'd like to comment on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prostatecancerdotnet/posts/845709965843871?
- Nina, ProstateCancer.net Team
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I'm off to check on the Facebook post.
