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Meeting Davinci 10/12/06 Oh Boy here I go

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 9/19/2006 3:19 PM (GMT -8)
Just found this site glad I did. Was told August 17 I got the big C. Talk about a big hammer. Anyway, I am going to have the Davinci Robot same day as Birdland. My insurance has denied it saying it is experimental. They have actually paid for two of them with the group of urologost I am seeing. I am in touch with the manufacturer of the robot and they are helping me fight it. I am 57  PSA 4.3  Gleason 6  4 of 12 biopsy cancer. Bone scan and CT ok. I am praying and hoping for the best. Glad I stumbled on this site, lots of encouragment here.
Posted 9/19/2006 5:42 PM (GMT -8)
Welcome 56poniac,
You have found a wonderful group. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. It is a bumpy road, but a road just the same.
Posted 9/19/2006 5:58 PM (GMT -8)
Hi 56pontiac and welcome to the board.

I'm glad you found this site too.  It is a really warm and wonderful group of people with lots of good information, all you have to do is ask!  Sorry to hear you have the big C.  It is really shocking to learn, especially when there are no symptoms.  It does sound like you have caught it in a very early stage.  Glad to hear you are taking immediate action.  We opted for the open radical but have heard great things about the Davinci as well.

Good Luck to you on your journey,

Posted 9/19/2006 6:10 PM (GMT -8)
Hello 56pontiac,

Sorry I have to welcome you to the club, but this is a wonder group of very caring friends. We have all been through this scary PCa together, and you can count on us to support you when ever you need it. I wish you the best of luck resolving your insurance problems.


60 yrs old, PSA 3.8, Gleason 6 (3+3), 2 of 14 cores pos., DRE neg., DaVinci procedure 2/23/06 at GWU Hosp. Wash. DC, surgeon Dr. Jason Engel.

Glen
Posted 9/19/2006 7:52 PM (GMT -8)
56pontiac,

Like Spin said this is a wonderful group.  Curtis goes for his DiVinci surgery October 10 and these people have helped me very much with all my questions.

You've found a good place to come to.

Posted 9/20/2006 5:19 AM (GMT -8)
We have only good things to say about the daVinci procedure. I do know from all the research we did that it's certainly not considered "experimental" anymore as it's been in use for several years, now. Not that it helps, but perhaps your insurance is acting on older information. Good for you for going after it with the big guns.

But as you will read, it's also about the skill of the doctor even more than the procedure. A "beginner" on the daVinci might not be as comforting as a great lap guy, etc.
Posted 9/20/2006 5:49 AM (GMT -8)
56pontiac,

welcome to the club, be as it may. my husband is 56, was symptom free, psa 3.5, 2 out of 12 cancer. he had open radical surgery on August 30 and is doing pretty well with his recovery. Fight the insurance company with all of your might. it sounds like the medical practice will be of great help since they've already been down that road. it's hard enough to deal with having cancer much as less having to fight the insurance company. we just got our hospital bill - for just the 36 hr hospital stay - $20,700 which the insurance co paid $9100 and we paid $100. whew! best wishes to you...kat
Posted 9/20/2006 2:09 PM (GMT -8)

56pontiac,

I am a new member also.  Almost the same psa, gleason score and age as you.  How did you finally decide on the Davinci Robot method?  I haven't made a decision yet.  Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.  FrankB

Posted 9/20/2006 2:32 PM (GMT -8)
Anyone here. What is open radical surgery?
Posted 9/20/2006 3:29 PM (GMT -8)

I decided on the Davinci after researching the options (radiation no way) and on the advise of my doctor. There was also some definate devine intervention getting me in the correct hands for this surgery. This whole thing really sucks and you feel pretty helpless at times. I am really glad I found this site as it appears it isn't the end of the world, and a good life can be had after the surgery. I sure wish you well and I will pray for you and anybody else that asks. God bless you my friend. open radical is slice your belly open big enough to get a hand inside you. Davinci laproscopic is so much less invasive. You might want to visit the manufacturers website. Keep me posted and hang in there.

http://www.intuitivesurgical.com/index.aspx

Posted 9/20/2006 4:19 PM (GMT -8)
Hi 56Pontiac,   "GOD Bless You"   It's a little prayer "GOD Bless You"... but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your way.  ~author unknown~   Yes… we felt like a huge bus hit us and after processing and learning… we found out it was only a little mini bus.   Welcome aboard!!   This forum really will help you get through some of the toughest times and there will be some ~ so lean on us!..   We've been there...   and we’re all here to share.   I welcome you to view our personal thread… Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring .   If you only take one thing from it…. Then it was worth me posting.   Please stay with us and share your journey… it will help others who will be hit by the same bus as we were and we can all make their journey a little easier in some ways.   In New Forum Friendship,  
Posted 9/20/2006 4:49 PM (GMT -8)
Hi 56 Pontiac and Blue,

I've finally figured that ours is a mini bus now, but it was a big semi...pulling three trailers!!!

Still not looking forward to the surgery he has to go thru, but am getting a bit more used to the idea.  I guess it takes times to get over the shock and realize that you're not in control and have to put yourself and your husband into others hands whether you want to or not.

56Pontiac...a big hammer is a good analogy, but I like m,y semi best!  tongue

Posted 9/20/2006 6:41 PM (GMT -8)
I CAN'T FIND YOUR PERSONAL THREAD "OUR JOURNEY" WHERE IS IT?

Posted 9/21/2006 4:55 PM (GMT -8)
Hi 56pontiac...
It was on page 4 so I'm going to pop it and bring it back to page 1...
:) Lee
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