Unlike most people I was not scared by the words “prostate cancer” because the biopsy indicated (erroneously as it turned out) that the cancerous cells were few and limited to one area of my gland. Also, I read that survival rates are very high when prostate cancer is diagnosed early. However, I was afraid of the operation because of my very low tolerance to pain. On meeting Dr. David K. Ornstein I did not hesitate to talk about my fears. He assured me that the prostatectomy would be painless and that there would be no post-operation pain. I did not believe him (or any other physician who promises that there will be no pain), but listened attentively to his description of the procedure.

My surgery was done on 6/6/06.  I was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate a few months prior to the procedure.  I talked to the surgeon at Loma LInda, my family Doctor and as a second opinion I talked to Dr. Ornstein.  All the doctors discussed the different types of methods to rid the cancer and the down side of each technique.  I picked Dr. Ornstein for a few reasons.  He was a little younger, had more experience and like the other doctors made me feel positive about what to expect.  The whole process from the lab work to the preop kept me relaxed about what was to take place next.  The last thing I remember was the smiling nurses and then waking up in the hospital bed.  I had no pain and was able to eat and take liquids right away.  They released me the next day to go home and again the nurses explained how to care for myself.  The most important element to recovery is to follow their instructions to the letter.  The worst thing that I was required to do was take it easy for two weeks.  I did this and saw improvement every day.   It has been eight months since the surgery now and I am a good 95% back to normal.  I would like to thank Dr. Ornstein, his staff and the hospital for my cure, and God bless them all.

When first diagnosed with prostate cancer, my wife and I went on an extensive search looking for treatment options and preferred providers. What we found throughout the internet and by talking to specialist was a large range of treatment options. Each had positive outcomes and their own unique potential side effects.

We decided that we wanted to be aggressive and have the prostate removed as the ultimate biopsy. We felt that removal offered the best potential for being sure of the out come and living a healthy life.