Just about a year ago, my day started like any other except I had an appointment to get my biopsy results for my prostate. I never expected the words cancer but that was the diagnosis. The only options discussed with us were radiation or open surgery. My wife and I were in shock.

On the way to the parking lot, I called my sister Cindy, who was 3000 miles away in CA for advice. I knew she was an administrator at some hospital in Orange CA. At the time I couldn’t have told you which hospital she was affiliated with, I just knew that they were one of the best.

After speaking with Cindy, we learned about a robotic procedure (da Vinci prostatectomy) being performed with great success in her hospital. This sounded like the safest option that had been discussed so far.

My sister put me in touch with Dr. David Ornstein, when we spoke, we discussed my health profile and Dr. Ornstein fully explained the procedure of removing the prostate through a robotic assisted procedure. You can’t imagine my relief when I finished my conversation with him. He put us in touch with Griselda who helped us through the insurance maze. I am confident that you imagine how daunting it seemed to try to get the insurance permission to fly to CA to have the operation. Dr. Ornstein’s staff helped us every step of the way.

Valentine’s Day 2006 was very different for us.  My wife and I spent a lot of time talking with Dr. Ornstein via conference call.  After our conversation we both knew I was in very capable and experienced hands. Working with his staff demonstrated the same. From scheduling to test results, faxing medical profiles and lab results and coordinating details to travel from Binghamton, NY to Orange, CA, Dr. Ornstein’s staff walked us through step by step. My wife was in daily contact with the office staff.  Without their support and compassion we would have landed in CA in far worse shape………

Once in CA, we met Dr. Ornstein and his staff and were further reassured by their warmth, empathy and utmost professionalism. Everyone involved took the time to fully explain every step of the procedure and to make me comfortable and at ease. The day of the operation, everything went so smoothly.  My wife was updated several times through the surgery and I was in recovery before I even knew it.

The nurses and doctors who cared for me were wonderful. Every person I came in contact with at UCI Medical Center demonstrated why it is one of the leading Hospitals in the country.

I was never outspoken about my personal health and now I take every opportunity to tell the world my story. I have become an outspoken advocate of this procedure and for men’s prostate health. I have Dr. Ornstein and his tremendously talented staff to thank for giving me back my health and allowing me to speak out on the importance of regular prostate checkups for males in the risk profile.

My surgery was in March 2006.  Throughout the summer of 2006, I ran three 5K marathons. While my time was not the best it has ever been – I RAN!!