Thursday, September 02, 2010

Gary Dutey

Recently I was given a diagnosis that no man wants to hear, that I had prostate cancer. The diagnosis was made by Dr. Timothy Dixon, my urologist, who was suspicious when my PSA became elevated. I am so thankful to Dr. Dixon for doing a biopsy. I was then confronted with the different options available to treat prostate cancer.

Being a graduate of Marshall University, I received the autumn Marshall magazine that had on the inside cover a new procedure for treating prostate cancer. This was the world?s most advanced surgical treatment ? daVinci Prostatectomy. Dr. James Jensen, a urologic oncologist, had just moved to the tri-state area and was the only surgeon within more than a hundred miles that performed this minimally invasive surgery.

On October 16, I had the surgery at Cabell Huntington Hospital with Dr. Jensen performing the robotic procedure to remove my prostate.

I can't believe how successful this new technique was. I was in the hospital just over night and was dismissed on the 17th. I had very little pain. I had very little blood loss. I returned to my job after two weeks and the biopsy showed that the cancer was contained inside the prostate. I need no further treatment.

First, I praise God for my outcome and then I thank Dr. Jensen for moving into the tri-state area and bringing this robotic procedure with him. His skill and experience certainly allowed me to go through the surgery with less pain and have a quicker recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Jensen and his assistant if a man finds himself faced with a similar situation. Again, I want to thank Dr. Jensen and his nurse, Adriana, for their encouragement and compassion in my follow-up appointments from my surgery.