Learning lessons from family history
Jack and Joanne Sellers
That is why I always told my internist to examine me for all forms of cancer. It was just part of my regular medical routine. So, when my PSA (prostatespecific antigen) levels suddenly increased, I knew it was significant, because this can be an early sign of problems with the prostate. My levels were not high by most standards, but they were high enough for me to become concerned.
In spring 2006, my doctor confirmed my suspicion: I had early stage prostate cancer.
Due to my family’s health history, I was prepared. My wife’s cousin had been treated for prostate cancer by Mark Kawachi, M.D., a urologic surgeon at City of Hope, and he had a very positive experience. So, as soon as I was diagnosed, City of Hope was my first thought.
When I met with Dr. Kawachi, he confirmed my doctor’s earlier diagnosis. He then recommended removing my prostate through a procedure called a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. He said he would be using a technically advanced surgical tool known as the da Vinci Surgical System. What he went on to say was very reassuring for me.
He told me City of Hope surgeons had been using the da Vinci robot since 2003. (As of late 2007, City of Hope surgeons have performed more than 2,500 prostatectomies robotically, more than any other cancer center in the western United States.) He also pointed out that the da Vinci robot would cause fewer side effects because it allowed him to operate in the least invasive way possible. It made sense to me: a smaller incision would result in fewer complications.
As Dr. Kawachi predicted, my case was a classic textbook example of an early stage cancer offering an excellent prognosis. I was only in the hospital for three days, and I experienced little pain.
And it got even better. After the initial recovery period, I did not feel any pain or discomfort at all. At my review, 30 days after the operation, I checked out just fine: He saw no sign of cancer.
These days, my wife and I do not worry about the cancer coming back. We are jubilant! I know I owe this elation to the lessons I learned early on with my family: Take cancer screenings seriously, especially if you have a family history of the disease.
A retiree, Jack Sellers now volunteers with FIRST Robotics, an organization that encourages young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.