Sep 19, 2012 09:42 AM
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My Battle with Prostate Cancer: Robotic Surgery came for my rescue
Let me first tell you something about myself. I (SB Chhillar) am a fit 70 yr old retired Colonel, resident of Sector 21, Gurgoan (House No 814). I was found to have high PSA (21.3ng/ml) in my blood during investigation for my urinary problem and enlarged prostate gland. It was not difficult to find out “what abnormal PSA value is all about?” Doctor friends in the family and information on the internet gave the indication that I need to be investigated regarding the suspicion of prostate cancer.
My son and his Doctor colleague contacted Dr Rajiv Yadav who is the expert in management of urinary tract and prostate related cancers and consulted him for necessary investigations and treatment. With this, I reported at Medanta Hospital on 15 May 2012 and met Dr Yadav . Apart from Urine & Blood test, I was advised to undergo MRI for prostate, Bone Scan & Prostate Biopsy which was conducted under Local anesthesia on 19 May 2012. I was discharged after few hours of biopsy without any significant issues. MRI and subsequent prostate biopsy results confirmed that I was harboring Prostate Cancer.
Although it was not causing much trouble right now but I wanted to get rid of this as soon as possible. Therefore, I immediately agreed to the idea of Robotic surgery for prostate cancer, suggested by Dr Rajiv Yadav (technically called Robotic Radical Prostatectomy). He told me the pros and cons of undergoing surgery and the important issues related to the surgery.
Although I was initially a little bit concerned about the issue of urinary leak but got relieved to know that it is temporary and improves within few weeks after robotic surgery. In fact, in retrospect, this seems to be biggest advantage of Robotic Surgery. But for me the main attraction toward surgery was that I wanted the tumor be thrown out of my body. Dr Yadav told me to stay positive and keep my daily routine of 10 km of morning walk and a healthy lifestyle intact. Since I had undergone bypass surgery in 1997, I was advised to go through a detailed checkup ( ECG, ECHO and stress Thallium Test and what not for cardiac clearance). Since Bypass Surgery was done 15 years back, I was therefore admitted for Coronary Angiography on 05 June 2012 to find out the status of my heart.
Once I got cleared for Robotic Surgery, I was now ready to face it and fight it out. Accordingly I got admitted to Medanta Hospital on 02 July 2012 and consequently my surgery for removing prostate tumour was conducted by Dr Yadav on 03 July 2012 under General anesthesia. Next day I was walking in the long corridors of the hospital and was feeling fine with little soreness at the site where they inserted the robotic instruments in my belly. I was discharged on 06 July 2012 at 1500 hrs in stable condition. I went to the Hospital OPD for removal of catheter on 11 July 2012. I recovered smoothly from the surgery and was back to my routine although feeling a bit weak (but I guess that was expected after a major surgery).
I got the final pathology report of the removed prostate on 16 July 2012. To my relief, it showed all the margins and nodes were free of tumor. Dr Yadav explained the report in detail and summarized that the cancer seemed to be still within the prostate and I have pretty good chances of being cured and free of cancer. Within the first few day, I gradually moved towards my pre surgery active lifestyle and did not suffer much side effect told to me earlier (But I guess, they need to explain it beforehand, for just in case). Right from 1st week of catheter removal I had full control of my urine. There was some swelling of the skin of my groin which was immediately attended to by Dr Yadav.
In short, I wanted to mention that within a span of one month I am feeling quite energetic and fighting fit as I was before. My entire care during the course of the hospitalization and post operational care at home has been very smooth and uneventful. My Recovery has been very fast and I came back on track to undertake normal physical work like earlier. I really admire the Best of Care and Quality Treatment I received at the wonderful hands of Dr Yadav and his staff. I always found him to be easily approachable and patient friendly. He is also a good human being apart from being an efficient doctor with requisite professional acumen. As far as administration and logistics are concerned, these facilities are par excellence and at no stage I felt any kind of inconvenience during my entire course of treatment at the hospital.
Last, but not the least, this institute is indeed unique and truly dedicated to life.
Thank you!!
Col(retd) SB CHHILLAR
