On January 3rd this year, my Internist informed me that the lab results of my December 31st 2004 annual check-up excellent except for PSA readings: My total PSA was 6.0 and my Free PSA 8%. He and I agreed as a first step, on a 10 day CIPRO trial before retaking the test, and if necessary, consulting with an Urologist.
I kept my wife and family fully aware of my unfolding saga. Here was a 55 year old athletic Afro-Caribbean-American male who ate healthy foods, maintained excellent body weight, and jogged six miles three days a week. My base line PSA was 2.0. It rose to 2.5 in September 2001, and 3.2 in February 2003 – all within the normal range. The fact that my Free PSA was only 8% really bothered me. I was hoping for a miracle.
The PSA score of 4.87 that came back on February 3rd was better but not encouraging. It was still outside the normal range. Rather than use the “house” Urologist, I called my friend Gary. Two years ago, Gary was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had undergone an open surgery prostatectomy. He had fully recovered and was doing fine. He gave me the names of the two Urologists he had seen.
My Urologist gave me a DRE and a biopsy and scheduled a follow-up on March 4th for the results: Five of the fourteen biopsy samples contained cancer; it was a Gleason 6 (3+3).
During this period I read all I could about prostate cancer and the treatment options. I hadn’t gone to Medical School but was fast becoming an expert. Radiation was not an option. We could not be assured that “natural remedies” would work. All that was left was a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
My wife and I agreed that the most efficient action was the Robotic Prostatectomy rather than “open surgery”. My Urologist was an “open surgeon” and was in training for robotic surgery. He was still going through his learning curve and for that reason he referred me to Dr. David Samadi. On April 18th, Dr. Samadi examined me, and sent me for pre-operation test, and approved me for surgery on Friday April 22nd.
Surgery was painless. I remember Dr.Samadi standing over my head, holding my hand right before the surgery. While I was in the operating room he said: “John everything is going to be all right, think of a vacation in Hawaii. Next think you know I was in the Recovery Room and hearing Dr. Samadi telling me how great the surgery went.
I went home the next day and had my catheter removed in five days. I was able to walk three miles in the park. Pain was minimum as well.
On May 23rd I had my first PSA test and met with Dr. Samadi on June 2nd for the good news: even though 18 of the 25 slides of my prostate contained cancer, the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate capsule; he had spared my nerves; furthermore, my PSA was ZERO. WHAT A RELIEF. My next PSA test is due in September 8th.
I really do think that it was my destiny to meet Dr. David Samadi and to write about my experience with him. I also believe it is your destiny to read my story and to make the correct decision.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and need a world class professional to treat you, please call Dr. David Samadi. He is truly one of the best!
Just over a year ago on December 22, 2008 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I met with Dr. Samadi in New York on a recommendation from a close friend. The interview was a decisive turning point in my fortunes.
