Guestbook

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last autumn at 57 years old. It came as an unpleasant shock “out of nowhere” to disrupt my active family, social and business life. The good news was that it was treatable and potentially curable. As a scientist I submerged myself in research on treatment options and outcomes and it was during this process I came across the Martini Klinik and in particular a publication from the group detailing long term results for prostatectomies for nearly 11,000 men. The data on oncological outcome and functional outcomes was very convincing, and as I did more research I was impressed by the specialization model that the Klinik was built on resulting in deep expertise and an emphasis on a robust quality assurance program. As I live in Canada it was a little logistically daunting to plan a trip like this, but the administration at the Klinik and UKE were fabulous so I made my decision and flew to Hamburg in February. Professor Graefen (Maestro!) performed my procedure using the DaVinci robot on Feb 23rd 2023.

Everything about my stay at the Martini Klinik was fantastic. The nursing staff was as you would expect highly trained in the care of patients post prostatectomy but in addition were kind, patient (I had lots of questions), cheerful and fun! I had lots of conversations not only about my recovery, but Hamburg, bikes, music etc. The rooms were very comfortable. I had a balcony, and even in February there were sunny afternoons where it was warm enough to sit outside and read. The food, and the charming food staff, were great. The procedure day itself was excellent – although I was somewhat anxious, the pre-operative procedures were so smooth, well-run and optimized that I found myself able to relax somewhat. Afterwards, Professor Graefen came by that evening to provide a synopsis of a successful procedure and my recovery began.

On day 5 my catheter was removed and to my joy I was continent straight away. Discharged the next day and spent a week walking (slowly) around the beautiful city of Hamburg. Abdominal discomfort rather than pain, I never needed any strong pain medication. I flew back to Canada in March.

Four months on, I’m now fully recovered. I’m hiking, backpacking, cycling, going to the gym and enjoying life. I should mention that potency also returned quite quickly after the procedure, which was great!

Professor Graefen and the team at the Martini Klinik gave me my life back and preserved my quality of life. I look back on my stay at the Klinik with fondness, which under the circumstances may be surprising. Words can’t fully describe the gratitude I feel for this group of dedicated and compassionate professionals, so I’ll simply say: THANK YOU!

Dear Martini-Klinik!

I want to express my greatest appreciation for the Excellent treatment at the Martini-Klinik and surgery early February. I had been diagnosed with prostata cancer just before Christmas and Although the doctors had explained it was not aggressive, surgery was necessary. Having reviewed the statistics together with my wife, we selected the Martini-Klinik through Evidia in Norway. From the day of arrival until I left, everything was perfect. Of course big thanks to professor Heinzer for the operation, Anne Braathen who explained everything on the day of arrival, in Norwegian, and Joy Schroeder and the nurses who helped me get back on my feet. And the food was excellent! The operation was successful and now 6 weeks later I am regaining control, and I am back to work. I would highly recommend the Martini-klinik. There is Nothing more important than your health. I was impressed by the professionalism and «Ordnung muss sein»! Also, for anyone who´s reading this, pls take it seriously if you get an indication of prostata cancer. Don’t wait. I also have to thank my wife for pushing me ahead, carrying luggage back to Stavanger and nursing at home. Happy wife, happy life!

AUF Wiedersehen! Thanks again!

Best Regards

Petter