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Nov 2022 PSA +10

Mar 2023 MRI – Lesion noted

July 2023 Biopsy – Gleason score - 9

Oct 2023 Obtained private MRI – no changes noted from Mar 2023

Met radiologist at CancerCare to discuss potential radiation therapy

Due to age recommended surgery

Nov 2023 Met Manitoba, Canada surgeon, instructed only open surgery available, due to location of lesion location left nerve could not be spared and second nerve may not be spared.

Dec 6, 2023 Contacted Martini Klinik to set up initial consultation – they required MRI less than 3 months old among other documents that my general practitioner and urologist provided.

Dec 13, 2023 Spoke with Toronto, Canada surgeon (asked my urologist to refer surgeon performing robotic surgery) who could not perform surgery until Mar/Apr 2024

Dec 19, 2023 Spoke with Prof Heinzer, surgeon at Martini and given the option for Jan 11, 2024 surgery with a requirement to test for certain resistant bacteria.

Jan 16, 2023 Due to a flight delay my surgery was rescheduled with Prof Graefen

Note admitting urologist performed digital exam and confirmed that lesion when GP and urologist did not detect (Martini Klinik urologist palpated prostate, uncomfortable but effective at detection)

Surgery successful, surgeon noted that he removed several layers of nerve tissue at the beginning of the surgery. Removed nominal nerve tissue that was sent to pathology with results returned before surgery ended to determine if nerve could be spared. In my case only first layer indicated traces of cancerous tissue therefore all but nominal amount of removed nerve tissue was spared.

Excellent care from all professionals for my one week stay (recommended extended stay for overseas patients). Very friendly and competent staff that were very comprehensive. I met my surgeon who took the time to discuss my case and sent a physical therapist and a psychologist (I requested) and they both provided helpful recovery recommendations and expectations.

My experience with “after sales service” was outstandingly good. My complications were dealt with speedily and competently – this was after being discharged.

Because I experienced no pain after the surgery (except some C02 gas pain clearing in the first few post surgery days – C02 used during surgery), only a little discomfort, I likely walked too much:

Jan 18: 7738 steps, Jan 19: 5552 steps, Jan 20: 5408 steps and Jan: 25 11,368 steps

Complications (I believe related to over activity) catheter removed 10 days after test date (which would normally have been removed immediately after test). Lymphatic fluid first drained into scrotum (cleared after elevating) and fluid found a path out of a “pin hole” of one of the suture lines. No fluid drained out of suture one day after returning home Jan 27 – after taking only a few steps that day.

Three weeks after surgery potency restored (utilizing recommended therapies of 5 mg Tadalafil and penis pump)

Six weeks post surgery continence slowly being restored. Essentially continent until ~ 4 p.m. and then I plan on not walking or standing much. Sitting and lying down perfectly continent. Note: 10 additional days with a catheter may be slowing return to continence. It appears sphincter gets “tired” later in the day and stops holding but that window of continence appears to become longer every day.

I began physiotherapy 4 weeks after surgery and the therapist indicated the therapy only potentially speeds up continence restoration.

In speaking with a client, he indicated that his brother who resides in southern Germany, was diagnosed with prostate cancer by his urologist. Because his brother’s urologist was also a close friend he declined to operate on him and instead recommended he take the trek to Hamburg to the Martini Klinik and that is when I decided it was worth the trip to go to a place that had such a high recommendation. I found my fellow patients very friendly –1/3 of them were physicians themselves, further indication that this clinic is the best of the best. My surgeon shared that the nerve sparing surgeons are a community that know each other well and he indicated that a Florida surgeon is also very competent, however I believe the costs would be significantly higher. For those North Americans who self insure this becomes a cost/benefit analysis but because of my experience I would make the longer trip to Germany.

I have no regrets coming to this clinic and would recommend it to any active (value nerve sparing), relatively young/healthy patients (able to travel) who have the resources for the surgery.

I left the Martini-Klinik yesterday on the 12th December 2023 after 6 days of my life that went so unbelievably fast.

I am 55 had a PSA of 49 and 12 positive cores on my Biopsy.

Gleason 8, stage 3 advanced.

Thrown into unwanted education on the subject of "prostate cancer" on August 29th.

After a clear bone scan and CT scan, I finally forced myself to STOP driving myself crazy doing research and this was helped massively by the kind and knowledgeable team at the Martini klinik.

7 hours away from me, my early contact was obviously by telephone, kindess and reassurance in abundance that settled my frenetic state of mind on more than one occasion.

From the moment I checked in on 7th December until the day i checked out on the 12th ALL the staff, medical, clerical, catering, auxiliary, you name it, were kind caring and sympathetic.

The technology and means to battle cancer is important obviously BUT the support at an emotional level toward the patient is immensely important and the Martini klinik, in my experience have this totally understood and in control.

I'm so grateful to All the staff, who I encountered during my stay, too many to mention.

My surgeon, proffesor Tobias maureur was happy with how my surgery went and now I wait pathology reports.

Whatever outcomes follow on from here good or bad, I can honestly say I was very happy to have had my surgery here.

Little pain and alot of love and good care by an amazing group of people.

My journey continues on now, but I have a good platform to build on physically and emotionally.

Thank you once again Martini-klinik. ♥