Healing in a matter of time,
but it is sometimes also
a matter of opportunity.
Hippocrates
As many of you know, I learned last November that I had prostate cancer. After consultations with my family doctor and the experts, I opted for a radical prostatectomy via the da Vinci Method, which utilizes a computer assisted robot [operated by a surgeon] to remove the prostate. I chose the da Vinci method for two reasons: first, it would allow me to recover much faster than I would with traditional surgery; second, Dr. Mutahar Ahmed (my surgeon), —a specialist in Oncology, Larparoscopic/Robotic Surgery, Cryo Surgery and Reconstructive Urological Surgery, and his colleagues— at the New Jersey Center for Prostate Cancer and Urology boast a zero percent mortality rate. With these odds, how could I lose? I underwent treatment In February, and I am happy to report that I recently received a clean bill of health, from my doctors; I am now completely cancer free.
I recall, vividly, the moment I received the call from my Urologist informing me that my biopsy was positive for cancer. It was November 2, 2010, and I was sitting in my car listening to a news report, which predicted a Democrat landslide, solidifying “the Obama Mandate.” In spite of the obvious solemnity of the news from my doctor, my mood was bolstered by the day’s events—it was Election Day 2010, which saw the rise of the Tea Party.
Far more significant than the emergence of a viable “Third Party,” the results of the 2010 Midterm Elections signaled a new beginning for the American Voter, one that has likely changed the American political landscape forever. Average citizens, Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, the politically savvy and the political novice took matters into their own hands, and en mass, sent legions of political lifers packing. The only ones surprised by the day’s “carnage” were those political hacks who would just as well have the political destiny of all Americans decided by the “intellectual elite.” Thankfully, the American Voter is far more sophisticated than the elitists could ever imagine. When the citizens felt they’d had enough, they stood together and took decisive action.
Reminiscent of revolutionary times, legions of do-nothing bureaucrats were replaced by the newest breed of American elected representatives: young, multi-ethnic, somewhat representative of the genders, and with fire in their eyes. So committed is this group, that a number of them has gone as far as publicly setting their own term limits. Surely, any number of this new class of representatives is likely to become tomorrow’s do nothing bureaucrats, but for now, they’ll do just fine.
Far more significant than the emergence of a viable “Third Party,” the results of the 2010 Midterm Elections signaled a new beginning for the American Voter, one that has likely changed the American political landscape forever. Average citizens, Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, the politically savvy and the political novice took matters into their own hands, and en mass, sent legions of political lifers packing. The only ones surprised by the day’s “carnage” were those political hacks who would just as well have the political destiny of all Americans decided by the “intellectual elite.” Thankfully, the American Voter is far more sophisticated than the elitists could ever imagine. When the citizens felt they’d had enough, they stood together and took decisive action.
Reminiscent of revolutionary times, legions of do-nothing bureaucrats were replaced by the newest breed of American elected representatives: young, multi-ethnic, somewhat representative of the genders, and with fire in their eyes. So committed is this group, that a number of them has gone as far as publicly setting their own term limits. Surely, any number of this new class of representatives is likely to become tomorrow’s do nothing bureaucrats, but for now, they’ll do just fine.
On the subject of my health scare, my experience with Prostate Cancer has certainly opened my eyes in a number of ways: first, like it or not, I had to come to grips with my own mortality. Had it not been for my belief and faith in GOD, I am not certain that my mental state today would not be as intact as it is. It is in confrontation with death that man’s character is tested —submission to self-pity and depression wins you no points, it only demonstrates your lack of faith in GOD. Furthermore, any such distractions bring on stress, which could complicate treatment and recovery.
Second, this was my first real encounter with the American health care system as an acute care patient, which is significant, in view of my many years of work in the health care industry. My plan is to chronicle my experience as a cancer patient in the context of a discussion of the US Health Care System and the recently enacted Affordable Care Act. Publication of this article would be timed to coincide with the 2012 Presidential Election season.
Besides Dr. Ahmed (mentioned earlier), the true heroes of this story are my Primary Care Physician, Michael Casser, MD and my Urologist, Richard Garden, MD.
An unassuming man, Dr. Michael Casser is credited with identifying the abnormality that would eventually prove to be Prostate Cancer. While this resulted from a rather routine office visit procedure, it is Dr. Casser’s style that sets him [far] apart from his peers. Dr. Casser epitomizes Malcolm Gladwell’s portrayal of the ideal physician in his 2005 best-selling book, Blink. In what I call true “Casserian style,” Dr. Casser first sets the tone for every visit by announcing via his body language that the visit has little to do with him, and everything to do with you —the patient. Through the years, I have worked professionally with more than two hundred physicians across an array of disciplines, and from all walks-of-life; Michael Casser, MD sets a standard that would, at best, be unattainable for most, and in the least, educational for the remainder. Dr. Casser’s clinical competence is evident in his answers to even the most trivial questions —straightforward and reassuring. He creates an atmosphere that mimics a chat with a trusted friend, one whose advice you would seek, and most certainly follow. Dr. Casser is everything that is right with then American health care system.
Then, there is Dr. Richard Garden, Urologist; I can think of no other person more qualified to stand at the vanguard of Prostate Cancer treatment. When politicians ruminate that the American Health Care System is in need of reform, they have obviously not met Richard Garden, MD. The most striking feature on my encounter(s) with Dr. Garden is his empathy. Beginning with my very first encounter, I had the feeling that I was about to embark on a journey with a friend. One whose experience and expertise I would come to rely on. Whether it was the team of nurses who held my hands during my biopsy procedure, which I foolishly opted to undergo without anesthesia —machismo has its price, or Dr. Garden’s calm and reassuring manner, I never doubted for a minute that I was in the very best hands. Not only did Dr. Garden and his team [in the Oradell office] live up to my expectations, they exceeded them.
Prostate Cancer Facts
Prostate Cancer Facts
Prostate cancer is the “second leading cause of cancer death [for] American men.” According to the American Cancer Society, in 2011, 240,890 American men would be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 33,720 of whom will die as a result of prostate cancer. Similarly, 1 in 39 men ages 40 to 59 and 1 in 14 men ages 60 to 69 would develop prostate cancer. More than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Roughly 2 million American men currently live with prostate cancer.
In spite of some age and ethnic implications —men over 50 years of age and Black men are at greater risk for developing prostate cancer— prostate cancer remains highly treatable. With early detection and prompt treatment, many men go on to lead normal lives.
Prostate cancer takes an unnecessarily high toll on men. This is why I am urging all men, regardless of age or ethnicity, to discuss prostate cancer with their physician, and discuss testing.
Prostate cancer takes an unnecessarily high toll on men. This is why I am urging all men, regardless of age or ethnicity, to discuss prostate cancer with their physician, and discuss testing.
