Medical insight, personal stories and humor from a urologist who has been where you are now.
This is an excerpt of a book I am writing-101 Aphorisms, Adages and Illustrations for the Urological Resident- See what you think. I remember Mr. Tomanek for many reasons but for two in particular. He loved trains. He lived in the mountains just south of Helen, Georgia and built a garage specifically for his …
Continue reading "Mr. Tomanek, perspective, prostate cancer and trains…"
So the doctor says to the average patient, "The government rationing board has banned the drug that would treat your prostate cancer and extend your life by several months because it is too expensive. I am sorry, but good luck." This patient goes home to his family and relays the news and as good citizens all accept …
Guitar Capo-Or as my mother used to say, " Necessity is the mother of invention." When I was a urology resident I had to do a research paper on Fournier's gangrene. I got somehow the original article on the subject by Mr. Fournier himself. It was in French and much to the chagrin of the chairman …
Continue reading "holy bloody mess batman!….the bleeding scrotum capo…i mean caper…tmi?"
Is this not one beautiful and happy dog or what? We love our Chloe. The above question is good one. Reviewing the search items that get folks to my site are revealing and offer an opportunity to address issues that concern prostate cancer patients. When the urologist does a prostate ultrasound, it usually is used …
Continue reading "question:will the prostate ultrasound always show prostate cancer?"
A question I saw on a prostate cancer forum: My urologist has prescribed me cipro to take for a month and then get re tested for a rising psa score. it is currently 5.8 and i had a radical in 2003. my psa has been steadily rising over the past 7 years. i apparently have rogue cancer cells in my …
When the prostate is removed, the bladder is separated from the urethra (the tube that runs through the penis which men void through). After the prostate is out, the doctor then sews the two areas back together. It takes about 7-10 days for this to heal. A catheter is placed through the tip of the penis in …
Continue reading "Question: Urine leaks around catheter after prostatectomy. Is this normal?"
Review of "Salvage" options if prostate cancer comes back after radiation. One of the most common reasons I am given by patients choosing to have their prostate removed is the argument that one can do radiation after surgery but you can't (easily) do surgery after radiation. It is a valid argument and I think …
From "The Decision" Think apples to apples, prostates to prostates. A little knowledge – Don’t get too cute with what you’ve learned from your research; there is no reason to “go it alone” in making your decision. Don’t be clever by half. On one particular occasion, however it has happened countless times, I had just …
As a surgeon I have to often times dissuade patients from choosing surgery. You think I'm kidding don't you? Surgeons do it all the time. Radiation therapists also tell some patients that radiation may not be the best option for them. That I know is even harder to believe....just kidding. (It's a surgeon-radiation therapist thing.) Many …
Continue reading "How can a PSA go up if the prostate has been removed for prostate cancer?"
Prostate Diaries 