What to do? Paralyzed with indecision

14 years 10 months ago #25794 by Gracie
Replied by Gracie on topic What to do? Paralyzed with indecision
Hello Jfitz,

Dr. Konety did my cystectomy but it was not done with DaVinci - it was open. I can't say enough about Dr. Konety's skills as a surgeon. He did an excellent job. I just can't speak to his exp with robotics. Also I do know that UCSF has excellent pain management which is something to keep in mind and question.

Dr. Konety is very open and will speak to any concerns you might have. I am very direct with him and always have a ton of questions.

Best of luck - I know what a difficult time this is for the both of you.

Gracie

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14 years 10 months ago #25780 by mznoregrets
Replied by mznoregrets on topic What to do? Paralyzed with indecision
Hi Jfitz,

Sorry you folks are dealing with this cancer. Glad you found the forum and are being wise in treatment choices. That said, I would be inclined to go with the most experienced surgeon as well. The skill of the surgeon is a huge factor in survival. I travelled 275 miles each way to Mayo in MN for my RC - well worth the time and hassle. I could have been closer to home with a lesser doc but as mine was PT3b in final pathology - I am glad I had a top notch doc. God Bless, Holly

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14 years 10 months ago #25769 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic What to do? Paralyzed with indecision
jfitz.....UC Davis is a good hospital....Christopher P. Evans is interested in the treatment of genitourinary malignancies, particularly prostate cancer. Key word here...Prostate.
2 hours is nothing. There is no reason you cannot get follow up care at UC Davis and Dr. Evans unless he has a problem with that.
You want someone who is involved with bladder cancer on a regular basis and does around 60 cystectomys a year whether it be DaVinci or open. DaVinci should not be the deciding factor.....the number of cystectomys and neobladder reconstructions should. This is a tough surgery.
Pat

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14 years 10 months ago #25766 by vgau
Hope someone can give me some advice. My husband has T1G3+ CIS. We live in northern California. He has accepted the fact that he needs to have a neo-bladder performed. He did have a consult with Dr. Konety at UCSF who has great experience with the robotic approach. We live 2 hours away from UCSF and would need to establish with a PCP ect. to get this done there. We are very close to UCDMC and have a very good surgeon Dr. Chris Evans there who is able to perform the surgery but not robotically. This is very close to our home and follow up care would be a breeze. Is the advantage that great having this surgery via DaVinci? I want the very best for him and will overcome the odds to get it done outside our community but I have several advantages having it done at UCDMC. One of the greatest is I am an employee and they do care for their own. Opinions or thoughts? We need to make a decision by Friday so I can change our medical group. Thank you

Dx 10/5 Non Invasive Papillary

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