For forty-six years I had strived to keep myself reasonably fit, indeed, it was a demand of my career. I had fallen foul of the odd ailment over the years, most cured with a couple of paracetamol or simply a good rest. Then in late 2009 I began to experience the occasional lower abdominal pain. A few tests later and still no answers, save one. My PSA was a little high for my age. It was in early 2010 that I was referred to a Specialist and from there to my first set of biopsies. The result of these was not conclusive and so a second set of biopsies followed. On an afternoon in the middle of March I sat down in a small consulting room to be told that a small cancer had been found in my prostate. I think I stopped listening at that point, or at least stopped taking in what was being said. Fortunately my wife was with me and she listens well. Everything had been done in such a caring way, something I reflected on later that same day as I sat in the bath. However, I still had cancer. It was time to make some decisions. What I had to consider was should I leave it and have it monitored? Have a course of brachytherapy? Or surgery? Many discussions would follow along with caring, knowledgeable and sympathetic professionals. I was also made aware of all the possible consequences and side-effects of each option. I have always been one for dealing with decisions head-on but this one needed careful thought and above all, time. The discussions I had were very helpful and finally a decision was made, it was to be surgery. In my mind, if my prostate was gone then so was the cancer. Believe it or not the one that concerned me most was the possibility of incontinence. The way forward was to stick rigidly to my pelvic floor exercises. My visits to Addenbrooke's served to re-assure my choice of the way ahead and I was supplied with ample information about what would happen. It was the first time I had come across 'Robotic Surgery', save for the odd reference in an episode of an hospital drama. In early June I was admitted to the hospital and prepared for surgery the next day. There is not really much I can say about the surgery, I was obviously asleep. However, I do recall waking up in the recovery room and seeing a few tubes and things and a very caring nurse sitting beside me. I'm sure she missed her lunch break while sitting next to me. She was fantastic as were all the staff in the recovery room; total professionalism with the odd injection of humour, just what I needed at that time. I felt a mixture of emotions after the operation although the one thing that stood out for me was that I had nowhere near the pain or discomfort that I had expected and no big scar. The care that followed on the ward was just great, a constant striving to make me comfortable and just a day later, a successful walk down the ward and home. I took it easy at home, as directed, and made what I considered to be a reasonably quick recovery. I am fortunate that my work is not overly manual and as such I made a gradual return after just four weeks. As for the incontinence; after the removal of my catheter, I waited for it but it wasn't happening, well perhaps a little if I sneezed or laughed too much. I did wear pads for a couple of weeks simply to gain confidence. In mid July I returned to Addenbrooke's for a follow-up appointment and heard the words I had longed for, "I don't need to see you anymore". The robotic surgery had been a success and I was certainly healing well. Without a doubt, with the choices I faced in the light of my diagnosis, robotic surgery was the right decision for me. Life's journey continues thanks to some incredible technology and some extremely skilled hands.

Cambridge Urology clinic Addenbrookes I was recently (May 2019) diagnosed with prostate cancer and the severity level was such that I was offered Two options:- 1. Radiotherapy at my local hospital. 2. Radical robot assisted prostatectomy at Addenbrookes. I am really glad I chose the prostatectomy option even though I’m sure radiotherapy would have been successful, it just wasn’t for me. Recovery was fast, I was walking reasonable distances daily, on one occasion, 10 miles after 4 weeks. The post op instructions / medication provided was well organized and effective. I would like to say a massive Thank you to Nimish Shah my surgeon and the whole nursing team at Addenbrookes. They have inspired confidence from the very first moment we met the staff in the Urology department, seeming to have the right levels of empathy, kindness and understanding, not to mention expertise. Fortunately, my recovery has been excellent, better than I dared hope prior to the operation, nurse specialist Lisa Geoghegan has been particularly supportive and understanding. So grateful these people were there for me, carry on doing this fantastic work and thanks again. November 2019.

Further to my Robotic radical prostatectomy on 9/9/10, I would like to express my grateful thanks to you and your team. It is very reassuring to find people who are not only very professional, but kind and understanding as well.

It’s two weeks since my operation and we have to thank you, and your pal Da Vinci, for doing such a fantastic job. It is difficult to believe that one can have such major surgery and yet experience so little pain or discomfort. I did not need any painkillers after a couple of days and I think those that were taken were “just in case.” I am feeling fit and well and am being actively discouraged from doing too much too soon!! Everybody we came across at Addenbrooke’s gave us the impression that they cared. This was across the board starting with yourself, the other Doctors and Nurses, the staff bringing meals, the cleaners and we only had to look vaguely lost in the corridors and someone offered to help! A heart warming experience and without doubt somewhere we would strongly recommend to others.

I was impressed with the prompt, efficient and caring hospital treatment provided.