My Doctor - My Hero

When I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, I was referred to Dr. Ehud Zusman at The Portland Clinic. I was uniformed and unaware of what was to happen when I went for my first visit. But Dr. Zusman was very kind and professional in his approach. I imagine that telling people that they have cancer is never an easy responsibility. I immediately went through a series of tests, scans and probes. There is no fooling around when it comes to the dangers of PC.

I found Dr. Zusman to be direct with his diagnosis and delivery of information. He explained the options that were available to me. Because of my advanced PC, I did elect to have the radical surgery over the radiation treatment. The good doctor performed the surgery on November 4, 2008. The operation took about 5 ½ hours.

The thing that impressed me most about Dr. Zusman was his caring and sincere mannerisms. He was so re-assuring and has such a warm and gentle touch. We laughed and made small jokes about my situation. I prayed daily for Dr. Zusman and his other patients. I told him “I was lucky and fortunate to have him as my doctor.” I always felt positive and confident with his decisions.

I would like to share one story with you. I had started radiation treatment the last week of December 2008. On January 6, 2009, I returned to work for my first day back since the operation. My shift started at 7:30 am. I was constantly going to the restroom to empty my bladder. But around 9:00 am, I was experiencing difficulty in relieving myself. And then all of a sudden nothing could come out. I knew that something was very wrong. I called DR. Zusman’s office to see if I could come in but was told that Dr. Zusman was in surgery all day and that I would have to see the “urgent care doctor.” I decided that I would take a hot shower to see if that would help alleviate my retention. It did not work. I called Kristen up and told her that I was “panicking” and needed to go to the urgent care unit at Portland Clinic. At the clinic they scoped my bladder and informed me that I was retaining about a quart and a half of urine. They tried several times to insert a catheter but to no avail. My urethra had collapsed. I needed to go to the “emergency room” at St Vincent’s Hospital (where Dr. Zusman was in surgery). By this time it was already about 1:30 pm. After getting admitted into the hospital, I waited in my room for about 5 hours before Dr. Zusman was able to see me. The staff was only able to give me some sedatives and muscle relaxants to try and help with my MISERY. Finally, after two prostate operations, Dr. Zusman came to my rescue. When I saw him, I immediately thank him for seeing me and commented on how tired he must be. He re-assured me that he was fine and that he would take good care of me. He then proceeded to try and place a catheter but was unable too. Dr. Zusman then told us I would need surgery.  I went into surgery  around 7:30 pm and the procedure lasted about 3 hours. Wow, what a day! While I was in the recover room, Dr. Zusman came out and spoke with Kristen and explained what had happened. Both Kristen and I were  impressed and touched by the doctor’s kindness, compassion and professionalism.Taking time after his long day to sit and talk and answer all of Kristen’s questions was above and beyond the call of duty. Dr. Zusman is truly my HERO. “A sheynem dank”
 
Many thanks and appreciations go out to Dr. Zusman and his wonderful staff – Suzie, Jordan and Inez. You ROCK!