Charles’ Story – CyberKnife for Prostate Cancer

It was Charles’ wife who insisted he go to the urologist. “I had blood in my urine. Turns out it was prostate cancer. I was stunned.” Today, almost 10 years later, Charles is stunned at how good he feels. He credits prayer, his wife, his team at The Urology Group, and a robot called the CyberKnife for his current state of health.

When Dr. Peter Fried explained the various treatment options for prostate cancer, Charles chose the CyberKnife. “It was less invasive than the other options and involved no cutting. I figured if it didn’t work, I could always try something else.”

A CyberKnife treatment session involves a robot moving above your body as you lie on a treatment table. The robot quietly moves around your prostate area delivering radiation at various angles. “I had five treatments over the course of a couple of weeks. The treatments were quick. It was quiet and comfortable. And it didn’t hurt a bit. In fact, I think I napped during them!”

Now that Charles is cancer free, he gets his PSA checked every six months to be sure he stays that way. His bladder control problem has improved remarkably. “At first I always needed to be near a bathroom. But that has steadily gotten better, and when I do go, I can take my time getting there!” Nearing 70, Charles says his experience with prostate cancer hasn’t slowed him down a bit. “My wife and I go to concerts, dances, and I work part-time at FC Cincinnati games.”

“The key to prostate cancer is finding it early. That’s why I’m so grateful to my wife for insisting I go to the doctor. I probably would have ignored it and just hoped it would go away!”