Dr. Sperling and his team have been nothing but awesome and professional. And I highly recommend them to you and everyone. I was treated at their facility in May of 2017 for prostate cancer and I wholeheartedly recommend this Doctor and his team. Again, nothing but professionals and I had the Focal Laser Ablation done. If you want to read on, here is some backstory:
I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in February of 2017, right before I turned 55. I wasn't given an MRI to view the possibility of cancer, but a manual prostate biopsy, which I never want to do again. It wasn't fun. I live on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Been here thirty years. My doctor referred me to the Urologist after my PSA numbers were higher than the norm. The Urologist, who after administering the biopsy and it coming back "positive," simple stated "we should remove the prostate." Basically I was given the option of a radiation treatment, which he didn't recommend, nor did I want, or complete removal. Which I didn't want because it can come with a few complications. I was told by him that removal was standard, that is the prescribed course and that there are great doctors in Honolulu who do this and he can refer me to them to set up an appointment. He also stated that they use "robotics" today and its much more precise, thus limiting the potential nerve damage or other concerns that come along with surgical removal of the prostate. But no guarantees there would not be problems.
He also told me that I would "see many different treatments on the internet" but they are not proven and I should just stick to removal and be done with it. Of course I did my research and there were other viable options out there that I began to explore, other than removal and all of the problems that can come with it. I'm not against removal if that is the only course based on your condition, but mine was contained in the prostate. While I was researching all the different treatments, I received a call from a friend who had gone to Dr. Sperling and had the Focal Laser Ablation done that lasered/burned out the cancer tissue in his prostate. He was at one year and no sign of cancer.
So, I researched the procedure, Dr. Sperling as well and then I called their office. I was contacted by them, they were very personable, informative and they asked me to send my medical records pertaining to to the cancer thus far. They told me the Dr. would review them, then they would set up a phone appointment. Roughly about a week or less later, I spoke directly with Dr. Sperling. He was very thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and answered any and all questions I had. I took the next available appointment in May of 2017.
Although my insurance didn't cover this procedure, I did what I had to do, to get the funds and I don't regret it. We can pay off loans, but we cannot pay off cancer. The Mayo clinic who I contacted as well, charged basically the same fee as the Sperling Center, so I set the date and went.
Honestly, Dr. Sperling's reputation in the field was enough to choose him over some other clinics who are doing the procedure. Delray Beach, Florida is just an added extra. Nice location if you have to go through something like this. I stayed down the block at the Fairfield inn. Not far up the block is the prostate center, not far down the block are shops and great restaurants. (not that you are there for that, but all that you need is close by). Delray is a nice place, I flew into Ft. Lauderdale, rented a car, drove down by myself and drove back one day after the procedure by myself, with a catheter and it wasn't a big problem. Just a little uncomfortable. I was offered a wheelchair, but I walked. Take the damn wheel chair.
Dr. Sperling was great, detailed, informative and took his time to make sure I understood all things and answered all my questions. He is a good Doc. I have to say one more time, that the Staff there was awesome and professional, as were the other patients I ran into while there. So many of them were coming back for follow ups and were encouraging me and had great reports. I have no regrets and many of the guys I spoke to felt the same way: thankful!
Sadly, not too many people are aware of this procedure, my doctor and other doctors included. But it is time tested and I believe Dr. Sperling has done over one thousand procedures thus far. I went back for my six month follow up and all clear. Another PSA in six months and one more follow up in a year. The procedure was not bad at all, not painful and other than the catheter, which is what it is and takes a little bit getting use to. You are able to function normally otherwise, but just a little tough walking around with the catheter. Dr. Sperling and his center is something to seriously consider. I recommend this Prostate Center, but look into it for yourself and talk with them. You won't regret it. Aloha! read more