Prostate Cancer

“I had the right advice, and it helped me make the right decision.

A real family man

Donald Benjamin listened when his daughter, a cancer nurse, advised a second opinion. Fully recovered now, he enjoys caring for grandchildren Danny and McKayla

When Donald Benjamin of Catasauqua was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, he discussed treatment options with his urologist, Melvin Steinbook, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, and also did research on the Internet. His daughter, oncology nurse Elizabeth Forman, R.N., wanted him to go one step further—get a second opinion.

“He was overwhelmed with information and I wanted to be sure he understood the options and made the right decision,” Forman says. “A second opinion is a great way to sort through all the medical and personal issues involved with cancer.”

At the Urologic Cancer Second Opinion Service at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Benjamin, 64, met with highly specialized physicians. They discussed the details of his three options—surgery, traditional radiation or radioactive implants. The right decision depends on personal preferences, age and health status, they told him.

Benjamin decided on surgery after learning that it offers the best long-term results for a man his age. He wanted the assurance that he’ll be able to enjoy his favorite retirement activity: taking care of his grandchildren. After surgery, his yearly exam showed no sign of cancer. “I know I made the right decision,” he says.

“A second opinion gives you access to information on treatment advances that can improve results, minimize side effects and speed up recovery,” Steinbook says. “And meeting with a team of experts is an excellent way to understand this information and feel confident about your decision.”

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