Bladder Cancer - da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Neobladder Surgery

In the summer of 2007, Kenneth Ward and his wife, Orlinda, had recently retired from years of teaching in Bridgeton, New Jersey. They were taking one of their first trips when Ken noticed urine in his blood. Because he had no other symptoms, his urologist suggested that Ken "watch and wait."

A biopsy confirmed Ken had bladder cancer.

After a second episode, Ken returned to his doctor for testing. It seemed something was abnormal. A biopsy was taken which confirmed Ken had bladder cancer.

"We just couldn't believe it. Here we were, ready to enjoy our retirement and start traveling, when this news hit," recalled Ken.

"It was a no-brainer. I was going to Fox Chase."

"Ken's mother had a long-time friend who worked at Fox Chase Cancer Center, so Ken was aware of the hospital. "I also read U.S. News & World Report, which ranked Fox Chase the top cancer hospital in the area. It was a no-brainer. I was going to Fox Chase," said Ken.

Ken's first appointment was with Dr. Rosalia Viterbo, a urologic oncology surgeon, who was relatively new to Fox Chase at the time.

"Dr. Viterbo is unbelievable."

"Dr. Viterbo was a God-send to us. My case was her first da Vinci robotic-assisted neobladder surgery at Fox Chase," said Ken. "I knew there are other fabulous surgeons at Fox Chase, and we had luck of the draw, but I think it was fate that brought us together. We hit it off right away - having similar personalities."

"I feel extremely lucky to have been under Dr. Viterbo's care. She is truly a special person in my life."

Ken was a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery.

Dr. Viterbo explained surgical options to Ken, who was a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery. Next, Ken met with Dr. Gary Hudes, medical oncologist, who prescribed chemotherapy before and after surgery which would improve his outcome.

"Dr. Hudes and his nurse practitioner, Susan Roethke, were terrific. I can't say enough good things about them."

In October 2007, just 2 months after being diagnosed with bladder cancer, Ken underwent successful surgery. Ken spent 9 days in the hospital following surgery.

"The nursing staff and medical residents were phenomenal."

"The staff is compassionate, which is important when you're feeling helpless, like I was. You gain close relationships with the nurses while you are a patient and even after you leave. Whenever we're at the hospital, we stop by and say hello," explained Ken.

"I can't forget to mention the infusion room nurses. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had a needle-phobia. With chemotherapy, I was stuck with needles all the time. Their gentle manner and positive attitude made me overcome my fear."

Now that Ken is almost finished chemotherapy, he is looking forward to returning to his retirement plans.

"I couldn't have made it through my treatment without the love and support of my wife, Orlinda. I am so grateful and look forward to many travels with her. Getting back to my life will include camping, traveling up and down the east coast, socializing with friends and taking care of our 3 dogs," Ken explained.

Learn more about bladder cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.