This note is my thanks to Dr. Golden for saving most of my left kidney.\r
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My story is a little unusual, since I had already lost my right kidney to cancer in 2002. That whole kidney was removed in a traditional operation through a long “shark bite” that was awfully painful and took several months to recover from. Recently my doctor found a new tumor in my left kidney (the only one I have left!). I was scared I would need this kidney removed, then be hooked up to a dialysis machine for the rest of my life. \r
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The urologist who took out my right kidney years ago recommended Dr. Brian Golden. My primary doctor rated Dr. Golden as “EXCELLENT” which of course influenced my decision, but the deciding moments were when I actually met and discussed my case with Dr. G. He showed me my CAT scan and the tumor. He described the operation using the da Vinci robot (robotic partial nephrectomy) and showed me how much of my kidney could be saved. He had a very reassuring bedside manner, was confident (but not arrogant), and answered all my questions. He made me feel comfortable that I’d found the right surgeon for my terrifying situation. \r
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The surgery went great! MY KIDNEY WAS WORKING JUST AS WELL AFTER SURGERY as beforehand. The few little incisions weren’t very painful and I was out of the hospital in just a day and a half. When I saw Dr. Golden after surgery, he said the pathology report said all the cancer was removed. My primary care doctor was absolutely amazed at my speedy recovery and the difference in my incisions for the right and left kidney operations! \r
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IF YOU HAVE KIDNEY CANCER, GO SEE DR. GOLDEN. I’M EXTREMELY HAPPY AND THANKFUL THAT I DID. NO DIALYSIS FOR ME! Yeah!!\r
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Pros: knowledgable, confident, thorough, straight-forward
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