Kelvin Whitfield - "An Enormous Positive Difference"

Kelvin Whitfield, Durham, NC

Kelvin Whitfield remembers being told he had an elevated level of prostate specific antigen, but not much else after that. Whitfield, of Durham, experienced tremendous pain in his side and had passed out in the fall of 2006. His physician ordered blood work and found an elevated level of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Whitfield then underwent a biopsy and learned he had prostate cancer. "I couldn't believe it at first. I was thinking one word: 'death.'"

LuAnn Smith, the nurse navigator with the UNC Lineberger Urologic Oncology Program, assured him that his cancer was detected early. She also explained that the hospital had a new way of performing surgery that would remove the cancerous prostate.

Dr. Raj Pruthi, program co-director, discussed treatment options, and they decided to use the da Vinci technology for his surgery. Kelvin  Whitfield said, "Dr. Pruthi explained that with this robotic-assisted surgery, my recovery time would be six weeks instead of a year. The robotic arm of the da Vinci would make tiny holes that allowed cameras to go inside and remove the prostate. The cameras would provide pictures of where to cut to remove the prostate. The older method forced surgeons to make a large incision which necessitated to a one-year recovery period, but by using the da Vinci technology, my recovery would be within six weeks, a much shorter time."

Whitfield remains grateful for the fact that "everyone stepped up and helped: my wife Vicky, daughter, Shante, my sons, Eric and James, deal with my health issues." Whifield is especially grateful for nurse LuAnn, Dr Shultz, Dr. Pruthi, his team of doctors and nurses. "Their support and care made an enormous positive difference." Whitfield underwent the surgery and did not need either radiation or chemotherapy.

More than two years out from his surgery, Whitfield has made lifestyle changes to stay healthy: "I've cut out burgers, try to eat more healthy foods, exercise more, and also cut out stress from my job and life."

Whitfield sums up his UNC experience by saying, "I put my life in their hands to cut me open and perform the surgery. I was always confident and feel blessed to have had the care and treatment I received. God has truly blessed the folks at UNC Hospital by giving them the skills to help save the world."

Watch a video interview of Kelvin Whitfield