Frank Bowie
After cancer treatment, Frank didn't think he could return to his same quality of life, but hope was restored after learning of a special procedure.
San Antonio, Texas — Frank Bowie, 76, has beaten cancer not once, but twice. Twelve years ago, Frank was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Six years later, he had to relive that moment all over again. This time, he learned the cancer was in his pancreas.
After the prostate cancer diagnosis, Frank underwent a traditional surgery to remove his prostate. While he graciously celebrates the successful surgery, he and his wife faced a new reality that significantly impacted their intimacy.
“We missed having sex, but since it wasn’t a possibility, you change your mindset and that’s the way it is,” Frank shared. “We still have a great relationship with each other, but certainly that’s something that you miss.”
Unaware of their options, Frank and his wife adjusted to a new lifestyle. That was until his urologist informed him of a highly successful procedure that would restore a sense of normalcy more closely reflecting life before Frank’s cancer diagnosis.
He was referred to Dr. Matthias Hofer, specialty urologist, at Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, who performed penile prosthesis surgery. “It is good for patients where nerves that are responsible for erections are damaged after prostate cancer treatment, be it radiation therapy, surgery or both,” said Dr. Hofer. “Many patients don’t know about this option.”
While Dr. Hofer recommends noninvasive treatment options first, this procedure is the only option for some. The patients that most commonly receive a penile prosthesis surgery are those who have prostate cancer, longstanding diabetes or cardiovascular issues.
The procedure has a 97 percent satisfaction rate and takes less than one hour to complete. It does not require hospital stay. While the implant has to heal for roughly six weeks, most patients are up and moving within just two days.
“It was a lot simpler and less invasive than I thought,” Frank recalled. “There’s no pain to speak of in my recovery. I can’t complain about anything.”
There is also financial support for this procedure. “It is also the only treatment for erectile dysfunction that is covered by Medicare because there is about 50 years of data on it and its effectiveness,” Dr. Hofer shared.
Many patients, like Frank, accept their circumstances without awareness of options to restore this quality function. “Knowing that you could if you wanted to makes a difference in your attitude toward it,” Frank admitted.