Patient Testimonials
Dear Doctor:
When I thanked you for my surgery and results you replied "that's what I do". In my opinion, based on my experience and research, you are probably the best in your field. My great fortune was being able to meet up with you! I could elaborate on all the elements that make one superior in their endeavors, but that's all encompassed in best. I wish you a long and energetic life, that you can help a great many and derive a great satisfaction from that.
Once again,
Thanks!!!
Doug
Dr Gholami,
When my family physician recommended further testing of my prostate and 
gave me the name of two Urological Surgeons I feel blessed that I was guided to make the choice of you to come and visit.
I found myself to be uncharacteristically at ease when consulting with you about my problem and you gave me a feeling of "we're gonna beat this thing" right from the beginning.
After the biopsy showed cancer, you recommended that I undergo a radical prostectomy using the DeVinci Robotic System. Being a person that has never been admitted to a hospital in my life, I was, to say the least, scared. Although scared, I also felt somewhat at ease because I felt I had chosen this areas best Urological Surgeon.
Now, almost 5 months after my surgery, I am totally convinced I selected the absolute best surgeon. You made me and my wife feel that you truly cared and that, together, we were going to beat this thing. About the surgery itself, the worst part was undoubtedly having to wear a catheter for two weeks. Not so much that it's painful, just quite uncomfortable. I spent one night in the hospital and was home 30 hours after the surgery. Each day I experienced significant improvement from the previous day and once the catheter was removed I didn't experience any significant discomfort. I have complete urinary control and my ED is a nonissue with the help of ED medication.
I just had my first PSA since the surgery, and when you came in the office and said "what are you doing here, your PSA is "0" and it's raining outside, go home", my wife and I both felt nothing short of elation.
To you I would just like to say once again, "Thank you for doing what you do". You are a magnificent surgeon. And to those who may be considering going through a similar procedure I would just like to say "God has blessed you by sending you to Dr Gholami. Rest assured you are in the hands of the best!"
Sincerely,
Steve
In May of 2008 I underwent a DaVinci Prostatectomy and wish to share my experien
ce with you. After having been diagnosed of prostate cancer, I did considerable research and consultation and opted to have the surgery performed by Dr Sharham Shawn Gholami, of Urology Associates of Silicon Valley.
Since my initial interview with him, I felt that I was in good hands. He spent a long tome with me and my wife explaining the various options available to me, describing each one in considerable detail. He inspires confidence, one feels that he will take care of your condition.
The surgery, which I feared, was not at all what I imagined. In fact, I was home after two nights at El Camino Hospital. I felt no great discomfort or pain; in fact I refused pain killers after the first night.
It’s been several months since then I have resumed all my activities, including carrying my clubs on my back and walking 18 holes, which I started after only four weeks after the operation.
Good luck with yours!
R. B.
Monterey, CA
It has now been 10 weeks since my prostrate surgery and I couldn’t be happier to know I am cancer free. I have regained most of my erectile functions and would put my recovery at about 92% after a short ten weeks. I was up and feeling well just 60 hours after the operation. The catheter was in place for 10 days but once it was removed I felt great except for my incontinence which to this day is the last area of concern. I have monitored my recovery using Monday’s as my reference day. The first week I wore pads that needed to be changed about every 90 minutes. Today I wear the pad for precautionary reasons and it lasts the entire day. To this day I have a tendency to drip once in awhile when I sneeze or cough but I suspect another week from now I’m 100%.
I was back to work 14 days after the surgery but I took it easy. I am proud to say I played 18 holes of golf 21 days after the surgery but again took it easy not to strain anything. I’m now able to travel and do anything without worry. The fear of having a surgery of this magnitude was minimized when I talked to others who have gone through this surgery. I was directed to use the De Vinci method for the procedure which led me to Dr. Gholami. Dr. Gholami is an expert in this field and I couldn’t be happier about the outcome and those he surrounds himself with at the office. I hope Dr. Gholami shares this information with any patient that might be worried or has concerns. If anyone would like additional information or someone to talk with before making a decision of this magnitude I please don’t hesitate to ask. I would love to talk with anyone who needs to know what to expect from this surgery. In the end, I look forward to living a long healthy life and helping others that carry the fear of cancer with them.
J.M.
Surgery performed on July 31st 2008
R.B., High Tech Exec, retired
I spent a lot of time investigating the myriad of possibilities for treating prostate cancer.The robotic laparoscopic procedurelooked to offer not only the best possibility of eliminating the cancer, but also, given post operative pathological analysis and PSA tests, could offer more definitive evidence that the mission was accomplished.The possibility of long term side effects from the surgery was a concern but paled in comparison to having a high probability of totally eliminating the cancer and having a “cure”.
The key question for me was: how doI find a great surgeon to do the job?Fortunately I was introduced to Dr. Gholami. His reputation, considerable experience and success at the leading edge of prostate surgery, along with his straight forward confident demeanor, convinced me he was the one for the job.Dr. Gholamiwent through the treatment options with me and confirmed my feeling that the da Vinci laparoscopic procedure was the best choice for my case. Hemade a statement something like:“Have the surgery, get this behind you, and get on with your life. The primary objective is to get rid of the cancer, this is the best way to do it, and any post surgery side effects can be dealt with.”
I had surgery and it was extremely successful. The cancer was confined to the prostate, the pathology report showed negative surgical margins, and my 3 month follow up PSA reading was “zero”.Discomfort from surgery was minimal and only lasted a couple of days. I startedtaking long walks and chipping golf balls within a week, and was lifting weights, golfing and running again within 6 weeks of surgery.
Dear Shawn Gholami MD,
Thank you very much for the support you gave me during my recent surgery. Receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer is not an enjoyable experience and has had a very strong impact upon my life; however working with a surgeon who is respectful, thoughtful and extremely competent has helped me to get through the process.
After my initial diagnosis I was in a state of shock/denial but after this brief period I decided to get as much data as I could about my prognosis and options for removal of the cancer. I discussed my prognosis, stage of cancer and options with no less than 6 different doctors including my general practitioner, other local oncologists and Stanford University.
I considered the following options to eliminate the cancer; radiation using radioactive seeds, external radiation with hormone therapy, prostrate removal using a large incision in my abdomen and prostate removal using the Davinci method which uses laparoscopic techniques to remove the prostate.
I chose Dr Gholami because he was very experienced with the Davinci method and he made me feel the most comfortable in his ability to achieve my objectives of removing my prostate with the minimum of risk and discomfort. I did not make this decision lightly and after the surgery I feel that my confidence in Dr Gholami was justified and I am feeling very confident about living the rest of my life to my full potential.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Gholami to anyone who finds themselves diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Sincerely,
P.G.
Radio announcer at 107-7 The Bone, San Francisco
That picture was taken a few hours before Lance Armstrong won his 6th Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It was one of the great times in my life, riding my bike every day, following Lance around the spectacular French countryside in the summer of 2004.
Shortly after I returned home, I knew it was time to finally look into a problem I was having with frequent urination. That’s when I made an appointment to see Dr Gholami. Ironic, but I found out that he actually studied medicine in Paris not far from where I was standing in front of The Arc de Triomphe. Well, I found out that I had an abnormally high PSA level. I had to have a biopsy. Then Dr Gholami gave me the chilling news - "You have prostrate cancer.....but it's highly treatable." Wow.
Dr Gholami carefully explained to me my options and encouraged me to get a second opinion. I did. And I got a third opinion as well. My decision was to have Dr. Gholami remove my prostate laparoscopically.
I was so impressed with Dr Gholami's measured approach, his skill at having performed so many hundreds of these surgeries, and his care and concern for me as a patient. The surgery went flawlessly. I was in the hospital for 2 days and back at work on the radio in exactly one week!
The Arc de Triomphe was built by the great Napolean to honor those who fought in wars and, as corny as it may sound, I really feel that thanks to Dr. Gholami, I am celebrating my own personal triumph over cancer.
Livestrong. That’s my motto.
S.S.
Dr. Gholami,
It’s been five months since I had my prostatectomy with the DaVinci Robotic System and wanted to thank you and give a testimonial about my experience and recovery.
I had my surgery in late September 2008 and spent one night in the hospital. I experienced very little pain after surgery, only slight tenderness at the incision sites. By far the worst part of the recovery is living with the urinary catheter. There was no pain associated with the catheter, just an inconvenience, and although it was only ten days it seemed an eternity.
I was able to get erections and have orgasms starting about a week after the catheter was removed, however not very strong and certainly not sufficient for penetration. The strength of the erections are continuing to improve, although still not quite strong enough for penetration. As far as the bladder is concerned, I wore a small pad 24hrs a day going through maybe three or four a day for the first month, but was down to two pads by the second month. I continued to wear a pad for about 3 ½ months, mostly for “insurance” rather than necessity and have been “pad free” for about six weeks. I had my first PSA a couple of weeks ago and the count was “0”.
One of my big questions for you after surgery was, when could I play golf? You gave me the go ahead after about four weeks and I played my first round at Spyglass Hill exactly five weeks after surgery, here’s a picture of me teeing off on the 4th hole.
At 49 years old I certainly didn’t expect to have prostate cancer, I’m lucky it was discovered and treated early. Thank you, not only for your expertise in performing the surgery, but also for how expeditiously my case was handled.
Sincerely,
W.B.
Dear Doctor:
When I thanked you for my surgery and results you replied "that's what I do". In my opinion, based on my experience and research, you are probably the best in your field. My great fortune was being able to meet up with you! I could elaborate on all the elements that make one superior in their endeavors, but that's all encompassed in best. I wish you a long and energetic life, that you can help a great many and derive a great satisfaction from that.
Once again,
Thanks!!!
Doug
Dear Dr. Shahram Shawn Gholami, M.D.
Re: Successful Prostate Cancer Operation
Kindly allow me to pass my warm regards to you and your entire staff for having carried out a very successful operation on 21 January, 2009.
On behalf of my family and on my own indeed, may I take this opportunity to really thank you most for a job well done, as your gentleness, kind words of encouragement and personal attachment in relation to my welfare during and after the operation made me feel myself and hence responded positively to medical treatment. The moral encouragement extended to me and my family in general was really touching and very wonderful.
In the same vein, I would like to advise that I am making a steady progress and as advised I will only start taking the half tablet regarding the blood circulation next week.
In view of the above and your personal humanitarian approach to my well being , may I on behalf of my family and on my own indeed extend our whole hearted invitation to our home whenever you may happen to visit this part of the world. Please feel free to do as this is now your second home.
Please keep it up and may the Almighty God bless you all.
Yours Sincerely
A.S.Thakur and Family
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