Our Patients Say it Best

No Time to Spare
Bill Cox

Jan, 2015

Physicians: Ben Stockton, MD

Bill Cox, a 66 year-old lifelong resident of St. Joseph, had no idea what was going to happen during the last weeks of March. He had not been feeling well since Christmas, was tired and had no energy. Bill also had an irritating cough that wasn’t getting any better, so he made an appointment to see his family physician.

After some tests, Bill was told he had a low hemoglobin count and tested positive for blood in his stool. An ultrasound was scheduled the next day, with results showing a large mass on Bill’s left kidney. A follow-up CAT scan was ordered immediately while Bill was referred to meet with Ben Stockton, MD, of Lakeside Urology.

Dr. Stockton told Bill that the 14 x 17 centimeter mass on his left kidney was renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. Dr. Stockton insisted that they operate immediately and scheduled the surgery for the very next day. “Everything was happening so fast,” explained Bill. “My wife and I didn’t have time to think about much. I was in a bit in shock.”

At 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Bill was wheeled into surgery. The five-hour procedure was successful, resulting in the removal of Bill’s left kidney. Bill was discharged the very next day.

Since then, Bill has been feeling great. He is no longer is tired and his cough has subsided. “I am very grateful for everything that Dr. Stockton and the Lakeland HealthCare staff did for me,” said Bill. “I couldn’t have received better care.”

Bill’s surgery featured the da Vinci® Si enhanced surgical robot, the newest member of the surgical team. For patients, robot-assisted procedures can offer many benefits, including a minimally-invasive option, with less pain, less blood loss, and less need for blood transfusions. Plus, the da Vinci Surgical System can enable a shorter hospital stay, a quicker recovery, and faster return to normal daily activities. Learn more about the da Vinci Surgical System.