High Tech Procedure Gets Ref Back in the Game

In late December of 2023, a routine screening turned up a troubling result for John O’Neill, 67, of Islip. His PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels were elevated, likely indicating prostate cancer. Upon referral to a urologist, an MRI confirmed the diagnosis in early 2024. In fact, John had Gleason 9 prostate cancer, a high-risk, aggressive form of the disease. Urgent action was required.

Through the diagnosis, John realized he was unsatisfied with the level of care he was receiving elsewhere. But as luck would have it, a doctor he could trust was close at hand. John’s brother-in-law introduced him to Christopher Atalla, DO, a urologic oncologist and Director of Men’s Health at Good Samaritan University Hospital. The two knew each other through their work with Women and Men Against Prostate Cancer, a charity based on Long Island’s south shore. John sent Dr. Atalla a text message and got a quick reply; the texts led to a phone call, and John immediately knew he’d found someone he could rely on.

“I was very comfortable with Chris,” John says, “He made me feel at ease. He’s so easy to talk to. The difference between him and others was like night and day. I’m so appreciative of who he is.” 

Dr. Atalla laid out John’s options: he could undergo a course of radiation and hormone therapy over an extended period, or he could opt to have the cancerous tissue surgically removed. John, an avid swimmer and referee for multiple high school sports, elected to go with the surgery.

Dr. Atalla performed a robotic radical prostatectomy using the Intuitive Da Vinci XI, a cutting-edge robotic surgery system which allows the operation to be as minimally invasive as possible. The surgery was a success. Ten days after the operation, everything looked positive and John’s PSA levels were negligible.

“While there is always a concern of recurrence, John’s PSA is undetectable, meaning there is no cancer in his body at this time. I’m optimistic he is cured,” says Dr. Atalla.

Within six weeks, John was swimming again, and at present, he’s back refereeing a full slate of high school sports.

“I’m back, I’m swimming and I ref four or five games a week,” he says. “I’m grateful because I can live my life exactly the way I was before.”

John’s follow-ups have shifted from every four months to twice a year. His long-term outlook is positive, and he and Dr. Atalla have developed a close personal relationship.

“I have nothing but good things to say,” says John. “It’s a gift to have met him.”