My family doctor sent me to a urologist in December after an 8.3 PSA test. A digital exam revealed a tumor
on one side of my prostate. In January, (age 62) a biopsy showed cancer in 10 of the 12 samples taken, with a Gleason score
of 7. My urologist informed me of the choices for treatment, started me on hormone blocking therapy, told me what he thought
was the best treatment plan, and referred me to Dr. Terk at Florida Radiation Oncology Group. Dr. Terk’s recommendation
was the same as that of my urologist; 2 months of hormone blocking therapy and then a seed implant, followed by a course of
external IGRT radiation treatments because my cancer was advanced to the point where it was possibly out of the prostate.
In early April, Dr. Terk implanted 72 seeds and 4 gold markers (for the IGRT) into my prostate. 2 months later I started 5
weeks of daily IGRT radiation treatments, which I finished in mid July.
Having been a computer field service engineer
when I was working, I was amazed by the imaging technology and the implant procedure, and amazed by the technology and precision
of the IGRT machine used for my external radiation treatments. I was even more amazed by the people at Florida Radiation Oncology
Group. Everyone treated me like family. There was always a nurse or care coordinator available if I called with a question
or a concern during my treatment. My Mom wouldn’t have taken any better of care of me than the radiation technicians
who gave me my IGRT treatments did. I was always greeted with a smile and treated with dignity and professionalism and they
quickly became my support group. Dr. Vargas took care of me during my IGRT treatments, and he was always available to answer
any and all questions or concerns that I had.
On September 21st my urologist gave me the results of my first PSA test
after my treatments, a PSA of 0.01, virtually undetectable. When you put amazing technology together with amazing people,
you get amazing results. I will be forever grateful to the people at F.R.O.G. for giving me my life back. If you have been
diagnosed with prostate cancer, please see Dr. Terk before you make any decisions about treatment.
BARRY BLANK
BARRY BLANK
Barry and his grandsons
In 1999, at the age of 65, my Urologist diagnosed me with Gleason 8 prostate cancer. He referred me to
Dr. Terk at the Florida Radiation Oncology Group for evaluation. He reviewed in detail with me the pros and cons of the different
available treatments. After discussing the various options, I ultimately decided to pursue radiation therapy, rather than
surgery, in order to maintain the best possible quality of life. The explanation of the entire procedure was very clear to
me. I underwent a few months of hormone treatment, followed by a prostate seed implant and 5 weeks of radiation treatments.
The entire process was completed in the spring of 2000. The treatments did not at all interfere with my full time work schedule
except for the short time needed each day for the daily radiation treatments. Since that time, my PSA has remained 0.10 ng/ml,
and I’ve been feeling great ! All of the staff at the Florida Center for Prostate Care are very professional and friendly,
and I highly recommend them.
DAVE BLISS
Dave Bliss Gardening
In January 2005, following a much overdue routine physical , my PSA count came back elevated. This alerted
my family doctor of a potential problem and he referred me to a Urologist. After a thorough examination and biopsies, I was
diagnosed with Gleason score 5 prostate cancer. My Urologist immediately referred me to the Florida Radiation Oncology Group
to be further evaluated. On my very first visit he fully discussed the different options available taking ample time to answer
the many questions I had. He also reviewed in detail the possible side effects of each. He sent me for a CT scan and an ultrasound
of the prostate. With these results in hand we were able to determine the best procedure to undergo. Being a very active 66
year old person and gainfully employed with a heavy travel schedule I chose the prostate seed implant. This was done May 3rd
and I was back to work on the 4th with a minimum of side effects. I’m looking forward to many more years of cancer free
life and give thanks every day to God, my doctors, and their caring wonderful professional staff. They have given me a new
lease on life and I highly recommend their services.
Orlando Center for Prostate
Care at Winter Park Cancer Center 1561 W. Fairbanks Ave. Ste. 100 | Winter Park, FL 32789 Tel (407) 478-4920
| Fax (407) 478-4921
