Cancer Patient Stories

When Thomas Goode found out he had lung cancer in March 2004 he was worried. He had come to the emergency room thinking he was having a heart attack only to learn his heart was in perfect working order. A chest X-ray revealed a spot on his lung and when he woke up from the diagnostic bronchoscopy an entire team of caregivers was there to support him. “When someone tells you that you have cancer all kinds of thoughts go through your head,” states Mr. Goode. Through social services, support groups and education, survivors are able to deal with the uncertainties a cancer diagnosis can bring.

Because Donna Lee Fivis’ breast cancer was caught early when her tumor was still small enough to meet the medical criteria, she was offered IORT. “I want to make sure other women know about this procedure and how important it is to catch a breast lump early. Women need to know it’s available,” states Donna. She received IORT in the operating room and has not needed chemotherapy or additional radiation therapy.

In the spring of 2004, Erick Davis discovered a lump just above his elbow. "It felt like a marble had been placed under my skin," stated Erick. At the time, Erick was training for the "Escape from AlcatrazSM Swim" a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. He thought the lump was just a muscle knot or some other athletic injury, fortunately his wife convinced him to consult with his local primary care doctor.

In 2011, during his annual checkup, his primary care physician Robert Napoles, M.D., found that Tony’s liver panels were elevated, and ordered an ultrasound. The scan suggested the presence of a large tumor, and a liver biopsy revealed that the tumor was hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer, later attributed to the hepatitis B. The news was devastating for Tony and Ben. Tony had been feeling fine and had no symptoms of liver disease. “There was a delayed emotional reaction. I was in denial at first, and Ben burst into tears,” Tony says.