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Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer

After learning he had prostate cancer, Al Green was just about ready to start treatment at his local hospital. His wife, Irma, remembered, "We were at home watching TV when a commercial for Fox Chase Cancer Center came on with Dr. Horwitz. It said they were the first hospital in the area to offer IMRT for prostate cancer. We were sold! I picked up the phone and called right away."

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is the most advanced external beam radiotherapy available. "Although we live close to Fox Chase, distance meant nothing. I would have traveled anywhere," said Al. "After learning that my local hospital did not offer IMRT, we were even more confident that I would get the best treatment at Fox Chase."

Dr. Eric Horwitz, a radiation oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer, met with Al and Irma. Al's treatment consisted of 8 weeks of daily treatments. Al recalled, "Dr. Horwitz and his team were just wonderful. The staff entertained me with music while we waited. We became friendly with everyone there."

After successful treatment, Al returned to his normal life.

After successful treatment, Al returned to his normal life: playing chess, traveling, spending time at the beach and taking care of his grandchildren.

Several years later, in May 2008, Al went to his doctor for an annual check-up. "My doctor suggested I get a chest x-ray. The radiologist saw something suspicious and sent me for a CAT scan," said Al, who was quickly diagnosed with lung cancer.

"Although we were scared, we knew without a doubt we were going back to Fox Chase," said Irma. They met with Dr. Earl King, a pulmonologist, who performed a bronchoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. "Dr. King is such as kind man. It was a pleasure to talk with him," Irma shared.

"It wasn't a cancer hospital like Fox Chase."

The Greens went for second opinion at another Philadelphia hospital, where doctors agreed with the treatment recommendation from Fox Chase. "That made us feel confident in our decision to stay at Fox Chase," said Irma. "Plus, we didn't feel as comfortable there. It was so big and overpowering that we got lost and felt like idiots - there was no way we were going there. Plus, it wasn't a cancer hospital like Fox Chase."

"We've never experienced that kind of response from a doctor before."

"Dr. Borghaei and Dr. Lally have been absolutely wonderful. Whenever I had a question, I left a message for the doctor. Within an hour, I would usually get a return call. We've never experienced that kind of response from a doctor before," said Al.

"When Dr. Borghaei prescribed a more aggressive chemotherapy, our daughters were worried. Dr. Borghaei and Dr. King both called our kids and took the time to answer their questions. As a result, they felt much more comfortable."

The Greens believe "Oncologists are a different breed from other doctors. They are sensitive and understanding. We've often thought that the nurses at Fox Chase, especially those in the infusion room, must take a special course to work there. They are so special."

A recent PET scan showed no sign of cancer. Al will undergo periodic scans to monitor his progress. "We keep our fingers crossed and enjoy every day. We believe it is important to live every day as best we can," Irma shared.

"We feel so fortunate to have Fox Chase in our back yard - they truly are good to us."

"The staff at Fox Chase knows how to treat patients - with respect. No matter what your circumstances are, everyone is treated the same at Fox Chase. We feel so fortunate to have Fox Chase in our back yard - they truly are good to us," Al concluded.

Learn more about prostate cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Learn more about lung cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.