Savoring the sights of Paris with his wife, Chanel, in April 2024, Joe Thomas could be forgiven if he was a bit pre-occupied.
The day before departing on this dream vacation, the 54-year-old Maryland resident and Navy veteran had received an initial diagnosis of prostate cancer. Joe did his best to make the most of his trip, yet he couldn’t help but wonder what the future might hold for him and his family.
Upon returning home, Joe underwent further tests with a local urologist, who confirmed Stage 1 intermediate risk prostate cancer.
“I felt fortunate that we caught it at an early stage, but I had a lot of questions about the treatment options,” Joe says. “I was still relatively young and wanted to be sure that after treatment, I could still have a happy, fulfilling life.”
Joe found the answers with Stephen Ronson, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, part of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute. Working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of oncology experts, Dr. Ronson specializes in the delivery of localized, highly-targeted radiation treatments.
Among the treatment options Dr. Ronson discussed was the CyberKnife® System, a state-of-the art non-invasive radiation treatment that treats prostate cancer in just five sessions instead of 40 needed with other forms of radiation therapy.
“CyberKnife® uses an image-guided, linear accelerator to robotically deliver radiation so tightly and precisely that patients typically require only five treatments, as opposed to several weeks of daily treatments using conventional methods,” Dr. Ronson explains. “It also has the advantages of minimal side effects, and fast recovery time.”
Joe met the criteria for CyberKnife® treatment and, after consulting with Chanel, decided it offered the benefits he was looking for. The five 30-minute treatments were performed at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center over a ten-day period in July and August.
“I was able to go back to work after each treatment and go about my normal daily life with no issues,” Joe says. “Aside from feeling a bit tired the first few times, I had no side effects.
By the end of summer, Joe’s PSA tests were back in the normal range, which he and Chanel celebrated by joining the entire family on a cruise. Joe will continue to undergo quarterly PSA tests with his primary care provider, and review the results bi-annually with Dr. Ronson.
“Joe’s response to the treatment has been excellent,” Dr. Ronson says, adding that CyberKnife® is only one of many advanced cancer treatment technologies available through MedStar Health. “We have the clinical expertise and resources to help patients fight even the most complex forms of cancer.”
As for Joe, he’s living a cancer-free life as it was it was meant to be lived—playing golf, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with Chanel, who he credits for being “my rock through all of this.” Joe also praises his local providers and Dr. Ronson’s team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center for helping guide and support him through his cancer journey.
“They are some of the best medical people I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with,” Joe says. “They have true empathy for their patients and understand the challenges they’re dealing with.”
Joe advises anyone else who receives a cancer diagnosis to listen carefully to their medical professionals, and make a decision that makes sense for their specific situation. “Don’t let fear of the unknown scare you,” he adds. “Just because you’ve not done it before doesn’t mean you can’t do it and get through it.”
For more information or to request an appointment call MedStar Franklin Square Radiation Oncology at 410-682-6800, or MedStar Bel Air Radiation Oncology at 410-515-6400.