Where Innovative and Compassionate Care Meet
Prostate Cancer Patient Reflects on What Matters Most
When patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer, Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD, chair of radiation oncology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, part of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, ensures they receive a very important message, right out of the gate.
“The first thing a patient should know is that prostate cancer is highly-treatable and many patients go on to live full, healthy, long lives after treatment, especially with the latest advancements in care,” she said. “Being told you have cancer can be one of the most devastating events in a person’s life but we are here to listen to their fears and concerns, answer questions, and support them throughout their journey.”
This message proved to be a powerful and inspiring one for Jeffrey Myers when he was diagnosed with cancer the day after Christmas. A biopsy had detected four cancerous areas in his prostate, and at the recommendation of his primary care physician, Jeffrey began an immediate search for the right oncology team. He consulted with three doctors working out of three different organizations. The decision on where to turn for his care ultimately ended up being an easy one to make.
“My experience at MedStar Health felt more than right, from the moment I took my first step into the door,” recalls Jeffrey. “I was scared and they knew it. Every person I interacted with—the front desk team, the nurse who took my vitals, and the physician—made me feel like they cared about me and wanted to help me. They held my hand and showed compassion in ways that eased my fears and helped me embrace what I needed to do, step-by-step.”
Jeffrey’s treatment plan called for 28 sessions of low-dose radiation therapy, facilitated over a period of six consecutive weeks. He relied heavily on guidance from his care team, following their instructions precisely to ensure each treatment would be as smooth and effective as possible and that he could maintain the best possible quality of life during his care process. In tandem, Jeffrey’s family played a key role in his process of care, with his wife and one of their three sons accompanying him to every treatment and weekly update appointment with Dr. Randolph-Jackson.
“Every patient’s journey is unique and Jeffrey’s journey was no exception,” said Dr. Randolph-Jackson. “From the very beginning, he was highly engaged, asked thoughtful and probing questions, and worked closely with his care team to understand his options and engage in shared decision making. We took a very personalized approach in building his treatment plan based on the characteristics of his cancer and his individual goals and priorities.”
Over the course of Jeffrey’s six-week treatment period, he built strong connections with the people surrounding him—from his trusted team of care providers to other patients also undergoing treatment for cancer. These relationships motivated him to push through on his hardest days, gave him hope, and even brought a bit of unexpected fun and humor into his treatment days.
“I wear funky socks and what I had on my feet became something everyone wanted to see each day when I came in,” said Jeffrey. “There was so much interest in my socks that on the fifth week of my treatment, I announced a sock contest and just about everyone signed up. It was a simple but fun way to connect with people and truly defined what ‘camaraderie of care’ looked like for me.”
A few months after Jeffrey’s radiation therapy concluded, lab results confirmed the news he had prayed for: his treatment plan had worked and there was no evidence of disease progression. He continues to see his care team on a regular basis for ongoing follow-up, monitoring, and routine lab testing—important components for his long-term survivorship.
“Cancer is no longer just a word; it’s an experience that tested me as a person and gave me a whole new level of understanding about what is important in life,” said Jeffrey. “And I could not be more grateful for the people at MedStar Health. From my time of diagnosis, through my treatment and ongoing evaluations, this team has demonstrated the meaning of ‘it’s how we treat people.’ Mission accomplished!”
Dr. Randolph-Jackson says Jeffrey’s story is a testament to the value of key advancements in cancer care, including how new technologies have transformed the way prostate cancer is detected, staged, and treated in personalized ways. Genetic and molecular testing aids in the identification of patients who may benefit from targeted therapies, while newer medications have expanded treatment options for patients with specific genetic mutations and those who have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate disease. In tandem, the oncology team at MedStar Health has made it a priority to optimize the overall patient experience with focus on communication and care coordination.
“We use clear, simple, layman language when explaining diagnoses, treatments, and medications,” said Dr. Randolph-Jackson. “We have also put systems in place to reduce wait times and optimize patient scheduling with support from our team of nurse navigators and ancillary staff. Cancer care is a team effort and we are always inspired by the resilience and strength we see as patients go through the diagnosis and treatment process.”
For more information or for an appointment call 202-877-3925.
When patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer, Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD, chair of radiation oncology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, part of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, ensures they receive a very important message, right out of the gate.
“The first thing a patient should know is that prostate cancer is highly-treatable and many patients go on to live full, healthy, long lives after treatment, especially with the latest advancements in care,” she said. “Being told you have cancer can be one of the most devastating events in a person’s life but we are here to listen to their fears and concerns, answer questions, and support them throughout their journey.”
This message proved to be a powerful and inspiring one for Jeffrey Myers when he was diagnosed with cancer the day after Christmas. A biopsy had detected four cancerous areas in his prostate, and at the recommendation of his primary care physician, Jeffrey began an immediate search for the right oncology team. He consulted with three doctors working out of three different organizations. The decision on where to turn for his care ultimately ended up being an easy one to make.
“My experience at MedStar Health felt more than right, from the moment I took my first step into the door,” recalls Jeffrey. “I was scared and they knew it. Every person I interacted with—the front desk team, the nurse who took my vitals, and the physician—made me feel like they cared about me and wanted to help me. They held my hand and showed compassion in ways that eased my fears and helped me embrace what I needed to do, step-by-step.”
Jeffrey’s treatment plan called for 28 sessions of low-dose radiation therapy, facilitated over a period of six consecutive weeks. He relied heavily on guidance from his care team, following their instructions precisely to ensure each treatment would be as smooth and effective as possible and that he could maintain the best possible quality of life during his care process. In tandem, Jeffrey’s family played a key role in his process of care, with his wife and one of their three sons accompanying him to every treatment and weekly update appointment with Dr. Randolph-Jackson.
“Every patient’s journey is unique and Jeffrey’s journey was no exception,” said Dr. Randolph-Jackson. “From the very beginning, he was highly engaged, asked thoughtful and probing questions, and worked closely with his care team to understand his options and engage in shared decision making. We took a very personalized approach in building his treatment plan based on the characteristics of his cancer and his individual goals and priorities.”
Over the course of Jeffrey’s six-week treatment period, he built strong connections with the people surrounding him—from his trusted team of care providers to other patients also undergoing treatment for cancer. These relationships motivated him to push through on his hardest days, gave him hope, and even brought a bit of unexpected fun and humor into his treatment days.
“I wear funky socks and what I had on my feet became something everyone wanted to see each day when I came in,” said Jeffrey. “There was so much interest in my socks that on the fifth week of my treatment, I announced a sock contest and just about everyone signed up. It was a simple but fun way to connect with people and truly defined what ‘camaraderie of care’ looked like for me.”
A few months after Jeffrey’s radiation therapy concluded, lab results confirmed the news he had prayed for: his treatment plan had worked and there was no evidence of disease progression. He continues to see his care team on a regular basis for ongoing follow-up, monitoring, and routine lab testing—important components for his long-term survivorship.
“Cancer is no longer just a word; it’s an experience that tested me as a person and gave me a whole new level of understanding about what is important in life,” said Jeffrey. “And I could not be more grateful for the people at MedStar Health. From my time of diagnosis, through my treatment and ongoing evaluations, this team has demonstrated the meaning of ‘it’s how we treat people.’ Mission accomplished!”
Dr. Randolph-Jackson says Jeffrey’s story is a testament to the value of key advancements in cancer care, including how new technologies have transformed the way prostate cancer is detected, staged, and treated in personalized ways. Genetic and molecular testing aids in the identification of patients who may benefit from targeted therapies, while newer medications have expanded treatment options for patients with specific genetic mutations and those who have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate disease. In tandem, the oncology team at MedStar Health has made it a priority to optimize the overall patient experience with focus on communication and care coordination.
“We use clear, simple, layman language when explaining diagnoses, treatments, and medications,” said Dr. Randolph-Jackson. “We have also put systems in place to reduce wait times and optimize patient scheduling with support from our team of nurse navigators and ancillary staff. Cancer care is a team effort and we are always inspired by the resilience and strength we see as patients go through the diagnosis and treatment process.”
For more information or for an appointment call 202-877-3925.