FROG - FLORIDA RADIATION ONCOLOGY GROUP is the premier Radiation Oncology practice in America. It has grown from a single physician over 50 years ago,
to our current group of 25 board certified Radiation Oncologists practicing in clinics throughout Florida.
PATIENT STORIES
JIM KEHLER
Jim Fishing
Jim, Last Day of Radiation
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 and his grandsons
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. 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 Gardening
In January, 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
