Donald McGee

<< All Prostate Cancer Survivors

From the outside, Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s hospital in Zion, Illinois looks like a typical hospital. The real difference comes when you go inside and meet the people there. I immediately got the feeling it was all about me and my family, not about them. For the first time since my cancer diagnosis I felt like a human being, not just a number.

I came to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) in October 2003 after a routine physical exam showed I had prostate cancer. I was 66 years old at the time.

I was diagnosed by my family physician in Paris, Illinois where I live. When my blood test showed my PSA levels were a bit higher than normal, my physician recommended a biopsy. I traveled to Terre Haute, Indiana to have the biopsy done and it confirmed there were cancer cells present. The doctors talked about different methods of treatment, and discussed removing my prostate. I wasn’t content with doing that. I’m a basketball coach and I wanted to be able to maintain that activity and lifestyle.

And, it seemed to me that the doctors in Terre Haute were more interested in getting me into their treatment program for their benefit than for mine. I felt forced to make a decision.

At the time, my daughter worked as an Oncology Information Specialist for CTCA. She inundated me with brochures and CDs from the hospital. After reading the material, I was impressed with a therapy called brachytherapy, which is a form of internal radiation therapy delivered directly to the prostate tumor.

My wife and I drove five hours from our home in Paris, Illinois to Zion, Illinois to consult with the doctors at Midwestern. There, doctors performed a scan that showed some of the cancer cells were outside of my prostate, so brachytherapy would not be the best solution for me. Instead, I would have to have the normal radiation treatments. But, the doctors discussed with me the need to shrink the prostate before beginning radiation treatments. I agreed to take medication to shrink the prostate, then begin radiation therapy in March 2004. Unlike the situation with the first doctors in Indiana, I did not feel forced to make a decision. It was up to me.

The diagnosis was a blow to my family, but I felt hopeful, since prostate cancer was at least one of the more treatable cancers to have. I just focused on getting through it.

In March 2004, I arrived back at Midwestern for radiation treatment. My wife and I stayed at CTCA’s Guest Quarters, which are private patient suites located down the street from the hospital. The hospital made all of the arrangements for us.

I was treated at Midwestern for eight weeks. My wife and I stayed at the Guest Quarters Monday through Friday for my treatment, then drove home from Zion, Illinois on weekends. Staying at the Guest Quarters was a big asset. It helped keep me from being depressed. I got to be around a lot of other people who were also undergoing treatment at the same time.

The staff at CTCA made my eight weeks there feel like home. First of all, the staff was very interested in our suggestions and feedback about everything. They even wanted to know how we liked the bus shuttle service from the residence to the hospital. In the hospital, they have a library with computers so we can keep up with our e-mail and communicate with people.

During my stay at Midwestern, I definitely felt like I was being treated physically, mentally and spiritually. I went on a visit with a CTCA nutritionist to a store to discuss eating better. She walked us around the store and explained healthier food choices.

I am an active member in my local church, so I really appreciated the spiritual aspect of the care at CTCA. I enjoyed attending the religious services during my stay there.

My radiation treatment ended in April 2004. Today, I feel pretty good. I can still maintain my lifestyle as a basketball coach. I go back to Midwestern for checkups.

Whenever I talk to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, I recommend they consult with CTCA before they make a final decision. A year ago, I went camping and found out a friend has prostate cancer. He received treatment at CTCA in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and I also counseled another camper to seek treatment at CTCA. Sure enough, the fellow did.

April 17, 2008

I am happy to report that I’m doing well. I did have a partial hip replacement, but I remain free of cancer. I visit Midwestern each year for a checkup. The way they treat you as an individual just can’t be beat.

I’m looking forward to attending Celebrate Life^®, a special event CTCA holds in honor of five-year cancer survivors. I’ll attend it this June with my wife and daughter Donna, who still works for CTCA as an Oncology Information Specialist.

Two or three times each summer, my wife and I travel and stay at a camping resort in Branson, Missouri. We like to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes we go to the shows in Branson. We also visit Silver Dollar City, just outside of Branson.

I recently retired from coaching basketball. I coached for 44 years. In 2006, I was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. I was also named Man of the Year at my church (First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Paris, Illinois). It was a great year!