Thomas James

<< All Prostate Cancer Survivors

The letters C A N C E R by themselves mean nothing, however when they are connected together they form one of the most frightening words that an individual will hear. After hearing the words, “Tom, we found some cancer in your prostate”, I immediately assumed that my life was ending, which is probably the thinking of many people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

I went through a series of emotions, shock, denial and finally acceptance and with that a determination to fight. My fight began with spending hours on the computer searching for prostate cancer and after exhausting that I sought out a second opinion. The next step was informing my family members.

My sister had accompanied a family friend who was being treated at Midwestern. Having grown displeased with her treatment for breast cancer in New Jersey, she had begun a computer search, which led her to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern). She decided to stop her treatment and go to CTCA.

My sister was so impressed by the treatment our friend was getting at CTCA she insisted, “Tom, that’s the place for you!” Of course I was hesitant about traveling to a place so far from home, but when it’s your life, you’ll go wherever it leads.

On January 6, 2000, my wife and I traveled to Midwestern and after that initial visit we were very impressed. I decided to seek treatment and on January 26, 2000, I returned. It wasn’t easy to leave home, my family, and familiar places, to go to a place where I knew no one. However, that would change during my five weeks of radiation treatment.

The staff at Midwestern treated me like a person, not a diagnosis. They not only took care of my medical needs, but were always available to answer questions or concerns I might have. I made several friends from all over the U.S. during my five weeks at Midwestern. I am still in contact with them today. We became a support system for each other. We prayed together, ate meals together and at times we cried together.

One of the things I remember is that survivor’s tree in the lobby with the gold leaves bearing the names of survivors. I feel confident that I will add my name to that tree: Tom James – a survivor. Friends and other family members have asked me, “Why did you travel so far away from home?” My answer to them, “How far would you go to save your life?”

At CTCA, they go beyond the treatment. They care about the whole person, mind, body and spirit. Indeed they are Cancer Fighters!