In May 2019, 64-year old Kim F. went for her routine annual mammogram not thinking she would have any different finding than in years past.  This time there was something.  A biopsy would confirm that she had cancer in her left breast. She would have two surgeries and begin chemotherapy in the next few months, at home in Indiana.  It was a rough Summer and Fall for Kim. The final portion of her treatment would be radiation to the tumor site to make sure no viable cancer cells remained. Kim’s family had spent winter months in Florida for several years and she wondered if she could have this final treatment stage in the warmth and familiarity of Sarasota.  Her doctor approved the request. When searching for a radiation oncologist in Sarasota, she found the Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute and was gratified to learn that the Center could perform the treatment she needed – and they accepted her insurance. What she didn’t know at that time was that the Dattoli Cancer Center is the only center in country offering a radiation guidance system that can aim pinpoint radiation to the tumor while sparing the nearby beating heart and breathing lungs.  This is of particular importance when treating cancer in the left breast, in such close proximity to the heart. Kim notes that a friend of hers who had gone through radiation for breast cancer elsewhere now had lesion in her lung, cause by the radiation she had received.  She was fearful of a similar outcome, but much relieved that the DART (Dynamic Adaptive Radiation Therapy) treatment she received at the Dattoli Cancer Center could prevent that issue. Kim began DART radiation treatment in December and completed the course in February.  She recalls the surprising amount of special attention she received during the planning and daily treatment sessions.  “The head of the department and his staff took plenty of time getting me set up for each treatment, assuring that I would get only the pin-point accurate radiation needed to hit the tumor site each and every time.” In addition, Kim recalls meeting with the Center’s dosimetrist who showed her exactly how her treatment plan was customized to her needs. “I received a real education about my tumor and how the radiation works.” While the Dattoli Cancer Center is widely known as “the” place to go for non-surgical prostate cancer treatment, with the longest published cure rates in the world, Kim and other women are learning that it is not just for men! “I’ll admit that I felt out of place surrounded by so many men having their treatment there, but I can’t imagine getting better care than this!” Today Kim is feeling more like her old self, having navigated the breast cancer labyrinth and emerged cured.

"With a rising PSA and Gleason 6, I chose to put my care in the hands of the Dattoli team, undergoing IMRT and brachytherapy. Two years down the road and 74 seeds later I'm back in the pilot’s seat and flying the newest birds in the fleet – the Boeing 777s. It is important – it’s imperative - to look at every option and get yourself to the very best treatment center you can find.”

My aggressive treatment at the Dattoli Center has given me a new appreciation for life. I suffer no ill effects from the combination treatment, but I admit that I am a “changed man.” I'm a vocal advocate for prostate cancer education and screening, especially in the African-American community. Now, I rarely miss an opportunity to race a sailboat. It is a feeling of “euphoria,” one that I savor as often as possible.

“Half-way around the world is not too far to travel to get the best care. Five years later, I'm like new – no evidence of prostate cancer at all. With my children on their own and more time on my hands, I've completed a 750-mile pilgrimage in 2004 and am back climbing mountains. The view from the top is awesome!"

"My seeds were implanted in early 2000. Today I am happy, healthy and a grateful man. My PSA is barely detectable at 0.094, and I embrace life full-steam ahead with Bernice by my side."