He initially determined to place off therapy, preferring to watch the early-stage most cancers for some time, however the fear nagged at him and he determined he needed to take motion sooner. His urologist beneficial surgical procedure or normal radiation, however Inexperienced balked on the thought of a surgical possibility as a result of his on-line analysis highlighted potential unwanted side effects.
He determined he’d be doing himself an injustice if he didn’t get a second opinion at a most cancers middle, so he made an appointment with Emily Weg, MD, at Fred Hutch Most cancers Middle – Proton Remedy.
“Instantly I knew I used to be in proper place,” Inexperienced stated. “Dr. Weg is superior. She’s my rock star. She is snug, assured. She exhibits how a lot she cares and I simply knew I wished to work together with her.”
Weg supplied Inexperienced with detailed details about proton remedy for prostate most cancers and his personal analysis confirmed it was the choice he wished to pursue. Protons might extra exactly goal the most cancers within the prostate; such a radiation additionally minimized or sidestepped unwanted side effects akin to incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
There was just one drawback: Inexperienced’s medical insurance coverage declined protection for proton remedy.
Enter Candice Day-Darby, a Fred Hutch affected person care coordinator lead whose job is to make sure care is coordinated, appointments are scheduled effectively and monetary clearance is obtained. As a result of Inexperienced was near retirement, Day-Darby instructed he delay his therapy — with Weg’s approval — till Medicare protection might start.
“Candice is the very best,” Inexperienced stated. “She stayed in contact and was so useful, received me info and did analysis for me. She received me arrange with the suitable supplemental Medicare plan and every part. It was past wonderful buyer care. Plus, I received a complete summer time to play golf earlier than therapy began.”
