Ed Fisher, 68, has been a semi-truck driver for 50 years. He spends his days on the road, but is back home with his family each night in Mechanicsville. His family and friends, and a second family he would soon meet at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center, would help him navigate his most challenging journey yet: Prostate Cancer.
PSA Score on the Rise
In Spring of 2023, a blood test ordered by Fisher’s primary doctor indicated his Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is used to screen for prostate cancer, was on the rise.
“It went from three to four to five in about a year,” recalled Fisher. “My doctor referred me to a urologist.”
Fisher met with Logan Hoxie, MD, of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Urology, at the specialty clinic at UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, to discuss options. Due to his family history – Fisher’s dad passed away from prostate cancer many years ago – they decided a biopsy was the best course of action.
Fisher was on the road in Wisconsin when he got the call. The biopsy showed stage 3 prostate cancer.
“I was pretty shaken, but I made up my mind I was going to be positive and conquer this thing,” said Fisher. “I called my wife to tell her. Thanks to her and my family, I gained a lot of strength.”
Removal of the Prostate and Radiation Treatment
After weighing his options, Fisher elected to undergo a prostatectomy to remove his prostate. The surgery went well and when he came in for his three-month check-up, his PSA was back to zero. However, at his next appointment three months later his numbers were slightly elevated again.
Fisher met with Robert Isaak, MD, PharmD, medical director of St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center, who recommended a course of radiation treatment.
“The reality hit me that I still had cancer,” said Fisher. “Once again, with the help of my family and friends we did it.”
Radiation consisted of 32 daily treatments, Monday through Friday. Friends and family took turns taking the 40-minute drive with him from Mechanicsville to Cedar Rapids.
Not Just a Number
From the moment he walked into the Nassif Radiation Center, Fisher felt like part of the family.
“They know your name when you walk in, and you’re not just a number,” he said. “And when I went back for the treatment, I didn’t spend a lot of time back there, but they’d aways ask about my grandkids and how they’re doing in their sports and other activities. They treated me like family, and I’ll never forget that.”
Another aspect of the cancer treatment journey that made Fisher feel appreciated was care coordination, which allowed him to see all the members of his care team in one visit.
“They always coordinated everything,” he said. “They would say, ‘You have to see Dr. Hoxie, Dr. Isaak and visit the lab. Let’s get you in all on the same day.’”
Determination, Optimism and Family Support
Radiation treatment was not an easy journey. He credits his family, friends and care team for helping him, as well as his positive approach to his cancer journey.
“It was a struggle,” he said. “About the second week, I told my wife, I don’t think I can do this anymore. It wasn’t painful, but I was tired. But once again, I had support and we rallied, and made it through treatment and I rang the bell. It’s optimism, determination and family support.”
One of Fisher’s granddaughters drew inspiration from a past surgery she had to motivate her grandpa through treatment.
“My granddaughter had spinal fusion surgery at 13 and she made a paper chain to count down when she could go back to her activities,” he shared. “She made me a black and gold chain with 32 rings. After each treatment, I would cut one off. It was a real inspiration.”
Oncology Social Worker Barb Lorenz, LBSW, helped him stay strong mentally.
“Barb said, ‘If you ever need to talk to me, just let me know,’” Fisher said. “She would listen to my thoughts and how I was feeling. She really helped keep me going.”
He’s also thankful to his team of doctors, nurses and radiation therapists who were there along the journey.
“The team at the radiation center helped me so much,” Fisher said. “The support at this place is just unbelievable. I was actually a little sad on my last day. Not that I was done with treatment, but I would miss the people. They’re life-long friends to me.”
Listen to Your Doctors and Don’t Put off Screening
During his time in treatment, Fisher often took time to talk with other patients in the waiting room.
“I’m the kind of person who always tries to encourage people,” he said. “There would be guys who would come in for their first time and we’d get to talking. I’d say, ‘You’ll get through this.’”
Now Fisher hopes sharing his story will encourage others to stay strong when facing a prostate cancer diagnosis and to be proactive about their health.
“Don’t put off prostate cancer screening. It’s a simple blood test,” he shared. “And I’d advise anyone who has cancer to talk with your doctor about options and listen to their medical expertise.”
Face Prostate Cancer with Confidence
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer Center is here to help you face cancer with confidence. Call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org to learn more about our treatment and support services offerings.
