Testimonials

Russel's Story

A routine check-up revealed a large mass on Russel Monroe’s liver in September 2021. Though his primary care doctor suspected cancer, the mass was located too close to an artery for a biopsy.

But those suspicions were confirmed with an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test, which is a tumor marker for certain types of cancer, including liver. A normal AFP result for adults is 6.1 or below. Russel’s was over 2,000.

Russel was immediately referred to Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange oncologist Sam Huang, M.D., who met with a team of cancer specialists at The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment to determine the best course of treatment. Surgery was out of the question, but vascular and interventional specialist Bhavraj Khalsa, M.D., was able to offer Russel another option: radioembolization or RE.

RE is a type of radiation therapy that uses a thin, flexible tube to deliver radioactive microbeads directly into the artery supplying the tumor. These tiny beads both block the blood supply and kill cancer cells, with fewer and milder side effects than chemotherapy.

A retired aerospace engineer, Russel, now 86, did his own research into RE. He learned this procedure was developed in Brazil and is relatively new in the U.S.

“The St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Center is one of the best in the world, and I have had a wonderful team of people working hard to give me the latest information,” he said.

The first of three RE procedures took place in January 2022, and Russel saw immediate results. By the end of that month, his AFP dropped. And by May, it was down even further.

But in June, just before Russel’s third and final procedure, those numbers started creeping up.

Concerned, the oncology team recommended seven courses of a modified, two-drug chemotherapy regimen to boost Russel’s immune system. After his first infusion in November 2022, Russel’s AFP dropped from 4,102 to 709. As he continued the treatment every three weeks, his numbers kept dropping.

On February 2, 2023, Russel’s AFP result was 3.1 — well within the normal range.

“Being surrounded by the greatest doctors working at the greatest cancer center, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, enabled me to develop a positive attitude that ‘This, too, shall pass.’ It just may take a little longer.

“I have had wonderful, wonderful treatment. Dr. Huang has been fabulous right from the start, but everyone has been great. I could not have asked for any better.

“Dr. Huang tells me I’m in better shape than he is. Now I’m starting to believe him. It’s only because I’m receiving the best treatment without any ‘heroics.’ I’m certain he is using ‘my strength’ in combination with ‘his knowledge’ to derive at the optimum solutions.”

Patient Survey Comments

St. Joseph Hospital views every interaction with patients as an opportunity to serve in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Here's a sampling of patient satisfaction survey comments:

  • "I had multiple radiation treatments at St. Joseph's. The valet parking for radiation patients was very nice and made it less of a hassle as the treatments progressed. I only had to wait once for my 30 appointments. I was very pleased with the treatment and the staff. I envisioned a complete nightmare and it was very pleasant and comforting."
  • "All the staff members were kind, friendly and helpful!"
  • "The Cancer building (Infusion Center) was beautiful and efficiently run. Loved the Infusion Center. "
  • "I want to show my appreciation to all the personnel for their service- that was being offered, what I liked the most is, the smile that I was received with every week that made me feel secure without any fear. Thank you for treating me like family."
  • "The techs doing the radiation therapy are all very friendly and professional. Everyone is always very helpful and cheerful and friendly."
  • "The two male assistants, Ron + (forgot the other gentleman) were very kind. They calmed me down when I became uncomfortable and in pain. Both had great bedside manners and were extremely professional. It was scary + I appreciated their efforts." 
  • "I am so grateful that I was able to go to St. Joseph's. I would recommend your hospital to everybody I know. " 
  • "Excellent care and service for all tests, procedures and surgery for lung cancer. St Joe's is my first choice!"
  • "Very hard to mention just one person. All your staff was magnificent. I will grade all of them as A+. Keep your great work. You are great."
  • "Nothing to be improved upon. Excellent hospital with competent, caring and comprehensive staff." 
  • "All staff members were warm and friendly. The entire staff of the hospital were courteous and made the entire experience as relaxing as possible."
  • "The two male assistants, Ron + (forgot the other gentleman) were very kind. They calmed me down when I became uncomfortable and in pain. Both had great bedside manners and were extremely professional. It was scary + I appreciated their efforts." 
  • "I am so grateful that I was able to go to St. Joseph's. I would recommend your hospital to everybody I know. " 
  • "Excellent care and service for all tests, procedures and surgery for lung cancer. St Joe's is my first choice!"
  • "Very hard to mention just one person. All your staff was magnificent. I will grade all of them as A+. Keep your great work. You are great."