Patient Stories

Meet Ralph Sickler. An informed prostate cancer patient researches treatment and chooses Florida Regional Cancer Center in Ocala, Florida.

As a result of my annual exam, my primary care physician noticed my PSA increased considerably, and scheduled some further tests. And now, at the age of 69, the tests and a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer with a Gleason 7 rating.

I searched the internet for information and read books. However, all the information available was now six-to-eighteen months old – ancient according to today’s high tech standards.

I thank God my primary care physician referred me to Dr. J. Rao, a board-certified Radiation Oncologist. After a very informative meeting with Dr. Rao, lasting over one hour and never feeling rushed, Dr. Rao performed an examination.

My wife, Kathy, and I left the office to absorb the information provided by Dr. Rao and to make a decision.

We decided to proceed with radiation treatment. Dr. Rao developed a schedule of treatments for five days a week for five weeks.

Well, let me tell you that time flew by for one reason GREAT STAFF!
- Helen Greene, office manager, was on top of everything everyday.
- Missy Shope, receptionist, greeted us, offered us coffee and conversation and made us feel like family.
- Andy Arnold, nurse, was always smiling, happy and a loving person. I must say, she is the best for performing painless blood work.

I can’t say enough of good things for two of the best radiation therapists, Sandi Pritchard and Jeff Van Kirk. Their work was 100% every day.

My wife, Kathy and I feel so lucky we found this little slice of heaven, and cannot recommend Florida Regional Cancer Center enough.

A decision of this magnitude cannot be made without trust. Thank you Dr. J. Rao and everyone at the Ocala office of Florida Regional Cancer Center.

Ralph Sickler