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These are grim statistics, but with advancements in treatments, early detection and extraordinary health care, more people are also surviving the devastating disease. Among them is Gerard "Art" Sheehan, 77, of Monroe. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996 after a prostate cancer screening showed a very high PSA, Sheehan is a cancer survivor. Through treatments and close monitoring, his PSA now is an acceptable .01.
"I had no symptoms," Sheehan said about his initial diagnosis. "I didn't know how to handle it. The very meaning of the word is something terminal.
"But, it is not terminal," said Sheehan, who now speaks to other men about prostate cancer through St. Vincent's Medical Center's Swim Across the Sound education programs. "If you get the right treatment early enough, your life expectancy is as good as anybody's."
He also gives special credit to his doctors — Dr. James Roach and Dr. Lawrence Muldoon, both physicians with Greater Bridgeport Urology, now located in Fairfield. "I went from great fear to trust to confidence; first with Dr. Roach [who retired in 2004] then with Dr. Muldoon, who has treated me for a longer period of time," said Sheehan. In Muldoon, he said, "I found a man of tremendous devotion and faith. It kind of reflected in my attitude as I was being treated."
Sheehan isn't
What sets these health-care providers apart is not only their medical expertise, but how much they care about their patients, said ACS gala coordinator Carol Frattaroli.
"[These] doctors, nurses and caregivers make the patients feel they're the only person in the world and they are their sole concern," said Frattaroli. "They are unbelievably giving and very humble individuals."
Fischbach, 40, said he learned in February about the honor.
"I was thrilled and wondered if [they had] the correct person," said Fischbach, a hematologist and oncologist, with a laugh. Caring daily for cancer patients must take a special dedication. Why did he choose the field? "I think you really do it because you enjoy the intense interactions with people living with cancer and their families," said Fischbach. "Giving the bad news is an extraordinarily challenging thing.
"At the same time, there is the opportunity to enter into people's lives at an amazingly stressful time and help them deal with it," he continued. "Regardless of the outcome, it's rewarding to help people with cancer.
"Most people define success by how many people you cure or trying to prevent recurrence ... Alleviating suffering is a much bigger deal to me than curing cancer," he said.
Muldoon, 49, grew up just three blocks from the hospital, where he is now chief of urology. Half of his practice, he said, deals with cancer of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and testicles. "You have to realize you're not just treating a tumor, but the whole patient, who not only has a disease, but fears and hopes and need for up-to-the-minute information about their progress and prognosis," said Muldoon. "Every day I try to do my best and try to give people hope. "Humor helps a lot," said Muldoon, who seems to have a reputation for his dry wit. "Sometimes it's the only thing left when things are difficult. I think we all need to be able to laugh at ourselves and laugh about some of our predicaments in life."
Robert Nolan, of Shelton, said he appreciates his doctor's humor.
"It's very appealing," said Nolan, who Muldoon treated for both kidney cancer and prostate cancer in 2001 and still sees every year. "It makes for a more casual, enjoyable time — if you can enjoy going to the doctor."
Nolan, 76, said support from family and friends, faith and a good frame of mind helped him get through his ordeal.
"When you're originally diagnosed, it's not good news, and then in my case we had the double whammy," he said. Nolan said he went to Muldoon initially because of his excellent reputation as a doctor. "He's very thorough and skillful and at the same time considerate. "He's totally worthy [of the award]. He's a good guy," said Nolan. The American Cancer Society will present the Star of Hope awards at its annual Spring Gala on May 10 at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.
Tickets are $250 each. Proceeds support ACS programs of research, education, advocacy and patient services in Fairfield County.
To purchase a ticket or to become a corporate sponsor, contact Carol Frattaroli at 563-1530. For more information on the gala, visit www.main.acsevents.org/enchanted evening.
