Capital Region | Capital Health | Spring 2018

The treatments (injections and orals) were successful, and by mid-July the cancer had shrunk by 40 percent, which presented an opportunity for Dr. Andriole to perform surgery. No need to travel for care Post-surgery, Crabtree was prescribed radiation therapy. He met with a radiation oncologist at Barnes who set out a plan for eight weeks of treatments. The path seemed reasonable; however, Crabtree would need to relocate to the St. Louis area for the duration of the treatments. “While I grew up in the St. Louis area, I felt that I needed to be home and working as best I can to maintain mental health,” Crabtree says. After several conversations, the team decided to look to a facility in Columbia, Missouri, for radiation therapy treatments. Upon meeting with the physician in Columbia, Crabtree was told he didn’t even have to drive a half hour north. The technology and expertise he needed was available in Jefferson City! What’s more, the technology was actually newer. This development led Crabtree back to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center, where he met with radiation oncologist Jay Allen, MD. “Dr. Allen was great to meet with as he took two hours to discuss the treatments, protocols and technology,” Crabtree says. “We bonded and I felt at ease and assured this was the best place to be. Dr. Allen then gave me a tour and introduced me to his staff—all very professional and welcoming.” Thanks to a collaborative spirit, advanced technology and an exceptional team of providers, Crabtree now has an outstanding prognosis. The diagnosis also led him to understand the importance of knowing your family history when considering the risk of the development of certain cancers. “After my diagnosis, the doctors felt that family history played a significant role,” Crabtree says. “They were correct as I soon discovered that all my uncles on my father’s side had prostate cancer. Since the family history was strong, we needed to address it early by establishing baseline PSA data for my son and nephews.” Throughout his nearly yearlong process, Crabtree has had the opportunity to observe how cancer affects not only the patient but everyone in the patient’s life. “While in the reception and waiting areas, I would see many patients and their family members struggling with the diagnosis, options and treatments,” Crabtree says. “I thought a well-written book would be reassuring and give patients the confidence I found that I needed to get through the treatments and surgery.” Positive and confident Crabtree found wisdom and strength through a book called Cancer—Now What? , a practical guide for those with cancer and their loved ones. “It made the journey easier and allowed me to be more positive and confident,” Crabtree says. “You see, I truly think attitude is one of the major ingredients to a positive outcome. While the staff at Goldschmidt exemplified the positive, compassionate attitude needed, the book might just nudge people along as well. It may not have all the answers, but it does outline a path for those seeking answers who may not know the questions to ask.” Crabtree is committed to using his experience and the lessons he learned throughout his journey to provide resources for others. He has graciously donated 100 copies of Cancer—Now What? to Goldschmidt for the benefit of their patients. Reflections Crabtree offers reflection of his time at Goldschmidt: “I loved the symbolism, as I never walked alone during the treatments. The staff was always at my side, empathetic, compassionate and encouraging. I really bonded to the group, and we shared a lot. As funny as it may seem, I did look forward to seeing them each and every day of the week for eight weeks. Dr. Allen and I became friends with the weekly visits and moved through the medical issues and discussed families and interests. I would say that the staff in whole made me feel like family and treated me with a level of compassion I did not expect. I also felt assured that they were walking with me during this portion of my treatments.” crmc.org 5 Pictured above: Through ongoing communication and frequent consultations with Jay Allen, MD, and nurse Carol England, Jim Crabtree was always a part of the care plan.