Philip
The following story is from an interview with Philip Jones, a patient at PSCC.
As part of the largest national network of cancer research, the newest treatment regimes are shared and applied to patients in PSCC’s community centers.
"The second opinions I got downtown told me to get my affairs in order. Dr. Tolman in North Seattle told me there was a new treatment... and hope."
"When I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, we did what everyone says you should do, get second opinions," said Philip Jones a patient at Puget Sound Cancer Centers. "But when we went to these 'experts' downtown, my wife Leslie and I were really surprised when they didn't offer much due to my age. That all changed when we talked to Dr. Tolman at PSCC."
Dr. Tolman, and all the doctors at PSCC are connected to a national network of cancer centers. And they are tapped into the latest treatments, clinical trials and research on an international scale. "Because of my age, I couldn't have chemo treatments," Philip explained. "But Dr. Tolman was aware of some research being done in Germany. We gave their approach a try and after 30 days my white blood cell count went from a .8 to a 5.3. It gave us hope."
"I call Dr. Sam Tolman my 'Sam' for Sam Mussabini, the character in the movie Chariots of Fire. He was the trainer who gave the sprinters that extra yard. My 'Sam' is giving me that extra yard of time with my family."
Philip and his wife Leslie appreciate the time that Dr. Tolman spends with them. Philip explained, "When we're with Dr. Tolman we never feel rushed. He always has time to answer our questions."
Having this level of cancer treatment close to home means a lot to Philip and his family. "We would have gone to New York, or anyplace else to get a cure for my cancer. At my age there isn't a cure, but I didn't have to travel at all to get treatment that works," said Philip. "Plus having the best care a short drive away is also easier on our whole family since we often rely on them for transportation."
Philip said, "Thanks to Dr. Tolman, I can look forward to the years ahead instead of the days ahead."