When Life Takes A Turn

When Charles MacMullin, 62, of Pottsgrove, retired from his railroad engineering career at Amtrak, he never thought the word “cancer” would be spoken.  However, life took a different track than planned for Charles.  Routine blood work following a check up in 2007 with Deborah Young, M.D., his family physician, revealed a slightly elevated PSA level.  A biopsy performed by urologist Dr. Ronald Kabler showed early stage prostate cancer.

“I was familiar with this type of cancer because several of my wife’s family members had it and a neighbor of mine was diagnosed right before me,” explained Charles.  “I researched my treatment options, of which there were several including surgery and radioactive seeds, and decided that I would undergo radiation therapy.”

Charles’ wife has been a volunteer at PMMC for a number of years in the radiation department and told Charles about Pottstown Memorial Cancer Center’s (PMMC) partnership with Fox Chase Cancer Center and their fine reputation and the quality care provided to patients. 

Under the supervision of Michael Lambo, M.D., medical director, Department of Radiation Oncology, Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC), Charles underwent eight weeks of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), a treatment that delivers radiation more precisely with the ability to modulate the intensity of a dose within a given volume.
“Patient comfort is a priority.  Dr. Lambo makes you feel comfortable and his staff was friendly and considerate,” expressed Charles. “They even have a harpist playing in the waiting room which is a nice touch.  It is very soothing listening to her play prior to getting your treatment.”

Throughout his eight weeks of treatment, his only side effect from the therapy was fatigue.  “It has been about a year since I completed my treatment and I feel stronger each day.”
Charles added that he had total confidence in the care he was receiving at Pottstown Memorial Regional Cancer Center .  “I did not want to travel into the city to get care if I didn’t have to, especially when you are not feeling well, the commute can be rough.  PMMC offers the latest technology and has reputable physicians. So there was no need to step out of my neighborhood.”