Prostate Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Richard Felder
Richard Felder recently returned from a surprise birthday and Father's Day dream trip to Hawaii with his daughter Kimberlee, all arranged by her and his other daughter Shontay. In addition to enjoying this trip of a lifetime, Richard recently celebrated one year after completing proton therapy for prostate cancer in Jacksonville, Fla.
“My doctor said I was good, and I feel good!” said Richard.
Richard faces prostate cancer diagnosis
After an annual checkup with his family doctor in the Charleston area, Richard found out that his PSA (prostate specific antigen) was getting out of the normal range. He followed up with a local urologist, had additional tests and discovered that he had prostate cancer. Richard was given the option of surgery and radiation therapy.
“I waited two months to make a decision, waiting for the Lord to tell me which way to go,” said Richard. “I went back to my family doctor to ask some more questions, and he was the one who asked if I knew about the proton therapy institute in Jacksonville, Florida.” When Richard said he had not heard about proton therapy, his doctor took out his phone and they proceeded to spend 15 minutes looking up information about proton therapy and the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. When his doctor said that proton therapy is what he would look into if he were diagnosed with cancer himself, Richard knew it was worth the trip to find out more.
“Meeting with Dr. Nancy Mendenhall initially, she explained everything to me,” shared Richard. After reviewing his records and additional testing, Dr. Mendenhall told him that he was a great candidate for proton beam therapy. “I felt very confident in what she was telling me, based on the research I had done before I arrived for my consult,” he said.
During his 27 treatments, Richard and his wife Priscilla spent time exploring the city of Jacksonville and enjoying plenty of seafood. He took advantage of the proton patient discount for the local YMCA and went there often to stay active and enjoy the views of the St. Johns River. He made the three-hour trip home to celebrate his mom’s 90th birthday but made the most of his “vacation” here in Jacksonville.
Richard is an ambassador for proton beam therapy
“It has been a year since I went through it. My PSAs have been excellent – my lowest numbers ever,” shared Richard. He was grateful for the excellent experience and wonderful care from all of the staff that he had the opportunity to get to know throughout his five weeks at the Institute.
He shares his experience with many people that he meets. Someone he recently spoke to also completed treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. "This is the best care I feel you can get in the world. So many others have gone through the program there and they share their stories as well. “And that is encouraging! ” said Richard. He also states, “I felt like I was in good hands the whole time I was there. I recommend the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute to everyone!"