Mark Mullis

At my yearly physical in October 2007, my PSA test numbers were a 4, which my physician said was considered a high normal number, and he wanted to check out my prostate further with a biopsy. The biopsy revealed cancer in both sides of the prostate, so I had to begin thinking about treatment and what I wanted done.

After visiting with an oncologist, I wasn't happy with the answers I was getting and the options I was told I had. I knew my supervisor at work had come to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) for esophageal cancer and been happy with his care, and then, one night, I saw an ad for CTCA. I thought I'd call and see what this place was all about. I talked with an Oncology Information Specialist about what CTCA offers to patients, and when I hung up the phone, I felt sure this was the place I needed to try for an evaluation.

On Nov. 7, 2007, a caregiver and I flew into Tulsa, and I began a week of tests and visits with my care team. These people and the procedures they used were the most efficient I'd ever witnessed. At home, I'd have to wait a week for results from tests. At CTCA, results were back in hours. After talking with Dr. Flynn, my radiation oncologist, and getting his opinion on the treatment I needed, I decided I wanted to be treated at CTCA. They started me on a medication called Lupron to slow the growth of the cancer and told me they'd see me again in March.

When I returned in March, I started with three treatments of high-dose radiation, followed by 20 Tomotherapy® treatments. I also took advantage of the complimentary therapies CTCA offers, including nutrition and naturopathy to learn how to eat responsibly and what supplements my body needed to work at its best. Because the thought of possibly dying was difficult to deal with, I visited with one of the mind-body medicine psychologists, who helped to allay my fears. And I enjoyed spending time with one of the chaplains from Pastoral Care, who prayed with me and spent time talking with me and helping me grow spiritually.

During the time I was at CTCA undergoing treatment, I got involved with the choir at a local Baptist church, which was very enjoyable, since I sang in the choir at church at home.

At the end of treatment, my PSA scores had dropped from 4 to .08. And, while they've risen a little since then, I'm still within normal range. I return to CTCA every six months now for check-ups.

The saving grace for me through this cancer journey has been giving back to other patients what God has given me. I keep in monthly phone contact with about 30 patients at this time. I call them and check on them, pray with them, try to encourage them and give them hope like I've been given here at CTCA.

It's always a journey for me when I come back. I talk to people, renew friendships and try to make myself useful to other patient. If I didn't have family at home, I'd move out here, because I feel like I've got a new life out here. Through the cancer I've gone through, I now have the my ability to help others who are going through a similar journey.

When you come to CTCA, it's a level playing field. In the cafeteria, you're either a caregiver or a patient, regardless of what else or who else you may be. So, it's very easy to just sit down and start a conversation.

I believe God allowed me to have cancer in order to help others. And I believe anyone I've been privileged to help is someone God sent me to.

I sense God's presence at CTCA, and I appreciate the opportunity to come here and be of service while I'm receiving wonderful care myself.

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