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Joseph Bove
Prostate Cancer
Joe and his wife Christine both travel from Delaware for treatment at Fox Chase.
When Joseph Bove went to his doctor for his annual physical exam, he had a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. His doctor ordered a biopsy after seeing that Joe's test showed higher-than-normal levels of PSA, a protein in the blood used to help diagnose cancer, enlarged prostate and other conditions. At the age of 54, Joe learned he had prostate cancer.
"This news came at a difficult time for me. Due to the economy, I had to close my printing business and look for other business opportunities," Joe recalled.
Exploring His Options
Joe's local doctor in Delaware was leaning toward surgery for Joe. Reluctant to have surgery, Joe began to research his options. He learned that radiation therapy can be equally as effective as surgery in treating patients with prostate cancer.
Through his research, Joe also came across a state-of-the-art technology, called Calypso®. This technology, he found out, is available at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
"I figured Fox Chase was the best place to go if you have cancer."
"Even though Fox Chase is in Philadelphia and I live in Delaware, I knew I should go there," Joe thought. "One of my co-workers was treated there and is doing great today. I figured Fox Chase was the best place to go if you have cancer."
More Precise Radiation Treatment
In late 2007, Joe met with Mark Buyyounouski, MD, a radiation oncologist at Fox Chase who specializes in treating prostate cancer patients. Buyyounouski recommended eight weeks of daily radiation treatment. By using Calypso, he was able to pinpoint and track the prostate throughout Joe's treatment. This allowed for more precise and accurate radiation targeting and treatment. Accuracy can help to protect healthy tissue near the tumor, thus reducing side effects.
"In the waiting room, the other patients and I formed our own informal support group."
During his radiation appointments, Joe met other men going through the same treatment. He recalled, "We still keep in touch, checking in on each other, comparing notes and getting updates. In the waiting room, the other patients and I formed our own informal support group.
"My treatment ended in January and I am feeling great today," said Joe. "I heard that our local hospital in Delaware doesn't even offer this treatment, which makes me even more sure I did the right thing by going to Fox Chase.
"Dr. Buyyounouski is the best. I feel so grateful that I met him."
"Everyone at Fox Chase was excellent," Joe added. "Dr. Buyyounouski is the best. I feel so grateful that I met him. And his staff is great too!"
With his treatment behind him, Joe can resume his life, which includes spending time at the beach with his wife, Chris, golfing and boating.
Learn more about prostate cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.