“Even knowing I had cancer, I wasn’t scared for a minute at Fox Chase.”‐Darnell Hutchinson
In 2015, I was feeling great and healthy as could be in my early sixties. My wife was recently retired, and I was working at Sunoco refinery. Things took a turn for the worse, however, when I was laid off. Jobless and without income, my wife and I tried our best to carry on.
Soon after, I went to my routine urology appointment, where there were traces of blood found in my urine sample. The doctor gave me a prescription and sent me to a local medical center, where I was presented with the most unexpected news—60% of my liver was cancerous. I was in shock because I had never felt any symptoms; even more shocked were the doctors, who were in disbelief that I had never felt an ounce of pain. The doctors called my primary care physician, who was apologetic and greatly concerned that she had not detected it earlier. They also called in a surgical team, who delivered the news that not much could be done for me. I felt that I needed more answers.
After consulting with my wife and sisters-in-law, they suggested we go to Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Never stop trying. I'm glad I didn't.
From the minute I walked into Fox Chase, I didn’t feel worried in the least, and felt instantly comfortable, as if I knew everything I needed was here. I met with a surgeon who specialized in liver cancer, and right away, was in awe of the abilities this man possessed. He was upfront with me about what needed to be done and what could happen, and didn’t sugarcoat anything like all the doctors who I had previously spoken to. We understood each other, and I knew I was in good hands.
My surgeon performed a procedure to remove the cancerous parts of my liver, and also found a few benign tumors in the process. I couldn’t believe it—I felt no pain after the surgery, and didn’t even need the medication I was given. The doctors and nurses constantly checked up on me during my recovery, offering pain management solutions and medications, but I felt great. Just four days later, I was released.
I owe everything to the surgeon at Fox Chase. His knowledge, expertise, and kindness is God-given. People constantly ask me how I wasn’t scared for my life, but I knew with Fox Chase, there was no reason to be. Everyone, from the receptionist, to the doctors and their team, were warm and comforting. I felt right at home.
Everything happens for a reason.
My follow-up appointments have shown no return of the cancer, and I am completely clear. I don’t even need medication. I was operated on in July of 2016, and returned to work in September. I truly believe it was a blessing that I was laid off from my job when I was because it gave me time to discover and treat my cancer, and recover. I am endlessly thankful for the care I received at Fox Chase, and will continue to recommend Fox Chase to everyone I know.