Mike K. Says It Felt Great to Ring Aud’s Chime Knowing He Made the Right Decision
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After monitoring his PSA levels for years, and seeing increasing numbers, Mike K. chose the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute to treat his prostate cancer.
Speaker Rich Jones:
A cancer odyssey leads one man to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. We sure love to share good news before we leave you every Friday on Jacksonville's Morning News. [Chime ringing] Mike Kazala describes his cancer journey as an odyssey. He was living, retired in Cape Coral, and his PSA started creeping up. About 2018, his urologist said they'd closely monitor it. Time went by, COVID came and went, and that darn PSA started rising again. His new urologist and surgeon in Raleigh, where they moved, recommended an extreme surgical procedure. But Mike wanted other options. Perhaps by divine intervention, he says, a beloved aunt passed away last year, and at the funeral he connected with a cousin who also had prostate cancer. Eventually, he was connected to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville.
Speaker Mike Kazala:
When my doctor back in Raleigh talked to me about, okay, we could still go in and do the surgery, I said, let's stop right there. I'm now sold on proton therapy, thanks to the book my wife found for me. And I'm thinking Florida. And he said, world class. do it. It's the real deal.
Speaker Rich Jones:
The travel was inconvenient, but he and his wife rented an apartment and they consider the experience world class.
Speaker Mike Kazala:
Oh my gosh, I can't imagine going into a facility that would treat you any better, be more professional, be more spot on, and be on top of the latest technologies.
Speaker Rich Jones:
He had 41 total sessions, and on the last day of his odyssey, Mike was able to ring the huge chimes, Aud’s chime in the lobby.
Speaker Mike Kazala:
[Chime ringing] It's like, wow, we did it. We did the right thing. I feel great. I know I was in good hands. I know I'm going to be living life to the fullest for years and years to come. It was just fabulous.
Speaker Rich Jones:
Mike even recruited a golf buddy who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and ultimately was treated at UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Speaker Mike Kazala:
I'm hoping one person hears this, who's maybe thinking about that PSA number and checks out UFHPTI.
Speaker Rich Jones:
Rich Jones, 104.5 WOKV.
