Terrance's Prostate Cancer Journey
When Cancer Hits Close to Home
As Operations Manager overseeing six radiation oncology centers at SunState Medical Specialists, Michelle Johnson is all too familiar with the cancer journey.
Over nearly two decades in various roles with the company, Michelle has built strong relationships with both patients and colleagues, witnessing firsthand the challenges, resilience and hope that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. So when her husband, Terrance, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 66, she knew exactly where to turn.
This was not the first time the Johnson family had faced such a challenge, however. Years earlier, their daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at just five years old, an experience that gave Michelle and Terrance a deeply personal understanding of what families endure when facing a cancer diagnosis.
Even with that experience, Terrance's diagnosis brought a new wave of emotions for them both.
As resourceful and determined as ever, Michelle remained laser-focused on ensuring her husband received the very best care possible.
"I could not allow myself to think negative thoughts or stay in the moment. I tried to focus on the positive and the task at hand," she says.
A Familiar Team Made All the Difference
Terrance received treatment from Michelle's longtime colleague, Dr. Kishore K. Dass, along with his team at SunState Medical Specialists' radiation oncology center in Wellington, FL, close to the family's West Palm Beach home.
Terrance's full treatment plan included hormone injections, gold marker and Barrigel placement, and a series of 28 intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments. Throughout every step of the process, Michelle remained by his side.
The experience was made easier by a dedicated and familiar care team that worked together to deliver a smooth and seamless treatment journey. Their kindness and compassion helped the process feel manageable and less overwhelming for Terrance and Michelle.
"Everyone has been so supportive, and this experience has reminded me how and why I chose a career in the oncology field," Michelle says. "These battles and our story have made us stronger, and we are now even better equipped to encourage others as they face health and life challenges."
Terrance credits Michelle's unwavering love and support, along with the encouragement of family and friends and the strength of his faith, for helping him through this chapter. Throughout his treatment, he continued dedicating time to supporting and praying with others in need and helping out at his church.
His advice for anyone facing a similar diagnosis is simple: keep up with routine screenings and medical appointments and trust the guidance of your healthcare team.
Today, having completed all of his treatments, Terrance says he is "more focused on health, determined to enjoy life, and appreciative of all it has to offer."