In 2013, I went to see my primary care doctor abou...

In 2013, I went to see my primary care doctor about recurring pain in my lower back. After a battery of tests - X-rays, CT scans, MRIs - I was finally diagnosed with cancer. I remembered that moment, because the world lost all its color to me - it turned monochrome. (I am an architect by education, like to draw, paint and take photography, so colors are very important to my perception of the world.) At first I didn't know what to do with myself and I felt defeated.

Eventually, though, I collected myself and decided to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center for a second opinion. After some research - asking friends, looking through various websites - I was referred to Dr. Robert Uzzo at FCCC. My very first appointment with Dr. Uzzo gave me renewed hope. Speaking softly and warmly, yet firmly and confidently, he reassured me that I could expect the best care possible and that I needn't worry too much. While initially I had been told that I might need to have my kidney removed, Dr. Uzzo immediately relieved my worries, telling me that it was not necessary. His treatment philosophy, as I've learned since, is to do everything in his power to save the kidney.

I come from a family of doctors - my father was a pediatrician and a professor of medicine back in Ukraine, where I come from. He was extremely kind to the children who were his patients, as well as to everybody else he met. When I was a child, I always felt safe and taken care of, because of his doctor's talents. I am not exaggerating when I say that after meeting with Dr. Uzzo, I felt just as safe and taken care of as I had been in my childhood. With his congenial manner, Dr. Uzzo engendered respect and trust. Perhaps I'm embellishing somewhat, but after becoming Dr. Uzzo's patient, I started to see the colors around me once again, and recovered my lost joy in life.

I would be remiss if I did not also thank all the terrific people who took care of me both at Dr. Uzzo's office and at the Fox Chase Cancer Center hospital while I underwent and was recovering from the surgery - the entire nursing staff, the anesthesiologist, and all other personnel. They treated me with kindness and compassion, helping cope with the pain after what was a quite serious operation.

I have no reservations about recommending anyone diagnosed with cancer to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center in general, and Dr. Uzzo in particular, in case of kidney/urology issues. It's no wonder that FCCC is listed as one of the national cancer treatment centers - the quality of care is outstanding.