We’re Here for You Every Step of the Way: One person’s cancer experience in his own words
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When patients come to The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, they need more than just medical treatment – they need support, resources, and guidance to help them through a challenging journey. Here, the patient is at the center of everything we do. From prevention to treatment and recovery, we’re here for you every step of the way, providing the care and support you need to ease your cancer journey and ensure you receive the best care possible.
We spoke with a prior patient, Mr. Ed DiTota, who shared his cancer journey and spoke about his time at the Leever Center.
Ed, tell us about yourself. I’m a native of Waterbury and was a banker for almost 40 years. When I left banking, I went into my own business as a small business consultant and am now providing payroll services as well. Thirteen years ago, my wife and I relocated to Southington. Now, at age 77, I’m still going 48 hours a week and love what I’m doing.
When did your cancer journey begin? Actually, my journey began a little over three years ago. The diagnosis was prostate cancer. When you hear that word “cancer,” you automatically panic. It’s a kick in the gut, but thank God for people like my urologist, Dr. Anthony Kim, and the staff at the Leever Center who help you get through it. I was very fortunate because prostate cancer is one of the easiest forms of cancer to cure.
After your diagnosis, what was the next step? I remember Dr. Kim saying to me we’re going to treat it and I had two choices, either surgery or radiation (therapy). Dr. Kim recommended I go with radiation. And I’ll never forget what he said to me and to my wife: “Okay, you have to go for 45 treatments.” I said, “Did you say four or five?” He said, “No, 45.” So, every day for three months, I was here. Right after I was diagnosed, I came to the Leever Center and met with Dr. Joseph Ravalese. He and the staff were very, very supportive. Before you knew it, I got to know and love the entire staff. They became and continue to be family.
Tell us about your visits. My treatment didn’t take more than 10 or 15 minutes. It took me longer to get here and home. But again, it was a pleasant experience because of Dr. Ravalese and the entire staff at Leever. I remember Dr. Ravalese said to me, “You have to drink 16 ounces of water before you get here.” By the time I got here, I was ready to explode. And I said to one of the girls here, “I’m going to the bathroom.” Unfortunately, Dr. Ravalese was standing right behind me and he said, “No way, you’re not going yet.”
Describe your treatment. The first time I came in, I met the doctor. The second time, after meeting with the doctor, they made me a cast – a special mold to lie on – so I’d be in the same position every day. Each day I came, there was no pain – just a large machine going back and forth over me. It was really easy on my part. Normally, I’m a basket case around doctors and nurses. Luckily for me there were two radiation therapists who had me laughing every time. It was one of those things where they helped relax me right away. One of them said, “We’re going to make this into a game.” And she did. She counted down the days… 45, 44… and she remembered every day. It was amazing. And you get through it. You have to have faith in the Man upstairs, but you also have to have faith that you’re getting the best treatment possible.
Did you use any of the other services available? The social worker? The nutritionist? The patient financial counselor? Transportation? Valet parking? Genetic counseling? I really didn’t need the other services. But the staff made it a point that I talk to everyone. Where, in case there is a need, you know it’s available. They also made a point to tell me that the important thing was for me to get better.
Overall, how would you describe your experience? On a scale of one to 10, I would give it a 99. I mean, everybody, from the parking valet, to the receptionist, to my dear friend Deborah, was 100% helpful and supportive.
Tell us about your life today. It’s been a little over three years now since my last treatment. Dr. Ravalese tells me I’m on the five-year plan, so I can’t consider myself completely cancer free. However, the day will come and I can then say I’m cancer free.
You have supported the Leever Center financially. How did that come about? I’ve made contributions to the Leever Center over the years, and will continue to make contributions. My thought was that we have to do something for the staff. I make my contribution on an annual basis and designate it “staff appreciation,” and I will do this for as long as I can. Last year, they purchased an ice machine for the staff room. It’s just a small way of saying thank you. I’ve actually written to the editorial page of the newspaper and told them about my journey and encouraged others to make a contribution to the staff fund as well. Without their support it can’t work. At the Leever Center, everybody’s happy and cheerful and they get you through it.
What would you say to new patients coming to Leever? It could be frightening, but it’s not that bad, and with the support of this wonderful team at Leever, you get through it. I talked about Waterbury before, and it’s amazing how lucky Waterbury is to have this Center. I was fortunate enough to be at the dedication of this facility and other functions over the years, so I knew about the Center. Then, all of a sudden, I was a patient. So now I know both sides and it’s a world- class facility with a world-class staff.