My Health Care Team
I am rather fond of the health care professionals who care for me. While I did have a bad experience with my prior Urologist, once I fired him and hired my new one my life quite literally changed for the better. Here is a short list of those who care for me.
Jeremy R. Flanagan, M.D., Hematologist/Oncologist
Jeremy leads my cancer treatment team. We first met Jeremy when we were seeking a second opinion regarding a mammogram Marvina had received. We were taken by his gentle, calm, compassionate and positive personality. When it was discovered that my cancer had returned we once again turned to Jeremy for a second opinion. Once a biopsy confirmed my cancer, we returned home with the job of deciding who would treat me and found a message waiting on our answering machine. Jeremy had personally called me because I had missed an appointment with him. In all my life I had never had a doctor personally contact me like that, especially because I missed an appointment. His message sealed the deal. If he cared that much that he personally called me then he would be the guy who would treat me.
Jennifer Bingham, MS, APN-BC, AOCNP
As a Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer shares me with Jeremy. While we only met Jennifer after we had chosen Jeremy to be my Oncologist, we quickly realized a coincidence that we took to bode well for me. Jennifer has the same name as that of the friend of Marvina and I who introduced us to each other. I am forever grateful to that Jennifer for bringing Marvina into my life. This Jennifer, I’ve no doubt, will perform an equally compelling act for us by helping give me more time with the woman I love, Marvina.
Sue Ellen Ray, ANP, BC, OCN
Sue Ellen is another Nurse Practitioner who works at the cancer center. She fills in when schedules are busy which, unfortunately, seems to be the nature of the cancer center. I am told that Sue Ellen began work at the center as an RN but went back to school to earn her ANP title. Like everyone there she’s a cherry face exactly when you need one.
Anne-Marie Miller, RN
Anne-Marie is my assigned nurse in the infusion room and a self-admitted Pepsi addict. “If you cut me I’d bleed Pepsi.” Anne-Marie takes care of setting up and administering my IVs. She’s very good at her job which includes much more than simply sticking a needle in my arm and setting up an IV pump. She has a great sense of humor and really works hard to keep my and other patient’s spirits up. There are other RNs that work there and they all pitch in equally. I love them all and will do my best to spoil them rotten (oh come on…females…chocolate?).
Gerald Park, M.D., Urologist
Oh Doogie, how we love you. Marvina and I first met Gerald when my cancer was first detected. He was to be the surgeon who would perform the eighteen plus hour procedure to remove my bladder, prostate and other assorted parts, then assemble a new illeostomy to drain my kidneys. Marvina and I started secretly and quite fondly calling him “Doogie” because he looked like a teenager to us. Gerald is probably one of the happiest, most positive people I have ever met. He has an infectious sense of humor and a laugh that draws you away from the doldrums that might be haunting you and into a happier place. When the pre-op nurses were preparing me for surgery one asked who my surgeon was. When I told them Dr. Park the nurse told me “Oh, he is the best surgeon at this hospital.” I believe it. As evidence behold me, still here, still kicking.
Nephrology Associates
Larry E. Benson, M.D., Internal Medicine/Nephrologist
I was referred to Larry by my former Urologist. It took quite some time to get that referral but good things come to those who wait. Larry quickly diagnosed me as having a rare kidney disorder, iGANepropathy. As a Nephrologist, Larry is integral to any medical treatment I receive. Larry is unlike any doctor I had ever known. More like a detective who closely studies rather than jumping to easy, assembly line quick fixes. Larry is compassionate and on top of everything. Larry and Jeremy work closely with each other as the health of my kidneys are instrumental in the effectiveness of my chemo therapy.
Becky Wills
Becky along with other nurses formed a small business/clinic catering specifically to cancer survivors and others who need specialized services outside of a formal hospital setting. The named the clinic Restored Images. Finding Restored Images and Becky after my initial cancer surgery was a Godsend to my wife and I. Absolutely overnight the quality of life for my wife and I changed dramatically, a full 180 degrees. In but a few minutes of time Becky changed my outlook on life and restored my confidence in myself and my ability to live a full and rich life. I can’t say enough positives about this group of beautiful people. I love them all.
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