He initially decided to put off treatment, preferring to monitor the early-stage cancer for a while, but the worry nagged at him and he decided he had to take action sooner. His urologist recommended surgery or standard radiation, but Green balked at the idea of a surgical option because his online research highlighted potential side effects.
He decided he’d be doing himself an injustice if he didn’t get a second opinion at a cancer center, so he made an appointment with Emily Weg, MD, at Fred Hutch Cancer Center – Proton Therapy.
“Right away I knew I was in right place,” Green said. “Dr. Weg is awesome. She’s my rock star. She is comfortable, confident. She shows how much she cares and I just knew I wanted to work with her.”
Weg provided Green with detailed information about proton therapy for prostate cancer and his own research confirmed it was the option he wanted to pursue. Protons could more precisely target the cancer in the prostate; this type of radiation also minimized or sidestepped side effects such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
There was only one problem: Green’s medical insurance declined coverage for proton therapy.
Enter Candice Day-Darby, a Fred Hutch patient care coordinator lead whose job is to ensure care is coordinated, appointments are scheduled efficiently and financial clearance is obtained. Because Green was close to retirement, Day-Darby suggested he delay his treatment — with Weg's approval — until Medicare coverage could begin.
“Candice is the best,” Green said. “She stayed in touch and was so helpful, got me information and did research for me. She got me set up with the right supplemental Medicare plan and everything. It was beyond excellent customer care. Plus, I got a whole summer to play golf before treatment started.”
