Making Rounds
One veteran’s fight against prostate cancer
Carl Staton knows what it means to hear the word “cancer.”
He heard it years ago when his mother was diagnosed and watched her fight the disease for years. Then, last year, he heard it again, however this time for himself.
Staton, a Fayetteville resident and Air Force veteran, was diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer after a routine PSA blood test through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showed rising levels.
“My primary doctor noticed the increase, and I’m sure it saved my life,” Staton said. “If he had ignored it, then that low-grade cancer could have become something much more serious.”
The diagnosis came after his VA doctor referred him to a urologist, who performed a biopsy. When the results confirmed cancer, Staton said he immediately thought about his family.
“When you hear cancer, you can’t help but think about the worst and what it could mean for your future,” he said. “My biggest concern was how to tell my family and let them know I was going to be all right.”
“The team was so positive. They made me relaxed. They cared about how I felt before and after treatment.” – Carl Stanton
Staton was referred through the VA’s Community Care program to Istvan Pataki, MD, Radiation Oncologist, at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center. For Staton, meeting Dr. Pataki brought a sense of relief during an overwhelming time.
“He was calm, experienced and gave me a clear game plan,” Staton said. “I didn’t have to guess. I didn’t have to wonder. That gave me peace of mind.”
Because his prostate cancer was caught early, Staton had options. He could monitor it, have his prostate removed or undergo targeted radiation.
He chose radiation therapy.
“I didn’t want to take the chance that between tests the cancer could grow or spread,” Staton said. “And I didn’t want to lose any part of myself if I didn’t have to.”
Dr. Pataki said early detection gave Staton the opportunity to consider several treatment options and choose the one that felt right for him.
“I always remind patients like Mr. Staton that prostate cancer is highly treatable and, in many cases, curable,” said Dr. Pataki. “At Cape Fear Valley Health, we use advanced technology to deliver highly precise radiation therapy to the prostate, while our team of highly trained professionals works to make patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment. It is always rewarding to hear when patients like Mr. Staton are pleased with the care they received.”
Over several weeks, Staton made the trip to Health Pavilion North Cancer Center for 28 radiation treatments.
The appointments themselves were short, usually lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. But the people he met during that time left a lasting impression.
“The team was so positive. They made me relaxed. They cared about how I felt before and after treatment,” Staton said.
He said everyone he encountered — from the front desk staff to the nurses, dietitians and radiation therapists — helped make a difficult experience easier.
“The team was very professional, but they were also very personable,” Staton said. “They were my caregivers, but they also became my friends.”
Staton especially remembers the small details.
He remembers the music playing in the treatment room — sometimes songs from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, sometimes Christian music or uplifting songs.
He remembers looking up during treatments to a ceiling designed to look like a bright blue sky with clouds and trees.
“It reminded me of Halifax County,” he said. “It made me think about lying in the grass and looking up at the sky. It made me feel calm.”
He also remembers the people.
Radiation therapist Daniel checked in with him each day, asking not just how he was doing, but really listening to the answer.
Nurse Kim kept a tray of snacks, candy and lollipops nearby for patients. Staton even brought in lollipops for the staff and other patients.
“There’s no such thing as a small thing when you’re going through cancer treatment,” he said. “Every little bit helps.”
Through it all, Staton continued doing what he loves. He played his bass guitar every day and leaned on songs that kept him encouraged.
One song in particular, “Send Out a Prayer” by The Anointed, became especially meaningful.
“I played it every day before coming here,” he said. “I played it with the team in my heart because they were helping me so much.”
Now finished with treatment, Staton wants others to learn from his experience.
He encourages men not to ignore changes, such as frequent urination, and to talk with their doctor if something does not feel right.
“A PSA test is just a blood test, and it’s worth it,” he said. “You are never too busy to make sure there is nothing wrong.”
Most of all, he wants others facing cancer to know they do not have to go through it alone.
“Share it with your family. Share it with the people who care about you,” Staton said. “Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center made me feel like I was part of the team. My part was to encourage them, and their part was to give me their best care.”
For Staton, that care made all the difference.
“I want to thank the team from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “They were great.”
