Cancer and Clinical Services Patient Stories

Cancer had never crossed Dennis Jacob’s mind

“Frankly, I assumed heart disease would be my challenge at some point,” he says, adding that, before his cancer diagnosis, his life was easy-going and filled with family, a strong tribe of friends, a successful career and warm church life.

“And my health was great, particularly for a 57-year-old male,” he explains. Working out five days a week and beginning to dabble in cycling, he also embraced a healthful diet.

With all those boxes checked, “I naively assumed that cancer would be the last of my worries,” Dennis says. While a few family members had had prostate cancer, “It was surely nothing to be concerned about.” But with heart disease in the family tree, that was something Dennis had his eye on, so annual physicals were a must.

Those physicals included prostate checks, and though his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) numbers sometimes fluctuated, they never hit a range that worried him. Until 2015, when an unusual jump in PSA numbers led to a biopsy. “Then,” he says, “everything changed.”

After Dennis was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, his proactive personality took over, and he went to work: outlining next steps, researching treatments and hospitals – even creating his own 18-point questionnaire to interview medical, radiation and surgical oncology specialists in central Ohio.

He also broke the news to his boss and friend of 26 years, Rick Germain.

“I was obviously very concerned about him,” Rick says. “He shared with me all he knew about his diagnosis – he was pretty shaken. My wife, Libby, and I have gotten to know many of the medical professionals there (at The James). We’ve also seen the results that family, friends and associates have experienced with their treatment at The James.

“Dennis had the three major health care systems in central Ohio to choose from,” Rick continues. “We shared with him our confidence in what The James could offer, whether he decided on a medical, radiation or surgical treatment plan.”

Bottom line: after all of Dennis’ research and the encouragement he received from his trusted friend, The James experts came out on top.

“Most importantly, across the disciplines, I was very impressed by everyone at The James,” Dennis says, “especially Dr. Geoffrey Box and his team.” With his decision made, Dennis underwent a robotic prostatectomy in February 2016.

As he recounts his cancer journey, he points back to his care team, calling them informative, thorough and patient. Equally important to him, his team consistently demonstrated that, “The best medical treatment includes understanding the personal, emotional, more 'human' needs of a patient and their family.”

During his stay at The James, Dennis grew especially close to his patient care associate (PCA), who was not only a young Ohio State student, but also a cancer survivor, diagnosed in her teens.

“She was great at her job, but more than that, she took the time to find out more about 'Dennis the whole person' rather than just 'Dennis the patient in Room 2034,'” he says.

“Through pre-surgery, surgery and follow-up,” Dennis continues, “every touch point with The James has confirmed I made the right choice.

“Around the time of my diagnosis, Rick formed a Pelotonia team for our company,” he says. “Joining the team gave me something to focus my energies on during my recovery. Committing to riding 100 miles, something I'd never come close to, motivated me. I kept repeating to myself that, 'The only way to get better, is to get better.'”

Less than six months after his surgery, Dennis completed that 100-mile Pelotonia ride, dedicating it to his young PCA.

Today, Dennis, who was once a casual cyclist, is a healthy, cancer-free, full-on (for nine years’ now) Pelotonia Rider. He enthusiastically acknowledges his ride donors, who have taken his all-time fundraising total to almost $60,000. “That goes directly to supporting the life-changing research done by The James,” he says.

“Cancer touches each of us in some way. It tried to get me. It has taken my dad, other relatives and friends. I have loved ones who won their cancer battles. Others are currently in the fight. So, I take the goal of ending cancer to heart. I am living proof that a cancer diagnosis isn't the end. In my case, it was a beginning.”