In His Own Words

Treatment ‘Took the Pain Away’ for Retired Engineer

A lifelong woodworker and retired engineer, Joe spent many years making things like toys and furniture as gifts for the special people in his life. With the help of his support team at the Cancer Center, he continues to build, making fun new memories with his friends and family.

Joe Mastroianni was enjoying retirement from Honeywell with his artist wife, Carolyn, when horrible back pain took him to his then-general practitioner, Dr. Lawrence Luy. After referral to a urologist, he got a diagnosis no one wants: His back pain was actually prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.

After dealing with the initial shock, the Mastroianni’s conferred with the professionals at the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital. They wanted to stay close to home, and had heard good things about FHN medical oncologists Arshad Shaikh, MD, who recommended a combination of radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Within weeks, according to Joe, “it took the pain away.”

Getting radiation treatment started was a quick process. Specially trained techs cast a mold of Joe’s body to ensure precise positioning. Tiny tattooed dots also helped confirm proper placement. Joe especially appreciated his radiation therapy technician, Ben, who led the team in providing professional and friendly treatment during his visits.

He explains, “I would go in regularly for several months, and Ben was always so kind and helpful. I would get in and out of the cancer center in just 10-15 minutes each time … it went really fast.”

Now, Joe takes regular oral medication and gets an injection once a month to help strengthen his bones. Blood testing is done monthly and reviewed with Dr. Shaikh at meetings that Joe says he actually enjoys.

“It is always a pleasant experience to go in and confer with Dr. Shaikh,” Joe says. ”He is so smart and fun, and likes to laugh with us. Cancer is diffi cult, but the staff makes a tough situation a lot easier. They are always upbeat and professional, and I would recommend them to anybody. Plus, we try to schedule our appointments for Friday, which is ‘doggie day.’ The pet therapy dogs (from FHN’s Beyond Words Pet Therapy Program) often visit then, and my wife and I both enjoy the support from those sweet, furry faces.”

A lifelong woodworker and retired engineer, Joe spent many years making things like toys and furniture as gifts for the special people in his life. With the help of his support team at the Cancer Center, he continues to build, making fun new memories with his friends and family.