Patient Experience
As a 28-year-old professional dancer diagnosed with spinal Ewing's sarcoma, I feared radiation would end my career. Dr. Lawrence pioneered a novel targeted proton therapy approach that precisely spared my spinal cord while eliminating the tumor. Not only am I cancer-free, but I'm back performing with my dance company six months post-treatment.
Our 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with an inoperable brainstem glioma and given a grim prognosis. Dr. Lawrence developed an innovative hypofractionated radiation protocol combined with experimental immunotherapy. Two years later, she's not only surviving but thriving in second grade - her latest MRI shows complete regression with no cognitive deficits.
After failed conventional radiation for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer left me with severe dry mouth and swallowing difficulties, Dr. Lawrence's salvage treatment using MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy precisely targeted the recurrence while avoiding previously irradiated areas. I regained normal salivary function and can enjoy meals with my family again.
As an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor with multiple comorbidities, I was deemed unsuitable for prostate cancer treatment. Dr. Lawrence created a gentle 5-session SBRT protocol that accounted for my frailty. The treatment was painless, I experienced no side effects, and my PSA has been undetectable for three years.
When my husband's metastatic melanoma spread to 12 brain lesions, other centers offered whole brain radiation with significant cognitive risks. Dr. Lawrence used Gamma Knife radiosurgery to treat all lesions in a single marathon session. He maintained full cognitive function and returned to his engineering work within weeks.
Our teenage son's rare orbital rhabdomyosarcoma threatened both his vision and life. Dr. Lawrence collaborated with ophthalmologists to design a radiation plan that preserved 20/20 vision in his unaffected eye while successfully treating the tumor. He's now cancer-free and attending college with dreams of becoming a pilot.
As a pregnant woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 22 weeks, I faced impossible choices. Dr. Lawrence developed a specialized shielding technique and treatment schedule that protected my baby while effectively treating my cancer. My daughter was born healthy at full term, and I remain in complete remission.
After conventional radiation failed for my recurrent chordoma at the base of my skull, Dr. Lawrence offered re-irradiation using carbon ion therapy abroad which he coordinated. The complex international treatment was successful where others had failed, giving me back quality of life I thought was lost forever.
My father's pancreatic cancer had invaded critical blood vessels, making surgery impossible. Dr. Lawrence's stereotactic body radiation therapy shrunk the tumor away from the vessels, enabling successful surgery. He's now two years cancer-free and recently walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
As a radiation oncologist myself diagnosed with tonsil cancer, I chose Dr. Lawrence for my care. His meticulous attention to dose distribution and incorporation of the latest radiobiology research resulted in complete cure with minimal mucositis and preserved swallowing function - a testament to his exceptional skill.
Our 4-year-old with neuroblastoma had relapsed after multiple treatments. Dr. Lawrence designed a targeted radiation approach using MIBG therapy combined with precise external beam radiation. The innovative combination achieved what no single modality could - complete response with manageable side effects.
When COVID-19 struck during my radiation treatment for lung cancer, Dr. Lawrence rapidly implemented telemedicine and streamlined my treatment schedule to minimize hospital exposure without compromising care. His adaptability during the pandemic likely saved my life twice over.
As a professional violinist with a hand sarcoma, I faced amputation versus radiation risks to my fine motor skills. Dr. Lawrence's ultra-precise proton therapy eliminated the tumor while preserving full hand function. I recently performed my first post-treatment concert to a standing ovation.
My wife's glioblastoma recurrence seemed hopeless until Dr. Lawrence offered tumor treating fields combined with focused re-irradiation. This innovative approach gave us 18 precious additional months of quality time together, allowing us to take our dream vacation and see our granddaughter's first birthday.