Media release from Harbin Clinic:
Garry Fisher, a cancer survivor and one of the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center’s most enthusiastic volunteers, says his claim to fame is breaking the bell patients ring at the end of treatment.
“The nurses told me to ring it loud,” Fisher said. “WHAM! I didn’t disappoint!”
Fisher’s cancer journey began five years ago when an MRI for a shoulder replacement revealed a spot on his lungs. With no symptoms, the diagnosis came as a shock to Fisher.
“My doctor told me the shoulder replacement would have to wait, and I started the first of five radiation treatments,” he said.
Advancements in Radiation Oncology
Fisher’s treatment was a form of radiation therapy. Radiation oncology is a medical specialty using forms of radiation to destroy genetic material within cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Unlike normal cells that can easily repair themselves, cancer cells lose the ability to repair damage, making them vulnerable to radiation. This treatment is one of the three major anti-cancer tools, along with surgery and systemic therapies like chemotherapy.
Fisher received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a highly targeted form of radiation used in early-stage lung cancers as an alternative to surgery. The treatment, delivered over one week, allowed him to avoid lung surgery and experience no significant side effects.
Harbin Clinic radiation oncologist Dr. J.C. Abdou explained that recent technological advancements in radiation oncology have improved patient outcomes and shortened treatment plans for patients like Fisher.
With nearly 20 and 30 years of care experience, Harbin Clinic radiation oncologists Dr. J.C. Abdou and Dr. Matthew Mumber shared that the Cancer Center physician team thoroughly discusses the best treatment for patients, including how they decide whether radiation therapy is right for a situation.
“In cancer care, we consider a variety of factors to determine the best care possible,” Dr. Abdou said. “We start by identifying the type of cancer, its location and whether it has spread. Then, we determine the best treatment options using multidisciplinary input and evidence-based guidelines.”
“We are dedicated to whole-system care,” added Dr. Mumber. “We meet the needs of the patient at every touchpoint—considering diet, exercise, stress management, caregiver support and more.”
From Patient to Volunteer
Now cancer-free, the Cancer Center can hardly get Garry out of the building. Fisher volunteers there five days a week, helping patients feel welcome and supported.
“I would be here all day, every day if they let me,” he said. “I love making people feel welcome and reminding them there are a lot of people here to help. I greet people, help them get to their rooms, push them in wheelchairs. I have been where they are. I remind them not to give up—they are needed and wanted in our community.”
About Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncology
Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncology provides advanced, compassionate cancer care using state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary approach at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center.
For more information, visit harbinclinic.com/services/cancer-care.
