Jamie Ware

While on vacation in Clearwater, Fla., Jamie Ware got a call with news he never wanted to hear.

Previously, Jamie had been to his doctor with complaints of some pain and discomfort. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test revealed a high number, so he had been sent for further testing.

It was New Year’s Day when Jamie’s vacation was disrupted by the news that he had prostate cancer. Everything from there went in slow motion, and Jamie’s mind was racing. He walked down to the beach with his girlfriend, who eased his mind when she reminded him that he was in great hands with the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center.

Once he got home from vacation, Jamie knew that it was time to rise to the challenge. He knew he could beat this diagnosis.

Jamie was presented with two options. Jamie could get surgery or radiation. He elected for radiation. He knew Scott Silva, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncologist, and Rohit Kumar, M.D., medical oncologist, would take great care of him.

To protect the rest of his body, the radiation that Jamie received pinpointed the cancer and only exerted the radiation to the area of concern.

Throughout treatment, Jamie never doubted his team. It was a tough situation, but he knew he was with the right people.

“The care was just off the chain,” Jamie said. “Dr. Silva gave me his number to call him if I had any problems.” Ashley, one of the Brown Cancer Center nurses, did the same.

Cancer is a tough situation, but Jamie was able to access the resources offered for aspects of cancer that go beyond typical medical treatment. Through the SOAR ON® Loyd Family Wellness Program and the M. Krista Loyd Resource Center, he was able to receive free massage therapy, music therapy and acupuncture.

These holistic types of therapies improve overall wellness by reducing anxiety and stress, and restoring balance to physical, emotional and mental levels.

Jamie also met other cancer survivors, who he still talks with. They all make sure to check on each other, knowing that cancer is a journey.

“The support is just phenomenal,” Jamie said. “You don’t realize that there are a lot of survivors out there.”

Jamie is thankful to live in a time where treatment and assistance is available. In fact, he is now able to celebrate being cancer free!

Now, Jamie is enjoying life by going on vacation, spending time with his family and doing whatever he can to enjoy life. He is also working on crossing items off his bucket list. Next up is skydiving.

Besides continued monitoring to make sure that the cancer doesn’t come back, Jamie continues to stay involved with the Brown Cancer Center.

Recently, he participated in Hats for Hope, a fashion show dedicated to celebrating the life of those with cancer and those that had cancer. It raises funds to support the Resource Center that once supported him as a patient. Reflecting on the event, Jamie remembers how much fun he had. He even wore a blonde wig!

Jamie is reminded through events like these just how uplifted and supported he is. He knows how important that support is and encourages others to do all the research that they can and to find a good doctor that will answer all of their questions, just as he did with Dr. Silva and Dr. Kumar.

“The Power of U is just great,” Jamie reflects. “It’s a great place. I trust them.”

How can we help you?

Connecting with our team of specialists at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center is the first step in getting treatment.