Personalized Cancer Treatment Reaps Ongoing Benefits for Melanoma Patient
In a heartwarming testament to resilience and the power of a strong support system, Jude Brock, a supervisor with the University of Rochester Medical Center's Environmental Services team, recently marked a significant milestone - one year cancer-free. Brock was diagnosed with stage four, inoperable melanoma in 2021, a journey that has seen him surrounded by a circle of love and care from his doctors, nurses, wife, family, and co-workers.
The diagnosis came unexpectedly in the summer of 2021, when Brock started coughing up blood, initially assuming it was a respiratory illness. After being sent for further testing, a mass was found on his right lung, necessitating a visit to an oncologist. His oncologist, Deepak Sahasrabudhe, MD, prescribed a treatment plan consisting of a combination of ipilimumab (Yervoy) plus nivolumab (Opdivo) every three weeks for four "cycles," followed by just nivolumab by itself every four weeks.
Brock's treatment journey was not without challenges. He missed work for six months as he underwent treatment at the very same place where he works - the Wilmot Cancer Center. Despite the hardships, Brock found solace in the kindness and support from his co-workers, appreciating the convenience of working and receiving treatment in the same location.
A middle-of-the-night epiphany during his treatment led Brock to focus on helping others instead of himself. This shift in mindset brought about a renewed sense of calm and helped Brock make it through the rest of his treatments. This selfless attitude extended to his personal life as well, with Brock and his wife, Gail, celebrating the milestone with new appliances and a trip to their favorite restaurant in Webster.
Brock's determination to continue working, having worked at Strong for over 14 years, is a testament to his spirit. He recently moved to a home near Lake Ontario, and his family celebrated Thanksgiving with most of their grandchildren, all under the age of six.
Brock's nurse often reminds him that he is a miracle, a sentiment he does not disagree with. The dedication and commitment of the staff at the hospital where he works are not lost on him either. Brock continues to work at the Wilmot Cancer Center, a beacon of hope for many, including himself.
As Brock looks forward to the future, he does not express any intentions of retiring. Instead, he continues to inspire those around him with his unwavering spirit and determination to live life to the fullest. His story serves as a reminder that with the right support system, determination, and a positive mindset, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.
- Jude Brock's journey with cancer has also led him to explore various health-and-wellness therapies-and-treatments, particularly focusing on mental health, as a means to cope with his medical-conditions.
- Brock's experience with cancer has further fueled his passion for science, as he seeks to learn more about the latest advancements in cancer treatments and dietary regimens to maintain his health and wellness.
- As a symbol of gratitude for the care and support he received during his cancer treatments, Brock has expressed his intent to explore ways to give back to the medical-community, supporting research in cancer treatments, as well as mental-health services at the Wilmot Cancer Center.
