Compassionate care can make an important difference to a patient's recovery
When cancer strikes, receiving extraordinary care can make all the difference in helping a patient to achieve a positive outcome. No one knows this more than James Burke, a 57-year old Tinton Falls resident who recently completed a month-long course of outpatient infusion treatment at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel following a diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

"Despite two surgeries to remove my cancer, I still required additional drug therapy," said the Jersey City high school principal. "I began a 30-day treatment of interferon, receiving 41 million units each day, delivered by IV. During each procedure, I would become nauseous, vomit, have chills or run a fever as the interferon destroyed the remaining cancer cells in my body," recalled Mr. Burke. "There were a couple of times when I just wanted to throw in the towel, but knowing I was getting the best possible care from my wonderful nurses, knowing that the staff and my physician had my best interest at heart, made it possible for me to go back day after day."

"Nobody likes to hear the word cancer," continued Mr. Burke. "When I was growing up, a diagnosis of cancer was like a death sentence." Fortunately for Mr. Burke, surgeons were able operate on his malignancy successfully. "I was very lucky to then be referred to Dr. Michael Kane for follow-up treatment. I was impressed as heck by him at our initial meeting."

Dr. Michael Kane, M.D., F.A.C.P., board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, is medical director of the oncology program at Bayshore Community Hospital. Dr. Kane spent more than two hours with Mr. Burke at that initial meeting, examining him, answering his questions and putting him at ease.