Retired Doctor in Remote Colorado Turns to UCLA Health for Prostate Cancer Care: A Personal Journey Towards Quality of Life
Quality of life is critical, especially when facing a health crisis. For Dr. Thomas McWilliams, a retired physician and former medical school dean now residing on a picturesque 160-acre ranch in Colorado, this notion became poignantly important after his diagnosis of intermediate-grade prostate cancer in December 2023.
Background on Dr. Thomas McWilliams
At 76 years old, Dr. McWilliams—affectionately referred to as "Dr. Mac"—has dedicated over four decades to medicine, practicing emergency and family medicine in challenging locations, including the Alaskan Peninsula and Kodiak Island. After retiring in 2018, he and his wife, DeLoss, shifted their focus from a clinical environment to ranch life, where they engage in outdoor activities and arts.
Despite his extensive background in medicine, Dr. McWilliams was initially reluctant to undergo PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screenings. This decision reflects a common concern among men regarding the potential for false positives and the side effects associated with unnecessary biopsies. After a five-year hiatus from screening, Dr. McWilliams discovered his elevated PSA level of 14 in 2023. Understanding the implications of this finding, he turned to his son, Dr. Justin McWilliams, a section chief at UCLA Health’s Interventional Radiology, for guidance.
The Transition to UCLA Health
Upon the recommendation of his son, Dr. McWilliams sought care at UCLA Health, home to one of the nation’s leading urology departments. The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA is renowned for its innovative approach to prostate cancer treatment, especially through MRI-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). This method allows for high doses of radiation to be delivered precisely to the prostate, reducing the number of treatment sessions from 45 to just five.
Dr. McWilliams found great comfort in the care he received, noting the exceptional professionalism and attentiveness of the entire UCLA Health team.
Innovative Techniques: SBRT and Personalized Care
The use of MRI-guided SBRT reflects a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment. Clinical studies from UCLA indicate a marked reduction in side effects compared to traditional CT-guided radiation, due to the more precise targeting of the tumor. Dr. Amar Kishan, who specializes in radiation oncology at UCLA, helped guide Dr. McWilliams through this advanced treatment approach.
Dr. McWilliams underwent a transperineal biopsy, a less invasive method with fewer side effects than traditional processes. Although the biopsy confirmed a tumor measuring 1 by 2 cm, genetic analysis indicated that he could forgo antigen-deprivation therapy (ADT), which often comes with undesired side effects.
Treatment Journey and Experience
Embarking on his treatment journey, Dr. McWilliams received personalized attention. Testing indicated he was a good candidate for SBRT. However, concerns about his cochlear implant led the medical team to pivot from an MRI-guided approach to an advanced form of CT-guided treatment, termed triggered imaging. This method achieves comparable results while safeguarding his cochlear implant.
After more than a week undergoing treatment at UCLA, Dr. McWilliams returned to his ranch, expressing relief at how manageable his treatment had been. "Had I known how relatively painless this would be… I wouldn’t have worried about it so much," he noted, citing minimal side effects and complications.
This experience starkly contrasts the prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment protocols from Dr. McWilliams’ active years in medicine. Not only have techniques improved, but awareness around regular screenings has become increasingly emphasized.
Advocacy for Regular Screenings
Dr. McWilliams now advocates for routine PSA screenings, fundamentally believing men should begin discussions about prostate health at the recommended age of 50—unless they fall into high-risk categories. His belief stems from his recent experience, highlighting the importance of early detection and seeking care from centers renowned for their specialized approaches.
A Legacy Beyond Medicine
Beyond medicine, Dr. McWilliams is committed to maintaining an active life, often indulging in activities like camping and river-rafting—an homage to his adventurous spirit cultivated over decades. He credits his wife for creating a tranquil home at Spirit Bear Ranch, a place they sought for 25 years before finding their perfect sanctuary.
As Dr. McWilliams reflects on his journey from diagnosis to treatment, he emphasizes the transformations he has experienced—not just in health but also in perspective. "It’s about living and embracing life. After all, nothing compares to the beauty of home," he affirmed.
Conclusion
Dr. Thomas McWilliams’ story illustrates the intersection of experience, modern medical advancements, and the enduring quest for quality of life in the face of health challenges. His advocacy for prostate health awareness is a valuable call to action for men everywhere, reinforcing the critical importance of early detection and the pursuit of exceptional care, exemplified by his journey to UCLA Health.
Through the collaboration of family, advanced medical technologies, and unwavering support, Dr. McWilliams continues to inspire hope and resilience, proving that life’s most challenging circumstances can lead to profound personal growth and renewed appreciation for the world around us.
