Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute - Oncology and Hematology

Katie, a patient of FCS medical oncologist Dr. Kristin Gonter-Aubin, and her mom, Kelly, recount their experience at FCS Englewood following a medical emergency. Mother and daughter are grateful for the quick-thinking response of the entire team that helped them in that moment and for the expert care and compassionate support they have received throughout Katie’s treatment journey.

When Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer that later metastasized, she and her family were filled with fear, especially after losing her middle daughter to cancer. Under the care of Dr. Raymond and Dr. Rodriguez at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Sue found not only advanced treatment but also hope and compassion through every step of her journey.

At 99, WWII veteran Joseph K. faced advanced basal cell carcinoma on his upper lip. Hesitant about surgery, he chose targeted therapy with Erivedge under Dr. Faye Yin’s care at Florida Cancer Specialists. After just three months, his results were amazing—no pain, minimal side effects, and improved quality of life.

At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), patients like Anthony are seeing life-changing results through access to cutting-edge treatments close to home. After being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive lung cancer, Anthony began therapy with talatamab at our Brooksville location, eliminating the need to travel out of state. With expert care from the FCS team, his health and quality of life quickly improved. This is the impact of personalized, innovative cancer care at FCS.

In the 2010s, Donna noticed some subtle differences in her health, including bloating and changes to her weight. As someone who has always been proactive about her health, she made appointments with various doctors for testing and diagnostics, and everything appeared fine. However, after a bout of appendicitis, she soon learned she had a rare and advanced type of ovarian cancer.

She began her treatment at FCS with Dr. Gordan in Gainesville and has been under his care for the last 13 years. In that time, she has been on 13 different chemo drugs, clinical trials, and immunotherapy, all while keeping a positive outlook and smile on her face. She credits her incredible support system and FCS team, which has become her family, for her long-term success.

In 2003, Anne was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia 5q-, a rare bone marrow disorder that affects the development of red blood cells, often leading to anemia and enlarged red blood cells. At that time, her care provider told her she likely only had 5 years to live. Fortunately, through a support group, she learned of a clinical trial offered by Gustavo A. Fonseca, MD, FACP, medical oncologist and hematologist at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, and was able to enroll. Now, 20 years later, she recalls the many milestones she’s experienced since her diagnosis and extends her gratitude to Dr. Fonseca, her FCS care team, and above all, the clinical trial that saved her life.