Patient Login and Florida Cancer Specialists Reviews

Ric and his wife were excited to retire early and spend their retirement traveling and exploring the world. However, after a poor reaction to surgery, Ric found himself battling a pulmonary embolism and blood clots in both legs. Due to clotting and the blood thinners, it was unsafe for him to travel.

In December 2022, Ric learned he would need surgery, but due to his blood clotting condition sought the help of a hematologist to ensure safety during surgery. Florida Cancer Specialists Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Dr. Brandon Konkel was able to alter his medications, which not only made his surgery safe but improved the quality of his life. Now, Ric and his wife plan to make up for lost time and travel as much as possible with their newfound freedom.

After a testicular cancer diagnosis in his late 20s, Ryan Clanton didn’t believe that he’d ever be able to ever have children. Now, against all odds, Ryan is a father and is 15 years cancer-free. He recently reached out to his oncologist, Dr. Lucio Gordan, to update him on how much his life has changed since his initial diagnosis.

No one in Shannon Gunn’s family ever had cancer. Thankfully, she listened to her body and got checked out when she discovered a lump on her breast. After 10 months of aggressive treatment, the marathon runner and fitness trainer completed the Sunshine Skyway 10K race and soon crossed the finish line of the treatment phase of her cancer journey. She is grateful to her Florida Cancer Specialists medical oncologist Dr. Vikas Malhotra and team who, from day one, treated her like family.

Stefanie Ascher leads a busy life as a 30-year-old mother and chiropractor. Here, she recounts the symptoms that led her to her diagnosis of stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma and what helped her overcome the greatest challenge of her life — fighting cancer. She credits much of her success to her care team at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute: FCS Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Christopher Lobo, MD, Julie Pauly, APRN, and the entire FCS Port Charlotte team, who were there for her every step of the way.

A visit to her dermatologist to check what she thought were simple skin lesions indicated that Stephanie had cancer. Tests later revealed the diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer. The schoolteacher and mother of three had never smoked. A biomarker test performed by FCS medical oncologist Dr. Syed F. Zafar found a rare genetic mutation. Stephanie continues to inspire others with her resilience and determination.

After experiencing nervousness and anxiety in waiting rooms during her mother’s cancer journey, Rachel Clark was inspired to make the experience better for others. Now, every month, in her mother’s memory, Rachel delivers a flower and a note to FCS Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Dr. Jennifer Byer to be given to one of her patients that day.