At 99 years old, Joseph K. reflects on a life defined by service, resilience, and vitality. An Air Force veteran, he spent three years in Italy during World War II, directing radar for incoming and outgoing planes. After returning home, he embraced family life and an active lifestyle in Brooklyn, New York, where he worked as a commercial HVAC specialist.
His son, Leonard, and family moved to Spring Hill, Florida, and Joseph followed. Father and son enjoyed playing two rounds of golf together each week for many years. Though shoulder pain and vision changes eventually forced Joseph to step back from the game, he is grateful for a long, full life without regrets.
When cancer symptoms appeared, Joseph was hesitant about treatment, but, at the urging of his son, ultimately chose to move forward—and today he is glad he did.
In 2024, Joseph developed a small spot on his upper lip. Shaving would irritate it and eating was sometimes uncomfortable. As it grew larger, he reluctantly consulted his primary care doctor and was seen by a dermatologist, who diagnosed locally advanced basal cell carcinoma.
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinomas develop most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They tend to grow slowly and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.
Joseph was referred to medical oncologist and hematologist Faye Yin, MD, with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Brooksville, Florida, a short 20-minute drive from his home where he lives independently.
Dr. Yin discussed Joseph’s treatment options. Although he had agreed to seek treatment, he remained firmly opposed to surgery—the most common treatment for the disease.
With advanced research experience in gene therapy and specialized fellowship training in hematology and oncology at the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute, Dr. Yin is deeply engaged in bringing the newest targeted and breakthrough therapies to patients. She suggested Erivedge®, a targeted therapy that works by blocking a signaling pathway in cells (known as the Hedgehog signaling pathway) that controls how tissues grow. Dr. Yin explained that the drug, specifically used to treat basal cell carcinoma, is taken in pill form and proven safe for use in older adults. Joseph agreed.
After three months of treatment, Dr. Yin describes her patient’s response as ‘amazing.’ “Progression of the disease has slowed visibly,” she reports. “Joseph is having no pain and feeling much better overall.”
Leonard concurs and says that his dad has experienced “a complete turnaround with no real side effects, which is remarkable.” He gives FCS his highest rating—a 10—because of the results.
The FCS clinic’s close proximity to home was a plus, as visits were needed every two weeks to monitor Joseph’s blood levels for any side effects and the overall effectiveness of therapy, which Dr. Yin kept track of with photographs of the affected area. The family is especially grateful for the help of their FCS patient financial navigator who was able to help them obtain coverage for Joseph’s treatment.
Although Joseph was hesitant at first, he’s feeling better and his quality of life is much improved. “Seeing him happy makes me happy too,” says his son.
