State-of-the-Art Radiation Cancer Treatment Improves Quality of Life

Mario Ruiz has a lot to be grateful for. Just one day before Thanksgiving, Ruiz finished his final prostate cancer treatment at the Sutter Solano Cancer Center; something that he says makes him "happy, happy, happy."

Ruiz, 69, a native of Nicaragua, was able to return for an extended visit during the holidays. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer just five months ago, and at the Sutter Solano Cancer Center he received state-of-the-art intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) five days a week, which he called a relaxing experience. IMRT utilizes computers to deliver precise radiation doses to specifically target cancer cells, enabling higher and more effective doses of radiation with fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy techniques.

According to his nurse, Samuel Butalid, R.N., sometimes patients experience skin irritations at the site of the targeted treatment. However, Ruiz responded well to the treatments, with no side effects. His choice of background music to play during radiation therapy? Salsa!

Ruiz worked two jobs as a janitor for more than 10 years to help put all four of his children through college; two became nurses, two became engineers. He sold his house in Cordelia and gave most of the money to his children so they could buy their own homes, while he bought a home in Nicaragua for only five thousand dollars.

Butalid says Ruiz is a cheerful patient, while Ruiz responds that the staff is "simply beautiful."
Ruiz was pleased with the collaboration between his physicians. He was originally a patient of Mark Susskind, M.D., a urologist at Sutter Regional Medical Foundation in Fairfield. Dr. Susskind referred Ruiz to James Knister, M.D., medical director of radiation oncology at the Sutter Solano Cancer Center. Both worked in concert to assure he received the highest quality care.

Although Ruiz says his father lived until the age of 93, his oldest sister recently died of breast cancer, and his youngest sister was also recently diagnosed with the disease.

But despite his recent losses, Ruiz manages to stay positive. "I feel very good," he says. "Life is better than before."

Sutter Solano Cancer Center is located at 100 Hospital Drive in Vallejo. For more information about the Hospital’s programs and services, as well as information about referrals, please call (707) 551-3400.


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Russell Neilson, coordinator, business development and marketing, 707-554-5123