In the middle of his 20th year of practicing oncology, Peter Selassie, MD, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. For the first time in his life, the Florida physician received the bad news he so often delivered to his patients.

After suffering from violent dizzy spells, Selassie was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. The scan showed a large, amorphous tumor at the base of his brain. Although the tumor was benign, it was in a very malignant location.

"It pressed on the nerves that control hearing in my left ear and my facial expressions. Part of the tumor invaded my brain stem, which controls the heart beat," Selassie said.

As a highly experienced oncologist, Selassie understood the reality of his diagnosis: if the tumor was not removed, he could lose more than hearing and facial expression; he could lose his life. Yet he also understood that a successful brain surgery offered hope.

"When I was first diagnosed, I contacted Dr. Patrick Hitchon, a neurosurgeon at University of Iowa Health Care and a friend of mine from medical school. I asked him to recommend a surgeon," Selassie said. "He replied without hesitation that I should come to the University of Iowa Cancer Center in Iowa City and have Dr. Arnold Menezes remove my tumor."

Less than one month after diagnosis, Selassie, with his wife, Carol, arrived at UI Hospitals and Clinics. The Selassies said they knew from the moment they walked into the Hospitals and Clinics that they were surrounded by caring, highly qualified professionals and that they had made the right decision.

Menezes said Selassie's surgery was particularly difficult because important nerves ran through the center of the tumor. "I had to be careful not to cut those nerves while removing the tumor," he said.

During the operation, a nurse kept Carol Selassie updated on her husband's condition. Finally, after eight hours, Menezes came out smiling to tell her everything was fine.

Peter Selassie said he appreciated the fact that people were looking out not just for him, but also for his spouse.

After surgery, Selassie received specialized care from specialists in the surgical intensive care unit. He soon was transferred to the neurosurgery nursing unit, where the surgeon, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, and dietitian collaborated to implement a recovery plan.

"For an excellent recovery, patients need to have not just excellent surgeons," Selassie said. "They need to have an outstanding team of health care professionals, including radiologists, anesthesiologists, and even pharmacists. As a doctor who has worked in many hospitals, I know I received care from an experienced, well-qualified, and, most of all, caring team."

Just five days after surgery, the Selassies returned to their home in the central Florida community of Longwood, near Orlando. Although he had expected to be out of practice for three to six months after surgery, Selassie was treating patients again within two months.

When diagnosing and treating patients, Selassie said he always presents them with a realistic, yet hopeful, picture of life after diagnosis. Now, his personal story of recovery truly depicts that hope.

"For the first time in my life, I can put myself in my patients' shoes," he said. "I can let them know that their situation is not hopeless. I am their example."

For more information, patients and families should call the toll-free UI Health Access phone number and ask for the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Physicians should call UI Consult for consultation and scheduling.

"I could have gone anywhere in the world. I am very lucky ended up at the University of Iowa Cancer Center."
Peter Selassie, MD