Patient Story: Bob Stacey’s Story Against Prostate Cancer
My name is Bob Stacey, and I’m 62 years old. I dedicated 32 years of my life to the fire service, with the last 27 years spent working for the city of Vista. It was a wonderful career, and I loved my job. I retired as a fire captain.
Prostate Cancer Journey
My journey with prostate cancer began in my early 30s when my dad came home and announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I didn’t even fully understand what a prostate was at the time. Two years later, my father’s brother was also diagnosed with the same condition. The good news is that both of them lived into their 80s and did not pass away from cancer.
Fast forward to my own story: Throughout my career, our department conducted annual physical testing, which included blood draws. When I turned 40, they started taking my PSA levels, which were always normal–ranging from 0.4 to 1.2.
However, as I entered my 50s, my PSA began to rise, recording levels of 2.2, 3.5, and 4.4. After I celebrated my 56th birthday, my doctor conducted my annual check-up. Even though I had been retired for five years, he noted that my blood work was wonderful, except for the concerning PSA level, which had risen to 5.5. He advised me to see a urologist.
A week later, I visited the urologist, who reassured me that it was probably nothing serious–just an infection. He prescribed antibiotics and recommended that I get another PSA test in two weeks. However, I didn’t follow up immediately, and my PSA level rose to 6.0. At that point, the urologist deemed it necessary to perform a dreaded biopsy, specifically a 12-core biopsy. When I returned a week later for the results, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and my Gleason score was a 3+4.
Fighting Cancer with Proton Therapy
I resolved to beat this just as I had tackled challenges in the fire service. My investigation into treatment options began, and after exploring my choices, I opted for 28 treatments of Proton Beam Radiation. I received successful treatment at a facility in San Diego called California Protons. I am grateful to report that I have had no side effects.
Following the treatment, I am required to have my PSA levels checked every six months for five years. I recently had my five-year PSA check, and it was a 0.58. I reached out to my radiation oncologist to ask, “Am I in remission? Am I cured?” He promptly responded, “You are cured.”
Now, every 3 to 4 weeks, I speak at the California Protons Cancer Therapy Center, sharing my story of success. I consider myself very blessed.
Bob Stacey Today: Champion Against Prostate Cancer
For the past couple of years, former patient Bob Stacey has been speaking to Seminar & Tour attendees about his experience at California Protons. Bob was treated in 2019 by Dr. Rossi for prostate cancer, resulting from his occupation as a Vista Fire Captain.
Recently, Bob was asked by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network to train as a mentor with the organization, talking to and supporting colleagues on a similar journey. In addition, he’s talking with the area fire departments about best practices to avoid cancer in their occupation.
This January, in honor of Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, Bob and a friend walked 15 miles in one day to draw attention to the cause. KUSI followed his journey and interviewed Bob. You can watch it here.
On February 11, 2025, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor Jim Desmond presented Bob with a Proclamation naming February 11th Bob Stacey Day.
