How Active Surveillance Helped One Man Live 17 Years Cancer-Free After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
When John Shoemaker was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in 2006, the news could have been life-changing. A former tech executive and a self-described “data-driven person,” Shoemaker immediately threw himself into research, determined to understand every option available.
But what surprised him most wasn't the diagnosis — it was the recommendation from one of the nation’s top surgeons: Don’t treat the cancer yet. Monitor it instead.
Nearly 17 years later, Shoemaker remains on active surveillance with no progression of his disease.
“The strongest, most positive thing I can say is that it hasn’t affected me at all,” he says. “My life has been exactly the same as if I had never been diagnosed.”
A Surprising Diagnosis — And an Even More Surprising Recommendation
Shoemaker first learned of his cancer during a routine checkup. His urologist assured him that early-stage prostate cancer often grows slowly and that immediate treatment wasn’t necessary. That gave Shoemaker the space he needed to investigate his options.
“I took three to six months and researched everything — treatments, medical centers, success rates. UCSF kept rising to the top,” he recalls.
UCSF Medical Center’s reputation for excellence led him to schedule appointments with six specialists across the country, including Dr. Peter Carroll, one of the world’s leading prostate cancer surgeons.
Why UCSF — And Why Dr. Carroll?
Shoemaker was impressed by UCSF’s global reputation and the expertise of its physicians. But when he looked deeper into Dr. Carroll’s surgical outcomes, the numbers stunned him:
-
Most surgeons: 30–50% rate of common side effects such as sexual dysfunction or incontinence
-
Dr. Carroll: Around 5%
-
Thousands of procedures performed
-
Exceptionally low complication and bleeding rates
“Every urologist I talked to said he was the best,” Shoemaker says.
But what happened in Carroll’s office surprised him even more.
“Do Neither”: A New Way to Treat Early Prostate Cancer
Shoemaker came prepared with detailed notes and a long list of questions. Should he choose surgery? Radiation? Something newer?
Instead, Dr. Carroll suggested a different path: active surveillance.
“It wasn’t watchful waiting,” Shoemaker emphasizes. “Peter explained that watchful waiting involves too much waiting and not enough watching. Active surveillance is structured, proactive, and deeply data-driven — which spoke perfectly to me.”
Carroll also shared a reassuring fact:
Men who delay treatment under active surveillance have the same or better outcomes as those who undergo immediate intervention.
Shoemaker was stunned.
“It amazed me that a world-class surgeon would tell me not to have surgery. That told me immediately that he put patients first.”
Life on Active Surveillance
For nearly two decades, Shoemaker has followed a careful monitoring plan guided by his UCSF care team:
Early years:
-
PSA test every 3 months
-
Ultrasound every 6 months
-
Biopsy every 18–24 months
Today:
-
PSA twice a year
-
Annual ultrasound
-
Yearly check-up
-
MRI imaging as needed
Because his cancer hasn’t progressed, testing has become less frequent. New technologies, such as video visits and improved imaging, have made the process even easier.
“I live in Los Altos, so avoiding the long drive to San Francisco has been a blessing,” he says. “Being able to review MRI results by video saves time and still gives me excellent care.”
“It Hasn’t Affected My Life at All”
Now 79 years old, Shoemaker continues to live a full, active life.
“I might even say I feel healthier. My cardiologist recently told me I’ll live another 20 years,” he jokes.
“I’ve already had 16 years of high-quality life that could have looked very different had I rushed into treatment.”
He believes more men should know that active surveillance can be a safe and effective option.
“You can start active surveillance and potentially live the rest of your life without ever needing invasive treatment. I don’t worry. I know my numbers. I trust my doctors. I feel completely secure.”
3333
A Partnership in Care — And an Unexpected Friendship
Shoemaker describes UCSF as an institution similar to Silicon Valley in spirit: collaborative, innovative, and open.
“They encouraged my wife Donna and me to be part of the medical team,” he says. “You’re not just a patient. You’re a partner.”
What began as a frightening diagnosis soon became an empowering journey.
“We walked into Peter’s office in 2006 thinking our lives might change for the worse. Instead, it opened up a new dimension,” he says.
Shoemaker and his wife now work in prostate cancer advocacy, helping men understand the benefits of active surveillance. Their personal motto, “Make the problem the answer,” reflects the hope they share with others.
Comments
Post a Comment