John Mast

In September 2015, cattle and timber worker, John Mast, 62, had surgery for prostate cancer in Dallas. The cancer was Stage IV and unfortunately it had spread, leaving John faced with the decision of where to receive radiation treatment. After being disappointed with the bedside manner of the oncologists he met in Dallas, he knew he didn’t want to go back to the hospital where he had his surgery. John also knew he wanted to go somewhere he could trust that was close to home. That’s when he decided to look for help in his own community — at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

“I’d been to Nacogdoches when I needed a heart catheter, and I thought they did a really good job,” he says.

John met with radiation oncologist and hematologist Mary Hebert, M.D., and knew right away he’d made the right decision.

“She spent a lot of time with me when I first met her, which meant a lot,” John says. “She took the time to explain my treatment options. I met the nurses and technicians, and I just knew that that’s where I’d go for my treatment. It was an important decision.”

John says he could have gone anywhere in the country for radiation treatment but he was happy to find the best was right in his own backyard.

“Of course, I had the choice to go anywhere, but I wanted the best,” he says. “And that’s what I got. Dr. Hebert, the nurses, the technicians, they were all top notch. I really can’t say enough good things about them.”

John received 37 radiation treatments under Dr. Hebert’s care. Although he admits it wasn’t easy, he says the nurses and technicians made him feel at ease.

“Every visit, they really went out of their way to make me comfortable,” he says. “If I could give them five stars for service, I would.”

John says he was also impressed by the level of professionalism displayed by Dr. Hebert and staff members.

“Everyone was fantastic,” he says. “They were all very nice and professional. I don’t plan on going back, but if a friend asked for a recommendation, I’d highly recommend the oncology group at Nacogdoches.”

John says that after his treatment, he was able to return to work almost immediately, which was important to him.

“I’m still recovering,” he says. “It’s been slow-going. I’ve had some stomach issues, but other than that, I expect to be feeling better soon.”