Eugene Holman

When couples plan and dream about their retirement years, having to deal with cancer is not a part of those dreams. However for Eugene and Theresa Holman, cancer became a part of their lives just one week after Theresa retired.

Eighteen months before, Eugene had gone to a routine dental appointment to fit his dentures when the dentist noticed an abnormality and referred him to a maxillofacial surgeon. The specialist took a biopsy and the test came back pre-cancerous. “That was the day I quit smoking,” says Eugene – a smoker for 40 years.

Follow-up testing was scheduled for every 6 months and at the third appointment, cancer was found. His maxillofacial surgeon, sent him onto Dr. Dobleman once the cancer was discovered.

“Over the next three weeks I had nine doctor appointments and met the whole team of specialist who would be helping me with my surgery and recovery,” explains Eugene. “They kept us so well informed that there were no surprises,” Holman says.

Dr. Dobleman is certified in both cancer and reconstructive surgery. The Holmans were particularly grateful that during the surgery Dr. Dobleman and his maxillofacial surgeon had the skills to remove the cancer without cutting any major muscles – thereby not affecting Eugene’s speech and swallowing.

“Before my surgery, I told Theresa that if I died I don’t want you to think it was because we didn't go to the best doctors – because we did,” notes Eugene.

Eugene can’t say enough about the quality of treatment and the importance of early detection. “People could take lessons on how thorough my doctors were,” Eugene explains. He completed his radiation and was thankful that the chemotherapy that they had prepared him for wasn’t needed in the end.

Today Eugene looks forward to celebrating his 52nd wedding anniversary with Theresa, their five children and thirteen grandchildren. He has also gone back to part-time work – to keep himself busy – and is keeping up with his follow-up appointments to reach the milestone of being cancer free for five years.

Other Patient Testimonials:
Denise McBride
Harley Batie
Jill Olsen