Bob Monter and his wife, Judy, have always embraced an active retirement. Bob enjoys the camaraderie of league bowling, which he was able to continue during treatment, while Judy finds community and renewal at the YMCA. Life felt comfortably predictable until May 2024, when Bob noticed blood in his urine.

At first, Bob assumed it was a simple urinary tract infection. He visited Aultman Massillon, where he was prescribed antibiotics. When the symptoms persisted, he went to the emergency room and was referred to a urologist.
At Dr. David Turk’s office, Bob was prescribed medication to treat what was believed to be an enlarged prostate. To confirm the diagnosis, he was scheduled for a cystoscopy in August 2024.

During the procedure, the healthcare team discovered a tumor. “It was definitely unsettling,” Bob remembered, but Dr. Turk reassured him that tumors of this type are often benign. To determine a definitive diagnosis and next steps, Bob underwent a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) later that month. The results revealed Stage 2 muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Bob was immediately referred to Dr. Raza Khan, oncologist at Aultman Cancer Center. Chemotherapy began in September 2024 and included five rounds over a 15-week period.

Bob recalled the experience with gratitude. “The entire team was incredible,” he said. Thanks to pre-chemotherapy anti-nausea infusions, he tolerated treatment well and experienced little queasiness.

Seeking peace of mind, Bob also pursued a second opinion. A specialist recommended complete bladder removal. After thoughtful reflection, Bob decided to consider that option only as a last resort.

At a follow-up appointment in January 2025, Dr. Khan shared encouraging news: He was extremely pleased with Bob’s response to treatment. He recommended one additional round of chemotherapy with simultaneous radiation therapy. Under the care and guidance of Dr. Steven Olyejar, radiation oncologist, Bob completed four weeks of radiation.

Today, Bob’s follow-up CT scans and cystoscopies have been clear, and he continues with ongoing monitoring. One moment stands out vividly: ringing the bell to mark the completion of treatment, surrounded by his entire care team. “It was utterly amazing,” Bob said. “Something I’ll never forget.”

Deeply grateful for the care he received at Aultman Cancer Center, Bob is eager to encourage others facing a cancer diagnosis. “Chemotherapy is frightening,” he shared, “but the discomfort is worth it. It does work.” He also offers simple but powerful advice: Listen to your body. “When you’re tired, rest – it’s your body’s way of protecting itself and healing.”

Bob and Judy are filled with deep gratitude for the extraordinary caregivers who walked beside them through one of the most challenging chapters of their lives. The entire infusion team played a vital role in easing fear and offering comfort, but several individuals left an especially lasting impression.

Tiffany Walter, cancer patient navigator, was a steady source of support throughout. The skill and kindness of Francesca Indorf, staff nurse with chemotherapy, never went unnoticed – especially when starting IVs. Bob and Judy also expressed heartfelt gratitude for Kelly Downard, unit director with infusion therapy, for her leadership and compassionate care.

For Bob and Judy, the experience reaffirmed what compassionate, high-quality care can truly mean during life’s most challenging moments.