From Patient Dudley Morgan:

On 10/31/08 I began to have difficulty writing words. I could read them just fine but when I went to write the word "interesting", for example, I would notice that I didn't have enough vowels in the word. I couldn't figure out what vowel was missing and where it should be. I just knew it wasn't right. I thought initially that maybe I was just tired or maybe I needed a new prescription for my glasses. The next day and the day after I had the same problem only it was worse and I was having headaches. These were the symptoms of what turned out to be lung cancer which had metastasized to my brain in the form of 3 separate masses, one the size of a golf ball. On 11/03/08 I was not able to go to work and started down a path of diagnosis and treatment which enabled me to return to work almost 6 months to the day. I had Gamma Knife surgery to kill the 3 brain tumors, the upper lobe of my right lung removed and chemotherapy. Over this 6 month period of time there were a multitude of people who offered prayers and best wishes and many people who were willing, or went out of their way to provide support.

My wife was my chief advocate and support system. She dealt with many things she had not dealt with before and was also having to deal with her own fears, wondering if I would make it the whole time. We arrived on Dr. Carabulea's doorstep very quickly and from the very first visit he had my complete trust. He was frank and willing to take the time to answer questions, sometimes the same question over and over again. Above all, he understood what my wife was going through and was not only concerned about my welfare but hers, as well. In addition to the Doc, there was his team of Gloria and Julie, both who were patient, caring and competent. The first couple of months were the most challenging for my wife and me. Patience and understanding by others was priceless.

My diagnosis and treatment followed rapidly. The Doc took charge and coordinated my overall treatment of surgery, blood work, MRI/CT scans, X-Rays, chemotherapy. He researched and discussed what he felt was best for me. He personally supervised and sometimes administered my chemotherapy in his office. He directed us to Dr. Duma (Brain surgeon) and Dr. Zussman (Lung surgeon) with whom he worked. My wife refers to these 3 as the 3 Angels. From my perspective they truly were and so was my wife. My brain surgery was a little over a week after being diagnosed and my lung surgery just 2 months later with chemotherapy in between and after.

Looking back I was truly fortunate and blessed to be directed to Dr. Carabulea and his team. I still have follow-up scans but am considered cancer free at this time.

Thanks Doc ! You are clearly dedicated to your work and your patients. I cannot possibly repay you for what you have done for me but if there is anything I could ever do just ask.
Thanks Gloria and Julie!

Dudley Morgan




From Patient Jim Taczy:

If I had to sum up "Cancer", I would call it an "adventure"...to say the least. Out of all the things a person may hear in their lifetime, the three words - "You have cancer" - will never leave my mind. Those words resonate differently for everyone and everyone will deal with it differently. I personally think that your doctor is a key element in how you handle the news.

Enter Dr. Carabulea - March17, 2007, I make a trip to Mission Hospital with a cardiac arrhythmia. A chest X-ray indicated that a "mass" in the middle of my chest had gotten larger. This same mass had been biopsied 2 years earlier and it was determined to be benign. Right after that episode, I began to notice a multitude of symptoms and within 2 weeks, I went to my primary care doctor for a wellness check. He called me the next day to tell me that I needed to come in and discuss my blood test...this couldn't be good. He expressed great concern in my symptoms and my white blood cell count. Right there in the exam room, he called Dr. Carabulea and set up my visit 2 days later. I didn't know Dr. Carabulea was an oncologist until I got to the door. Needless to say, the reality began to set in quickly that I might hear those awful words. The diagnosis was Stage 4, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Dr. Carabulea was the perfect type of doctor for me. Very calm and extremely knowledgeable, he humored me by answering all of my questions. Being a person that needs to read about things, he helped me work through what was good information and what was not so accurate based on what I had read on the Internet. He figured out quickly how to "manage" me, and believe me, I needed it. My first chemo treatment was at San Clemente Hospital and the nurse had worked with him for years. Still getting to know my doctor, Nurse Linda, did nothing but rave about him and his level of care for his patients. Considering my first chemo treatment was on 20 days after my initial visit, these words were extremely comforting. The next 5 treatments were actually administered by Dr. "C", in his office...I found this unusual, in a good way.

Over the next 6 months, we became family. He called me at home, on my cell phone, where ever he had to in order to find me...no small feat. He took care of me like I was family and I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling that is in a very uncertain time. He never flinched if I had a stupid question and always keep me completely up to speed on my progress. And when I did something stupid, like not tell him when I was running a fever, he knew exactly how to manage this situation...he called my wife!

I don't have words to express the fondness that I have for Dr. Carabulea...as a doctor...as a professional...and most of all, a person. If you are a patient or trying to find a doctor in a difficult time, you couldn't be in better hands.

Jim Taczy - Cancer Survivor and feeling great! Thank you Dr. C!

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