Greater Detroit District Treasurer Victor Raybaud knows firsthand the difference compassionate cancer care can make. As this year’s Greater Detroit District Golf Outing raises funds for Henry Ford Health Webber Cancer Center and Shades of Pink Foundation, Victor shares his personal journey through prostate cancer treatment and the people who helped him along the way.
by Adrienne Trupiano, Media Specialist
When Greater Detroit District Treasurer Victor Raybaud received a call from his doctor after what he expected to be a routine blood test, his life changed in an instant.
“After having perfect health exams for over 60 years, it’s difficult to describe the emotions you feel when your doctor says, ‘You need to come in so we can discuss your last blood test results,'” Victor recalled.
His PSA level had risen significantly, leading to months of testing, consultations, and difficult decisions. Following a fusion prostate biopsy, PET scan, and discussions with his physicians about treatment options, Victor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October. Together with his medical team, and through discussions with his wife, he chose radiation therapy.
Before treatments began, physicians completed a SpaceOAR hydrogel procedure to protect nearby organs from radiation. On December 1, Victor began 28 weekday radiation treatments, completing his final session on January 9. At his first follow-up appointment in April, his PSA level had already dropped from 9.5 to 2.5—a hopeful sign that treatment had been effective.
Throughout the journey, Victor says it wasn’t only the advanced medical technology that made a difference—it was the people.
“Every person I met was very friendly and made me feel at ease,” he said. “Each procedure was explained in terms I could understand, and every question was answered.”
His care team, including Dr. Sircus, Dr. Chuba, Melissa, and radiation technicians Mark and Tracie, quickly became more than healthcare providers.
“This group became my second family,” Victor shared. “We shared stories about our lives and got to know each other on a personal level. Meeting with them became something I looked forward to because it made my day better.”
Victor also credits his wife, Vicki, for walking beside him every step of the way. She attended consultations, asked questions alongside him, and helped navigate each decision with confidence.
Looking back, Victor says what stands out most is the compassionate care he received.
“I’m just grateful for the medical team at the Webber Cancer Center. I have nothing to compare it to, but they made a difficult experience so much easier.”
Even simple acts of kindness left a lasting impression.
“I would walk into the center for an appointment, and people who weren’t even involved in my treatment would say, ‘Good morning. I hope everything goes well for you today.’ It made the cancer center feel like a second home.”
Victor also found strength through the prayers and encouragement of family, friends, and his church community. Members of Immanuel (Eastpointe) United Methodist Church surrounded him with prayer, even dedicating one of the congregation’s prayer quilts to him during his treatment.
“The most important thing was the support and prayers I received from everyone, both personal and medical,” he said. “I thank God I live in a generation with such amazing medical technology and the people who have been trained to use it.”