Gregory B. Franz, MD
Kirkland Cancer Center
The test results were back. Chemotherapy treatments were no longer working, and there were no other viable options to fight her cancer. Instead of calling his patient into his office, Dr. Gregory Franz walked down to the chemotherapy room where she was waiting. He knew the news would be difficult to hear.
With a gentle hand on her shoulder, Dr. Franz quietly and compassionately explained the situation, helping her understand where she was in her cancer journey. When she began to ask questions, he held her hand and stayed by her side until she had every answer she needed.
Like so many brave cancer patients, she held onto hope. If chemotherapy could not help, perhaps radiation could. Although radiation had been ruled out earlier in her treatment, she wanted to keep fighting. Recognizing her determination, Dr. Franz reached out to Dr. Anastasios Georgiou, Radiation Oncologist, to revisit the possibility.
Even on his day off, Dr. Georgiou did not hesitate. He came to the cancer center to meet with her personally, explaining why radiation would not be effective for her specific cancer. His presence was not just about medical expertise, but about compassion—ensuring she felt heard, respected, and cared for.
That day was one of the hardest of her life. She received news no one ever expects to face. Yet through it all, Dr. Franz and Dr. Georgiou surrounded her with support, comfort, and kindness. Their actions showed her she was not alone. As she prepared for the final stage of her journey, she knew her care team would remain by her side every step of the way.
Updated: August 20, 2025
