:: George Geisler, treated by Dr. Gressler in March 2001 for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
"Dr. Gressler is the best doctor I've ever had, both skill-wise and personality-wise. I have never seen that level of hard work and dedication. He was there whenever I needed him. When I was in the hospital, it would be midnight and Dr. Gressler would be there, studying and planning the next course of treatment. When I needed him on the weekend, he was happy to help and never had a scowl on his face because I'd interrupted his Sunday. He's just the type of person everyone aspires to be: smart, professional, thorough, kind, dedicated, funny … though his jokes are kind of corny. He also has one of the best bedside manners. He didn't sugar-coat anything, but was very down to earth and comforting. Even though everyone thought I was close to dying, he gave me hope. I believed him. And more than four years later, I'm still here."
:: Barbara Crysdale, a patient since 2003 and mother of Drew, a patient in 2001
“My son and I have been among the thousands of lives saved by one of the most knowledgeable, thorough, compassionate and dedicated doctors I have ever dealt with. In 2001, Dr. Gressler diagnosed and treated our son, Drew, when he was 21 years old. Drew is now cured. The day he was diagnosed, Dr. Gressler sat with 16 of Drew’s family and friends and explained every aspect of the disease and treatment of his condition. His sense of humor and compassionate nature were evident, but most important of all, he gave us such a positive approach to the ordeal which continued throughout the treatment. He was never too busy to stop and give us words of encouragement. He even came out on Christmas Eve to offer care when Drew went to the hospital because of the severe nausea accompanying his chemotherapy. As for the ‘greed’ slant the trial lawyer included in his distorted description of Dr. Gressler, that suggestion could not be further from the TRUTH. In fact, the doctor waived the chemo co-pays for Drew’s treatment and visits during treatment. Two years later, he showed that same dedication and compassion when I was diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Gressler has shown over and over again that he is a dedicated physician who consistently goes out of his way to do what’s best for his patients.”
:: Courtney Holland, a patient of Dr. Gressler and HOPE Oncology
"My family and I consider Dr. Gressler to be a wonderful doctor, and we thank God for his care."
:: Pam Kownslar, Little Elm, Texas
“I have been a patient of HOPE Oncology since May of 2002. Dr. Gressler diagnosed my cancer and managed my treatment. Thanks to his medical expertise and his extremely competent and caring staff, I am currently a cancer survivor. Dr. Gressler and his staff have been a like an extended family. I have had the best medical care possible because of their dedication to their patients’ well-being, both physically and emotionally. You never know what the future holds. If my cancer ever returns, I have the comfort of knowing Dr. Gressler and his staff are there for me.”
:: D.H. “Moose” Lanham, Fruitvale, Texas
“In August of 2004, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Dr. Gressler told me how bad my situation was, but then took immediate action to beat the odds. By the next morning, he had already fulfilled my request to get into MD Anderson for surgery. More recently, he learned of a new drug in development at the University of Chicago. Through a combination of dedication and doggedness, the HOPE team was able to get me into the research study, and it has produced dramatic results!
If Dr. Gressler had not been my doctor, I probably would not be here today. He and his staff are the finest group of people that I’ve ever met. I surprised them recently, when I told them, ‘You know the best thing about getting cancer? Getting to know all of you.’ And I meant it.”
:: Agnes Bacalzo, Dallas, Texas
“When I first came to HOPE in 2001, I had no hope. I had been given six weeks to live by another doctor, and I didn't know what to do. However, Dr. Gressler had a different perspective. He agreed with me that if you give up, you're gone. I can't say enough about Dr. Gressler and his staff. You just feel good when you're there. Their sympathy and support have pulled me through, so I can keep living my life and doing the things I enjoy.”
:: Charlene Doering, Chicago, Illinois
“My mother was treated by Dr. Gressler in 1988. It is because of him that my mother, who had stage 4 ovarian cancer, lived a quality of life other cancer patients could only hope for. He never left her side and was the most compassionate man I have ever met. After other doctors had told her there was nothing left for her to do but go home and die, Dr. Gressler researched a number of other options. He never gave up on trying to save her. My mother said he was like a son to her.
I have the utmost respect for Dr. Gressler and his abilities. Which is why now - 18 years later and half a nation away - I have sought him out again to discuss my father, who was just diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I know he will offer good recommendations to make sure my father can battle his cancer with every tool at his disposal. ”
:: Irene Peugh, Texas
“I have been going to the offices of Dr. Gressler since 2000. Diagnosed with stage II - Neg.Recp. Breast Cancer (if I had the chance to choose my cancer it wouldn't of been that one, YUK). But hey I'm still here. I have been under Dr. Gressler's care for so long, I don't consider myself a patient, but a friend to him and his always friendly caring staff. Dr. Gressler has always taken his time, compassion, and humor to sit and visit. And of course answer my crazy questions like what are the chances of my hair falling out? His answer: 99 percent! Unfortunately, he was right.
In all the times that I have been to his office -- and I'm still a frequent visitor to this day -- I keep asking when will I graduate to the next level? I truly believe that Dr. Gressler is making sure I live long enough to have my second dream come true, and that's to become a #1 NANA (hopefully one of these days, but not too soon). Thank you, Dr.G!”
:: Joseph Dean LaRue, Texas
“Dr. Gressler is an outstanding doctor and a perfect gentleman, a professional who cares for his patients. Dr. Gressler has been my oncologist for years and my trust in him and his treatment has never faltered.
Dr. Gressler has treated me for Polycythemia Vera, and at first I had a phlebotomy (500 cc) each week, which then changed to one in two weeks, and finally now, I am having one every 6-7 months. The last will be almost a year. This record is almost unheard of and is just one example that demonstrates Dr. Gressler is concerned, caring and working hard for each and every patient. Dr. Gressler is the best. ”
:: Nancy Whatley, Richardson, Texas
“I have been a patient of Dr. Gressler's since 2000, when I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Dr. Gressler came highly recommended to me by other medical professionals who were involved in my care and treatment. I have been cancer free since my treatment.
Based on my 5 years of experience as a patient of Dr. Gressler's, I can say that he is extremely competent, compassionate, and caring.
On the medical side, I believe Dr. Gressler handled my treatment in the utmost competent manner. There is no doubt in my mind that he was a God-send at the time of my diagnosis. I wanted to be very involved in understanding my chemo treatments, and wanted to learn about the details of my complex pathological reports. Dr. Gressler readily helped me understand everything. I sincerely believe Dr. Gressler took a personal interest in my case and that we went through everything together.
On a personal side, he has a great sense of humor and is very easy to talk to. He has never made me feel rushed, and always takes time to thoroughly answer my questions. During my visits he routinely asks how I'm doing in my personal life, work life, hobbies, and so on.
I continue to have regular follow-up exams with Dr. Gressler. When we discuss my ongoing treatment options (tamoxifen, femara, etc.), Dr. Gressler takes his time with me to discuss the options, and provides evidence-based research statistics, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
Bottom line, I adore Dr. Gressler as a physician. I have a doctor/patient relationship with him that I've never experienced with another health care professional. I believe Dr. Gressler is responsible for the success of my treatments and my cancer-free health today. God forbid if my cancer ever returned, I would instantly select Dr. Gressler for medical advice and treatments. ”
:: Neal Masterson, Plano, Texas
"In October 2002, I was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer, even though I hadn't shown any symptoms or signs of cancer and actually felt fine. I naturally began an aggressive course of treatment. Following two surgeries to remove the cancer from my colon and liver (where it had metastasized), Dr. Gressler started me on chemotherapy. After three months into my first regimen, Dr. Gressler was not happy with my progress and changed me to a brand-new treatment approach that had not even been published yet. Though the FOLFOX treatments [fluorouracil and oxaliplatin] initially made me feel like I had a really, really bad flu, they worked. FOLFOX killed my cancer. By the way, it is still, after almost four years, considered the gold standard in the treatment of colon cancer.
Though my initial prognosis was bad, my treating physicians had a plan. Dr. Gressler was extremely professional and straightforward, which I respected. He didn't sugar-coat the bad news, but he wasn't deterred by the challenge. He said, 'Here's what you have. It's not good. But here's what we're going to do about it.' I appreciate that he was willing to try new approaches, even experimental ones, to improve my chances. It's why more than four years after my devastating Stage IV diagnosis, I am still here and enjoying life cancer free. But remember, enjoy every sandwich."
