Earlier this year, Jorge Piedra began experiencing difficulty swallowing and some regurgitation issues, along with sudden weight loss. Concerned, the Miami Beach resident went to see his gastrointestinal doctor at Mount Sinai Medical Center, who later performed an endoscopy. When Jorge woke up from the procedure, his doctor delivered concerning news. “He told me that he found a tumor in my esophagus, and it looked malignant,” Jorge recalls. “It was a long, trying night for my family.”

Soon after, the worst was confirmed: It was esophageal cancer. When it came time to move forward with treatment, Jorge says the hardest part was navigating the barrage of advice from others. “You have no idea how many people come out of the woodwork and give you advice. One told me to go to Texas; another told me to go to Cleveland,” Jorge says. “But I was already happy with my doctors at Mount Sinai.” Jorge was referred to Kfir Ben-David, MD, the Roni Jacobson Endowed Chairman of Surgery and General Surgery Program Director at Mount Sinai, whom Jorge says made him feel comfortable — and hopeful — at the very first meeting. “I liked that he had a plan. He wanted to attack the cancer fast and hard,” Jorge says. “I liked his determination, and he instilled confidence in me.”

With a dedicated plan, and a team of doctors who Jorge says are in “constant communication” about his care, the 59-year-old has gone through radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the large tumor and affected lymph nodes. “The 10 days in the hospital after surgery were the hardest,” he admits. Jorge credits the doctors, physician assistants, and nurses for keeping him upbeat. “And while you’re still in a hospital room, Mount Sinai has one of the best water views in Miami; it was calming and comforting.”

While he’s still undergoing treatment to make sure the cancer doesn’t return, Jorge continues to focus and feel reassured by Dr. Ben-David’s optimism. “When he said he had a plan, he meant it,” he says. “They have a positive attitude about my recovery. Bottom line is, this disease could take my life. But they always reassure me.” Jorge leans on his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, whom he says have stood by him throughout the entire process, driving him to every appointment. “The doctors and nurses always welcome any of their questions. They support your concerns in a professional manner as well as support you emotionally.”

His advice for others facing a similar diagnosis? “There’s going to be a lot of people that will have opinions and different ideas on what you should do, or where you should go. But stick with what your heart tells you to do,” Jorge says. “Like they tell you in school when you’re taking a test, usually your first answer is the right answer. I picked Mount Sinai, and now that I’m at the end of my treatment, I truly believe it was the right answer.”

Dr. Steven Hochwald, Chief of Surgical Oncology and Director of the Mount Sinai Cancer Center, is at the forefront of integrating novel treatments to improve outcomes for patients like Jorge Piedra. “Our goal isn’t just to treat cancer but to enhance the entire patient experience through innovative care and supportive therapies,” Dr. Hochwald emphasizes. “At Mount Sinai Medical Center, we’re not only focusing on the traditional treatments but also on how to prepare patients for the journey, from genetic testing to state-of-the-art clinical trials to comprehensive nutritional analysis,” he notes. The Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center represents a significant advancement in this vision, offering a multidisciplinary approach under one roof. “The center will be a pivotal change, providing a space where cutting-edge care meets compassionate support, ensuring every patient feels valued and understood,” Dr. Hochwald concludes, outlining the future of cancer care at Mount Sinai.

“Jorge’s diagnosis came as a shock, but his courage to face the disease head-on was truly commendable,” says Dr. Kfir Ben-David. “We put together a robust treatment plan that was aggressive yet thoughtful, aiming to provide him not just medical care but also hope and a path to recovery.”

“Our approach with Jorge has always been centered around clarity and optimism,” says Dr. Mike Cusnir. “By continuously communicating with him and his family, we were able to keep spirits high and ensure that each step of the treatment was as transparent and reassuring as possible.”

For Dr. Nicolas Kuritzky, a radiation oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, a thoughtful approach to patient care is as important as technical prowess when it comes to cancer treatment. “Building trust with patients is crucial, especially when, like Jorge, they are facing one of the scariest times of their lives,” says Dr. Kuritzky. “The Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center will foster that collaborative environment along with the addition of state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing our ability to treat cancer effectively.” He is particularly proud of how treatment advancements have improved patient tolerance and outcomes, a cornerstone of his practice at Mount Sinai Medical Center.