Claudia Harris

Waterford, WI

Breast Cancer

My name is Claudia Harris. I’m married, have three children, and am a breast cancer survivor.

My breast cancer journey began with my diagnosis in February 2000. After my husband Phil and I cried and hugged each other, we realized we had to move on.

I was disappointed with the treatment and care I got at the first hospital I went to. I felt they were going to get rid of my cancer but weren’t concerned about the rest of my body. I felt I had a lot of living to do – I love to go horseback riding, cross country ski and take trips with my husband in his little sports car. I wanted to come away from my treatment without a damaged heart from the chemotherapy. So after one treatment at another hospital, I left and, through prayer, God led me to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) in Zion, Illinois.

The moment I walked through the door, I felt this hospital was different. It had a homey feeling, and they treated all of me – mind, body, and spirit. I had great care. The surgeon, oncologist, naturopath, and pastor were all wonderful. I had chemotherapy three hours a day, three days a week, for four months. Upon completing chemo, I had a lumpectomy. After I healed from surgery, I had 32 radiation treatments. CTCA provided vitamins, which helped protect my immune system and my heart during the chemo and radiation treatments. This was important to me, because I’ve been in the nutrition profession for over 20 years.

Also important to me during my journey was my relationship with God, my family, and my friends. Phil and I prayed every day before each treatment. It’s amazing how God works. I knew I was going to lose my hair, and He chose for it to happen when Phil and I visited our daughter in Los Angeles. You can say I lost my hair in Los Angeles instead of my heart in San Francisco. My friends also kept me in their prayers, and I felt very special.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America also made me feel very special. So special that I wanted to give something back. I currently make monthly visits as a volunteer to help women going through their journeys with cancer. I’m a cosmetologist, so I style wigs that are given to women experiencing hair loss. I also help them with skin care through one of CTCA’s programs.

If you or a loved one are searching for a special and caring hospital, contact Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They will help you through your journey as they helped me through mine.