Julie Keifrider

Cancer is a "big disease," but I've learned that God, family, prayer and compassionate health care are so much bigger! I thank Christ and the caring team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) for my life. I've never prayed so hard in my whole life, nor had I ever trusted a team of health care providers with my life.

Cancer is a journey that often begins in darkness and fear -- the fear you might die, the fear of treatment, the pain and grief experienced by your loved ones, and the knowing you can't fix their fear or pain.

There are no maps or guides for this voyage, only a sense of being lost and hopeless; however, for me, it would be just the beginning of a positive journey of hope, and it would be found at CTCA. I won't say there were no roadblocks, because there were, but I knew I could always count on the CTCA team to make it better.

In August 2004, I had pain in my shoulder and chest (breast) area again, the same gnawing pain I'd experienced intermittently for over three years, which had been treated as a pulled muscle and a touch of pneumonia. This time, the pain radiated down my left arm and continued to worsen over time. The prescribed medication became ineffective. I scheduled an appointment for a complete physical.

A pap and breast exam were done. The lab tests were to be done in two weeks. The physician's assistant (PA) decided to order a diagnostic mammogram. I would have to wait two more weeks for the test, so I continued to use the prescribed medications without relief.

I was told the good news that breast cancer doesn't cause pain, so I felt a little mental relief. I wasn't convinced that all was well; after all, I knew I shouldn't have had the pain and fever for so long. I was told it was probably stress, as I was working and attending class to complete my nursing degree. I really didn't feel stress and told the PA life was great for me. She still thought I was under a great amount of stress, but told me I looked very healthy. I left the office knowing there was something terribly wrong with me.

Two weeks later came the "moment of truth" that would change my life forever. The mammogram revealed I had a highly suspicious abnormality test with 2 axillaries, 2 cm, and 1.4 cm, with intermediate calcifications. The radiologist told me it was most likely cancer, and a biopsy would be an appropriate action. He contacted the ordering doctor and wanted me to see him immediately.

At the doctor's office, I was again told, "You probably have cancer," and was asked, "What would you like me to do for you?" Shocked! I sat there. I was finally able to suggest that "maybe you could call a surgeon and schedule an appointment for a biopsy." He did so. Two weeks later, the surgeon's office called to reschedule me, and that's when they told me their office had only made an appointment for a checkup and not a biopsy. Finally, an appointment was made to consult about a biopsy two weeks later. Time continued to crawl while I waited for a biopsy. Now I felt stress!

As I sat with my husband in the waiting room for over three hours, I realized this was just another uneventful trip to a doctor's office, and these trips were beginning to wreak havoc in our lives. The exam was brief, and the breast was vaguely examined. My husband wasn't pleased with the results. We were told that only about 20 percent of these tests were cancer and that a biopsy could be done in time, but this wasn't a good time, because it was almost Thanksgiving. I was asked to make another appointment to have a biopsy. We left the office in disbelief! I was ready to give up and not willing to go for one more appointment, since there was no progress being made. My husband asked me to humor him and go for one more appointment for a second opinion, and I reluctantly agreed. He convinced me our insurance allows a second opinion.

My husband recalled seeing a commercial for CTCA. The center's approach to treat the mind, body and spirit convinced him to go on their web site, and then to make the call. And, to his delight, the friendly representative handled everything for him from the appointments, insurance, etc. My husband asked me if I would speak to the nurse from the center just to see what they had to say. I agreed to do so. Within 30 minutes, the phone rang, and it was a pleasant representative ready to help me. Wow! I thought, is this real? Before long, we were on our way to meet with the CTCA surgeon who was very concerned. He scheduled an MRI, bone scan, blood work, PET scan, biopsy, and x-rays. When the doctor left the room, my husband turned to me and asked me what I thought of the clinic and doctor. I said to him, "It felt right, and I believe the Lord has guided us to this place."

On the second visit to the center, my worst fears were confirmed. It was cancer! The surgeon recommended a modified radical mastectomy, but first he wanted me to meet with the oncologist. He invited a medical oncologist, Dr. Ketterl, into the room to meet with me. Wow!!! I didn't even have an appointment for this. Dr. Ketterl was awesome. She felt genuine care and concern for my health. I knew I'd made the right decision, as every detail of treatment was handled for me with compassion.

As the journey of cancer treatment began, I met so many compassionate people I can't name them all. I know that CTCA lives up to the promise daily; it is lived through the staff. Ruthie, in the lab, while on break, found me crying and distraught one day. She and I had prayer as she held me. Rhian Young, ND, came to the infusion department, so I didn't have to miss my naturopathic appointments. Dr. Wakefield wouldn't let me give up and taught me how to live with and manage cancer. Michelle worked diligently to improve infusion department wait times. The ladies in Patient Relations listened kindly to complaints and praises. Cindy, Susan and Sharon, what an awesome group of ladies -- they let you know your opinions and input mattered and acted as if I was their main concern. Boy! You would have thought I was their mother; what better care could you ask for. Finally, Jacquelyn and June always greeted me with a warm beautiful smile and always directed me when I was lost. In the Infusion department, Teresa always greeted me with a hug and a great big smile.

CTCA offers to share the journey of healing and hope. They deliver care for the mind, body and spirit, which is the kind of care my husband was seeking. Cancer is huge, but I learned that God, family, friends and compassionate health care are bigger! (I am still here and cancer free)! CTCA is living the promise ... daily. Thank you!

• Email This Page to a Friend
• Print this Page