Patient Stories
Sutter Cancer Centers
Judith – Fighting Cancer: Mind over Matter
After her diagnosis of ovarian cancer and a subsequent hysterectomy, Judith hoped the worst was behind her. At that time, she was not aware that the next step in her treatment, a unique chemotherapy, would test the limits of her will to survive.
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Rita – Family, Friends and Local Support Make it Possible
It wasn’t until her cancer diagnosis that Rita found out how much support she had. From her children and grandchildren, to her coworkers and Auburn’s local health providers; everyone pitched in to make life easier for her.Continue reading ...
Della – Treatment Even Better Close to Home
In the seven years since beginning work at the California Cancer Registry, Della has tracked the rates of cancer diagnoses throughout the state – but the idea of having cancer herself was very much removed.“You never really think it could happen to you,” says Della. “I am now in my own database.”
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Mark – Gold-Medal Heart
At age 14, sports defined Mark Barr’s life. He started swimming with his older brothers’ swim team at age four, added soccer and baseball in grade school, and continued all three sports into high school. Mark’s dad noticed his son limping and was immediately alarmed when Mark told him he felt a lump on his bone.
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Cecil – Flying High
As with all good helicopter pilots, Cecil is not easily thrown. In his job as an air ambulance pilot, he is used to staying calm despite making split-second decisions in life and death situations. When he found out he had prostate cancer, his first reaction was to figure out the best way to handle it. “I didn't panic,” he says.
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Monique – Back to School
One doctor called her “Princess.” Another nicknamed her “Sleeping Beauty,” because she was always asleep when he came into her hospital room. Her mom refers to her as “Mija” (pronounced Mee-ha), short for “Mi hija,” or “my daughter” in Spanish. Monique would probably call herself lucky and grateful.
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Roberta - Beating the Odds
Roberta was ready for battle. She had run marathons. She had started a business in 1968 that still thrives today. She had played her violin before hundreds of concert goers. She could handle this; this scary diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Or, at least, she decided she would never give in.
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Edwin - Lung Cancer Hasn't Slowed Him Down
In the 12 years since he was diagnosed with lung cancer, 75-year-old Edwin is amazed at how many fellow cancer survivors he's met. Meeting that many survivors is unusual enough, but he's also surprised at how many share the same Sutter doctor.
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Marsha: Growth Through Hardship; Growing from Hardship
Given the opportunity to change one thing about their lives, most cancer patients would choose to do without the cancer. But not 32-year-old therapist, Marsha . “I wouldn’t take it away. I’m a totally different person because of my cancer and I’m thankful for the growth,” said Marsha.
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Next month learn about one patient's battle with a brain tumor and how the multidisciplinary care at Sutter led to their recovery
