Patient Stories
Sutter Health Cancer Services
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.
Debilitating stomach pains sent Rita to her physician in January. A CT scan showed spots in her lungs and a biopsy confirmed that colon cancer was already spreading through her body.
“I was immediately referred to Dr. Shaheed,” says Rita. “From our first encounter he was so caring and concerned for my well being.”
Gurvinder Shaheed, M.D., a Sutter oncologist in Auburn, immediately began Rita on a rigorous round of chemotherapy that unfortunately came with side effects. And although her condition sent her to Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital for a few days, Rita was more than happy with the care she received.
“Dr. Shaheed was very comforting throughout my experience and would visit me every day in the hospital,” says Rita. “The care was exceptional and the nurses really treated me like family.”
As with most cancer patients, Rita has had more than her share of low moods, but tries to remain positive by doing things to keep her mind off cancer, like tea parties with her grandchildren and her job in human resources at Gottschalks. Rita still has a few more chemotherapy treatments to go, but she is thankful for the ability to receive care in her hometown – and even more thankful that the staff at the Sutter Auburn Faith Infusion Therapy Center welcomes her with a smile and hug when she walks in the door.
“I really gave Dr. Shaheed a run for his money,” says Rita. “I keep coming to him with new questions and needs, and he and his staff always come up with answers and solutions that I am comfortable with.”
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