Healthy Living Newsletter
Beating Cancer Close to Home
Mercy’s Five Year Cancer Survival Rates Come as
Welcome News to Area Cancer Patients
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| Ted Wildermuth of Marysville is
a four-year colorectal cancer survivor who received
his radiation therapy treatment through the Mercy Regional
Cancer Center. Mercy reports five-year cancer survival
statistics that surpass national rates as provided through
the National Cancer Data Base for colon cancer. What
does that mean? For Ted, it means, “I can feel
good knowing that I have a better chance of surviving
my cancer through the services provided at Mercy.” |
Three years into retirement from his career as a local
high school teacher, Ted Wildermuth of Marysville received
unwelcome news. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed
in both men and women. The American Cancer Society estimated
that more than 40,000 rectal cancer cases in the U.S. were
expected to be diagnosed in 2005.
“After receiving word of my diagnosis and undergoing
surgery,” explains Ted, “I was referred to Dr.
Alsawah, who met with me, reviewed my charts and recommended
that I receive both chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments.”
Samir Alsawah, MD, is a local board-certified oncologist,
who provides care to cancer patients throughout the area.
“I received chemotherapy treatment for six months,”
explains Ted, “and radiation therapy treatment at
the Mercy Regional Cancer Center for two months, under the
care of Dr. Dalal.”
Kanu Dalal, MD, is a board certified radiation oncologist
who provides radiation therapy treatment through Mercy Hospital.
Mercy is the only cancer program in the area to offer on-site
radiation therapy cancer treatment.
“It was a battle,” confesses Ted. “I
owe a great deal to my wife who offered strength and encouragement.
After my diagnosis, I went home on the verge of depression,
and asked her what I should do? She said, go for the treatments.
I’m glad I took her advice.”
Today, Ted has been cancer-free for over two-years. “I
have been medically released by Dr. Dalal,” says Ted,
“but will maintain regular check ups with Dr. Alsawah
for another two years.”
Ted feels that a great deal of his strength to battle his
cancer was the result of the support he received throughout
his treatment at Mercy. He now likes to share that strength
with others. In May of 2005 he served as the Honorary Chair
of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
“I’m always available to offer encouragement
and support to cancer patients in need,” explains
Ted. “I received incredible support from my wife,
and the staff at Mercy. It’s now time for me to give
back.”
Ted found it welcome news to hear that Mercy surpasses five-year
survival rates for those diagnosed with colon, breast, lung
and prostate cancer when compared to the National Cancer
Data Base statistics.
“The survival rates reflect how well trained and
caring the staff and doctors are at Mercy,” Ted says.
“I was confident in all my doctors, who knew exactly
what treatments I needed to defeat my cancer. I’m
certain I got the best treatment I possibly could have right
here in our community.
“I was also pleased to know that through affiliations
with other cancer centers in the region, the local cancer
doctors have an extensive network established to refer me
for more advanced care if the level of treatment for my
type of cancer required it,” Ted explains.
Named best in cancer care by the Commission on Cancer (CoC)
of the American College of Surgeons, Mercy Hospital recently
was awarded recertification for its oncology program. Recertification,
by the CoC, is reassurance that patients continually receive
outstanding care.
Mercy provides a complex and comprehensive array of cancer
services from prevention and screening, to diagnosis and
treatment.
“The local cancer doctors are very committed to providing
the best care for the patient,” says Ted. “This
was very important to me. I have an acquaintance in another
state who wasn’t treated as assertively by her cancer
physicians, and she recently passed away. I was saddened
by the thought that if she could have been treated here,
she might still be alive.”
What do cancer survival statistics mean to the community?
“It means I made the right choices for treating my
cancer locally, and I have incredible resources available
if my cancer ever returns,” says Ted.
Ted — who works part time at a local book store,
enjoys taking long walks, and volunteering with his wife
at a local program for preschoolers — takes good care
of his health. “I get regular check ups and continue
to watch for the warning signs my doctors have informed
me of,” concludes Ted. “I’ll also continue
to help at Relay for Life. I just think it’s so important
to give back to others and those who have to battle this
disease.”
To obtain a FREE copy of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center
Annual Report as well as the latest screening guidelines
for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, please call
(810) 985-1603.
Mercy Hospital Front Lobby Opens February 13
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| Mercy Hospital “Tree of Life”
stained-glass display |
There is great news for patients and visitors of Mercy
Hospital. Front lobby renovations are now complete, and
Mercy’s Main Entrance will open Monday, February 13,
2006.
“This is an exciting addition to Mercy’s renovation
process,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital
President & CEO. “I’m confident patients
and visitors alike will find the new entrance warm, inviting
and very welcoming.”
Mercy began renovations to its main entrance in November
2005. In addition, Mercy recently completed renovations
to its third floor patient care level, providing for a more
soothing atmosphere.
Renovations to Mercy’s fourth floor patient care
level were completed in the spring of 2005. The result of
these renovations provided for the availability of more
private rooms with no additional charge for patients staying
in the hospital. This program has proved very popular among
patients, families and physicians alike.
“We are continually looking at the environment in
which we provide patient care,” continues Karadjoff.
“More and more patients and their families are looking
for outstanding medical care in an atmosphere that promotes
healing of the body, mind and spirit. Our goal is to continue
to meet those needs through these renovations.”
To celebrate the opening of its Main Entrance, Mercy will
host a public Open House, Wednesday, February 15, from 4
to 6 p.m., and invites the community to drop in and see
the results of these lobby renovations.
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