Even the most meticulous planner is no match for the upheaval caused by a diagnosis of cancer. Jobs, vacations and family time can all take a backseat to weeks-long courses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as time needed to recuperate from surgical procedures.
“Cancer takes your life in a completely different direction than you could have ever imagined,” says Phyllis Sockwell of Drexel Hill, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2001. “However, with the help of the doctors and staff of the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center, my life went in a more positive direction. My life is completely different now, but it’s not a bad thing.”
For many of the hundreds of patients treated each year at Crozer-Keystone hospitals, which are part of the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership, Sockwell’s sentiments ring profoundly true.
Barbara McLaughlin, a resident of Springfield who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2004, recently finished her treatments at the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center. She also received surgical treatment for her condition at the Crozer Regional Cancer Center at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
McLaughlin found a lump in her breast during a self-exam in March 2004. Within a day, she had undergone a mammogram, and had a lumpectomy (removal of the lump) on March 18 performed by surgeon Robert Guilday, M.D.
“I knew there was a 95 percent chance that I would need a mastectomy, so I decided to go ahead with the procedure,” McLaughlin says. “The staff at Crozer was exceptional. I was back home 24 hours after surgery, and the nurses who treated me took the time to explain to me what to expect in the days and weeks to come.”
McLaughlin’s treatment plan continued with eight rounds of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation therapy, which she underwent at DCMH.
“I was treated with such clinical expertise and with such compassion by my physicians,” she says. “I feel blessed to have such a wonderful facility so close to my home.”
Raymond J. Vivacqua, M.D., chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and medical director of the Crozer Regional Cancer Center, says the proximity of the facility to residents of Delaware County and its reputation in the community are often cited as reasons patients decide to undergo treatment there.
“The Crozer Regional Cancer Center has a reputation for providing technologically advanced, state-of-the-art care in a manner that is compassionate and caring,” Dr. Vivacqua says. “Our patients appreciate that they can get the same care they’d receive at a large university hospital while remaining close to friends and family, with the added bonus of developing relationships with the physicians and nurses providing their care.”
Previous positive experiences at DCMH led to Sockwell’s decision to undergo treatment at the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center.
“I went to the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Delaware County Memorial Hospital right before Easter in 2001,” she says. “I received a call that Monday saying that a suspicious area was found, and the radiologist asked me to come in for an ultrasound.”
When the ultrasound confirmed that there was cause for concern, Sockwell made an appointment with her primary care physician. She was then referred to Thomas Matulewski, M.D., a DCMH surgeon, who performed a lumpectomy.
“Following the lumpectomy, I started chemotherapy, then had radiation therapy for just over six weeks,” Sockwell says. “I had my last radiation therapy treatment on March 6, and then walked out the door and right over to Upper Darby High School, where I boarded a bus to accompany the students to a marketing competition. The staff actually made sure my treatments ended in time for me to go, since I had been looking forward to the trip for a long time.”
Sockwell commends the staff of the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center for its compassion, care and sense of humor.
“You have to have a sense of humor to get through the diagnosis and treatment,” she says. “The staff at the Cancer Center understands and encourages that. They let me tape a photo of the Lone Ranger to my chemo pole – he was my ‘Chemo-sabe’ – and got a kick out of it when I wore my daughter’s high school mortarboard to my last round of treatment.”
“Numerous studies have shown that a positive outlook can actually aid in the recovery process for patients diagnosed with cancer,” says John D. Sprandio, M.D., chief of the Section of Hematology/Oncology at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and medical director of the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center. “Our staff recognizes that the experiences of patients at our facility is a major part of their treatment plan and strives to provide compassionate care for each one.”
Sockwell remains involved with the cancer center, bringing gift baskets to patients just beginning treatment and helping out with the Eagle National Bank 5K Walk/Run to Fight Cancer, an annual event that raises funds for programs and treatment services at the cancer center.
Both Sockwell and McLaughlin also took advantage of the alternative therapies and programs offered through the cancer centers. Sockwell attended support group meetings and participated in programs offered through the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center’s Personal Appearance Enhancement Center, while McLaughlin took part in an eight-week “Facing the Challenge” workshop at Crozer and attended programs like “Look Good, Feel Better” and support group meetings.
In addition to the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center and the Crozer Regional Cancer Center, cancer services are also offered at Taylor Hospital and Springfield Hospital.
For more information about the four Crozer-Keystone hospital that make up the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership, or to find a physician who’s right for you, call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-254-3258).