Every couple of months, Linda Wiseman must spend three hours receiving infusion therapy at the Fort Thomas Cancer Care Center. The 36-year-old Dayton woman admits she absolutely hates hospitals, so her bi-monthly trips to St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas have always been a little unsettling. But when the new Cancer Care Center opened in February, things changed.
“I love this now – it doesn’t feel like a hospital with all the openness, compared to what it was,” she said.
“This has a more homey feel. It just feels better because you can see outside and everything, but it’s still very private. I like that.”
~ Linda Wiseman, Patient, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Cancer Care
In October 2002, Jan Marshall was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to see Dr. Schellhas. “I had heard that he was the best and the care that I have received only confirmed what everyone was saying. All the staff at Cancer Care is the best. Having cancer is not just about the patient but it’s about the whole family, and the staff really makes sure that the whole family is taken care of.”
“In 2002 I had surgery but it was unsuccessful and I began chemo treatment. On my first day of chemo everything was going along status quo when all of the sudden I knew something was wrong and I waved over Debbie and all she had to do is take one look at me; she knew what was going on and she was able to talk me through the whole thing. At that point, she saved my life. Any of the nurses would have done the same thing. At the same time, my nurse Leslie was taking care of my mother. She talked her through what was going on with me and helped to keep her calm.”
“It didn’t matter what nurse you had, every nurse knew you. They knew you not only to the point of what treatment you were on but also down to what juice you liked to drink.”
“It truly is a blessing to be able to be around people who are so dedicated to their calling. For those nurses, it’s not just their job; it’s their calling from God.”
“God definitely blessed me with their presence. Nobody ever gave up hope on me and at that point you can’t give up hope on yourself.”
~ Jan Marshall, Patient, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Cancer Care
In the past 11 years, Michelle Caldwell has had her share of battles. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Michelle was subsequently tested for other genetic markers with the Genetic Counselors at St. Elizabeth and was found to be at risk for ovarian cancer. After consulting with Dr. Jack Basil, Michelle underwent a complete hysterectomy in 2004. Michelle has had other reoccurrences of cancer activity in 2005, 2009 and again in 2011.
Through Michelle’s entire experience, the dedicated staff of the St. Elizabeth Cancer Care Centers has been there for her. “If you have to go through this dark valley, they can really lift you up. They are like an extended family. They genuinely care about you and they make this rough road a lot easier.”
At the St. Elizabeth Cancer Care Centers, someone is always available to answer any questions a patient or family member might have no matter when they might need help. “I feel free to call them anytime I need their help. They really care at St. Elizabeth and that definitely shines through. They go the extra mile. They laugh with you, cry with you and they will do whatever it takes. In all of my time going there, I’ve never heard one negative thing about any of those nurses or front office staff.
It’s a journey and if you have to go through this, it’s wonderful to know that you have a staff like this to help you along the way. They truly are second to none.”
~ Michelle Caldwell, Patient, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Cancer Care
Mike Roedersheimer has been cancer free since 2003 but it’s been a long road to get to this point. He has had multiple surgeries to get him where he is today and he continues to receive treatment at St. Elizabeth Healthcare to ensure that it stays that way. There with him every step of the way has been his wife Amy.
Of all of the things Amy has had to keep up with and worry about, the staff at St. Elizabeth and the level of care that they provide to Mike has never been one. “From day one they make you feel welcome and they treat you like you’re family. We’ve never had a bad experience there. They take their time to listen and they always go out of their way to help you.”
“They know if I call, that something’s wrong with Mike. They know me and they know I can see a change in Mike on a daily basis. Because of that initial trust, they always take me serious and have been very reliable. I don’t ever hesitate if I have to call them because I know they’ll give me the help I need.”
“From day one, they’ve been there for us. They go out of their way with any questions you might have. Any time I need medicine called in, they always take care of it. You can count on them any time. They all know you by name and they even know when you’ve changed your hair color or when you’ve lost weight. They really welcome you into their family and they treat you like you’re gold.”
~ Mike Roedersheimer, Patient, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Cancer Care