As cancer patients, we deal with the ups and downs related to our condition, learning your devastating diagnosis the treatment of side effects of treatment.
Although I have known that emotional roller coaster with my peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis, one of my most painful moments I lost the specialist had placed so much confidence in.
Dr. Samuel Bieligk, a surgical oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), with experience in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma, saved my life after learning of my diagnosis in 2010.
his dedication and treatment gave me the strength I needed to survive, but now there is more at CTCA.
What should I do now? How do I find a doctor I can trust again? Is my cancer come back? These and other questions flooded my mind.
Meeting of Doctor Who Saved My Life
CHIP After two procedures and two years of chemotherapy, my stubborn mesothelioma continued to grow and aggressively attacking my body.
I am determined to fight, but I had nowhere to go. At the time there was not an oncologist in my hometown who had experience in treating my cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare diagnosis, and there are few doctors who know the disease, much less treat it.
afternoon, after sobbing and praying, commercial CTCA caught my attention. I called in desperation and learned the organization not only treat my disease, but also accepted my assurance.
ME was referred to a specialist mesothelioma Bieligk. Hallelujah!
I booked my flight on a Tuesday without hesitation, and I was in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Thursday.
During my conversation with Bieligk, I expressed my will to live. If a third unprecedented CHIP was necessary, I am ready.
Bieligk was convinced that I'm a fighter. I immediately knew that I am blessed with a doctor who would fight with me and for me to finish.
His words were, "As long as you're up, we will fight!"
gave me another chance to live
I began yet another round of chemotherapy in March 2012. Bieligk advised another procedure CHIP would not be an option unless the majority of my tumors were removed.
I decided to undergo several sessions of chemotherapy to shrink tumors prior to my third CHIP
After three months of my usual chemo cocktail, I received the best news my life. There was no sign of cancer! My body fell numb the same way it did when I was diagnosed in 2010.
Because Bieligk was ready to give me a chance and do not throw in the towel, it m ' gave another chance to live.
In addition to God, I Bieligk credit for giving me life again. He joked often, he was ready to retire, and I always told him he had my permission to retire in 70 years.
Losing confidence Savior
While sorting my mail one afternoon in April, I opened a letter from Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Normally these letters are reminders of appointments I ignore it because my iPhone app takes care of that. This time it was not a recall. The letter informed me Bieligk was more with them
I started crying immediately
Hundreds of questions turned in my mind, and all freaked me: What .. will happen to me now? Will I die? Who is going to fight for me?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. Who else in the world knows how to treat it aggressively? Who will give me another HIPEC procedure if necessary?
The letter assured me that I would be paired with another competent doctor when I come back in November, but I had my doubts. I fought too hard to be given a new doctor who can not have the same drive as Bieligk.
Although I credit God with my healing, the ship was Bieligk He used me to save and restore my faith.
This experience taught me that cancer is a constant battle. If this is not the side effects of treatment or the insurance company that you fight about everything, it suddenly learn that you have a new doctor.
But what motivates me is my desire to live and be there for my family. I will not let cancer take that from me.
