Deb Farrell Testimonial

February 10, 2010

To:

Doctors & Staff of Lutheran Hospital
Susan Berghoff, Lutheran Cancer Resource Center

Dupont Hospital Breast Biopsy
Doctors & Staff of MD Imaging/Jefferson Blvd.

Dr. Mark Tatara and Staff of IMA
Dr. Tony Lee and Staff of Radiation Oncology/Lutheran

Dr. David Lippie and Staff of ISS
Dr. Sunil Babu and Staff of Ft. Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology

Dupont Hospital MRI
Dr. David Trenkner and Staff of Radiation Oncology/Parkview

As I sit here thinking about my day of shoveling snow, my great job and the exercise class I just finished, I am compelled to write this letter. One year ago Dr. Tatara told me I had breast cancer. I had done my research and was prepared for the worst. As it turned out, I was lucky; Stage 1 with no lymph node involvement

I would like to share with you a brief timeline of this past year…

December 23, 2008 – Regular mammogram screening (no big deal)
January 15, 2009 – THE CALL!! (Oh God, I might have breast cancer!!)
January 23, 2009 – 2nd mammogram & ultrasound (“calcifications” – 80% of the time it’s nothing)
January 28, 2009 – Biopsy
February 2, 2009 – The 2nd CALL…”we can’t tell you the results of the biopsy, you need to see the doctor”…DUH
February 9, 2009 – Dr. Tatara confirms the reality (I am the 1 in 7!!)
February 11, 2009 – Discuss lumpectomy with Dr. Lippie; discuss biopsy report with Susan at Cancer Resource Center
Discuss lumpectomy with Dr. Lippie; discuss biopsy report with Susan at Cancer Resource Center
February 13, 2009 – MRI (YEAH, there is no additional breast cancer)
February 23, 2009 – 1st surgery, lumpectomy, sentinel node shows no cancer (YEAH!!)
February 27, 2009 – Interview for job (been without one for almost 2 years)
March 9, 2009 – Dr. Lee tells me that there were two small tumors and they want more margin
March 11, 2009 – Discuss another surgery with Dr. Lippie; meet Dr. Babu to test for HER2
March 12, 2009 – Get offer for new job (am I lucky, or what!!)
March 20, 2009 – Dr. Babu confirms HER2 (maybe not so lucky…)
March 26, 2009 – 2nd surgery (margin is good)
March 30, 2009 – Start new job, health insurance will cover pre-existing conditions (No doubt, I’m lucky!!)
April 15, 2009 – Discuss chemo and herceptin treatments with Dr. Babu
April 20, 2009 – Dr. Lippie inserts port for infusion
April 29, 2009 – 1st of 12 chemo/herceptin treatments (my daughter’s 38th birthday)
May 12, 2009 – 1st Breast Cancer Support Group meeting (I love them all, they are strong intelligent women!!)
July 15, 2009 – 12th chemo/herceptin treatment (YEAH, I still have my nails AND some hair!!)
July 22, 2009 – Herceptin treatments continue every three weeks until April 2010
July 29, 2009 – Discuss radiation treatments with Dr. Trenkner
July 30, 2009 – Get “measured and marked” for radiation treatments
August 3, 2009 – 1st of 33 radiation treatments
September 18, 2009 – 33rd radiation treatment
February 1, 2010 – Mammogram – NO CANCER!!

Compared to others this has been easy. I still have four herceptin treatments remaining and, although it has not been a cake walk, great things have happened. I spent precious time with my daughter during my treatments; my new job is fantastic; I’ve met wonderful people throughout this entire journey; and best of all I’ve been reminded that I am a strong person and that life is grand.

I share this with all of you because I want to try to express my gratitude for your professionalism, kindness, knowledge, expeditiousness and the fact that you all have had a hand in saving and changing my life.

From deep within me; THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Deb Farrell

P.S. I’m sure I’ve missed some of those who participated in my excellent care. If you know of them, please extend my appreciation.

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