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Spring 2017 issue

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In your own words: Support when I needed it most

Gail Miller

In the fall of 2015, I began to have voice changes that continued to worsen. I developed dysphagia — difficulty swallowing — and my weight began to decline. In early 2016, I had a biopsy and was diagnosed with laryngeal (throat) cancer, and thus began my journey with the Novant Health cancer services team.

Novant Health had a team approach with treating my cancer. My surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, nurse navigator and other care team members were all a part of my treatment planning process. Soon after my diagnosis, I began radiation and chemotherapy.

My radiation and chemotherapy treatments lasted for seven weeks. During that time, Novant Health did a great job keeping me comfortable, and I was impressed by the level of detail and care that went into planning my treatment. My chemotherapy treatments would last about eight hours each visit.

During my visits, the infusion room supplied patients with snacks, love bags and heated blankets, and really did a great job ensuring all my needs were met. Everyone around me, both during my treatments and during my office visits, kept my spirits up. My throat was very sore from the radiation treatments and I couldn’t eat much for weeks. I was constantly nauseated and just afraid of the entire process. I experienced a lot of fatigue and always had little-to-no appetite. When I did try to eat, I could barely taste any of the food and was in total shock of my diagnosis and the entire treatment process.

Each day, I would tell myself to keep a positive attitude. I continued to pray that the chemotherapy and radiation treatments would work and try not to let the entire process get the best of me. This approach helped me to get through my cancer treatment even though there were some days that I did not want to continue.

My care team was very supportive and helped to keep my spirits and strength high by making me feel comfortable and checking in on me while at home to ensure I was doing OK. I was always able to get any assistance I needed, and my care team always answered any questions that I may have had.

It is now 2017, and I have completed my treatment. My health continues to improve each day, and it is always a joy to see the doctors and nurses who took such great care of me when I come in for my office visit follow-ups.

I will forever appreciate the dedication and remarkable care provided by my Novant Health cancer team. I recommend that anyone who is on a cancer journey ensure that there’s a great support team on their side.

 
 
 

If a loved one or you are facing a cancer diagnosis, the team at Novant Health Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center is here to support you on your journey.

With counseling, support groups, educational programs, and a resource library and lending boutique, there really is something for everyone.

Contact us at 704-384-5223.