Breast Cancer
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Doreen Benedict
The early part of 2008 was supposed to be filled with all sorts of positive milestones for 68 year old Doreen Benedict. She had been blessed with a great-granddaughter in November of 2007, her husband was retiring at the end of February, and in March she and her husband were scheduled to travel to her native England to visit family and friends. When a routine mammogram detected Stage 3 breast cancer in February, Doreen's plans were changed, but thanks to the doctors at Fox Chase Cancer Center, the trip was not cancelled, only postponed.
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Linda Angello
Linda Angello loves people and she loves to laugh. Humor and interaction with others were key components of her successful treatment for breast cancer. Her journey, which began in 2004, has enriched her life beyond measure. In turn, she has passionately dedicated herself to helping others facing the same diagnosis.
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Rosella Nelson
"Get a second opinion, and go to a nationally recognized cancer center!" This is the advice Rosella Nelson wants everyone who has been diagnosed with cancer to hear. Had she not practiced what she preaches, Rosella would have had both breasts removed needlessly in 2007 at her local hospital. Fortunately, a second opinion at Fox Chase Cancer Center provided Rosella with alternatives, as well as hope.
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Connie Jackley - Uterine, Colon, Pancreas, Breast Cancer
In 1995, Connie and Michael Jackley experienced life's greatest pain as they lost their only child, Rachel, 21, to cancer. Several years later, when Connie was diagnosed with cancer herself, she did not have the desire to fight. Thankfully, Dr. James Watson, a surgical oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, entered the picture and inspired her to keep fighting when she felt like she had nothing left to give. He performed multiple surgeries on Connie over the years to keep her alive and well. Connie now considers Dr. Watson a friend.
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Jill Scheetz
At the age of 37, in 2002, Jill Scheetz was just getting back into shape after the birth of her two daughters. She considered herself to be physically active and a healthy eater. "My only vice was a caffeinated iced tea almost every day," shared Jill. Although it doesn't sound terrible, her doctor recommended she stay away from caffeine because she had a benign tumor which was removed from her breast when she was 18. When her left breast began to hurt, Jill made an appointment for a mammogram (it had been 5 years since her last one).
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Angela Fedele
In 1983, Angela Fedele was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time she was going through a divorce. This 42-year-old mother of 4 felt that her whole life was crumbling apart. "I felt totally alone and full of despair," shared Angela, who put her health in the hands of her surgeon. After the mastectomy to remove the cancer, Angela tried to pick up the pieces of her life and move on. Little did she know this was just the beginning of a long journey with cancer that would span more than 2 decades.
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Dina Gillis - pregnant while diagnosed
The summer of 2008 should have been an exciting time for Gillis family. Dina, her husband Bill, and their 3-year old son, Christopher, were expecting an addition to their family - a new baby. But 16-weeks into her pregnancy, Dina felt a lump in her breast. She brought it to her obstetrician's attention, hoping it was related to her pregnancy. Instead, Dina was sent for an ultrasound which confirmed the lump and the need for a biopsy. Pregnant and 36, Dina learned she had Stage II breast cancer.
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Ellen Anthonisen
Just one month after her annual mammogram, the last thing Ellen Anthonisen expected to find was a lump in her breast. But that's exactly what happened. "Because of my family history with cancer, I am very aware of the importance of self breast exams and have encouraged friends to know what their breast tissue feels like - otherwise, how would they know something is wrong?" shared Ellen. For Ellen, something was certainly wrong.
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Linda Gottlieb
Linda Gottlieb has always been vigilant about getting her annual mammogram. Even though breast cancer does not run in her family, she knows the importance of screening. However, she typically does not perform a breast-self exam. In November 2008, she learned her routine mammogram was normal. Just 5 months later, she was getting out of the shower, and as she wrapped her towel around herself, Linda felt a small lump in her breast.
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Robin Luber
If you have a question about Fox Chase Cancer Center, ask Robin Luber. She spends every Wednesday volunteering at the Center's Information Desk. "I love this job," shared Robin. "I help patients, their families, and the staff. It's very rewarding." And that's coming from a former patient.
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Kathy Petrozelli
Breast cancer was always in the back of Kathy Petrozelli's mind. Her mother was treated for both breast and ovarian cancer. Knowing that family history raises a woman's risk of these cancers, Kathy had a mammogram every year since she turned 29.
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Ora Hoxhaj
Dr. Ora Hoxhaj is a psychiatrist in the southeastern European country of Albania. Her husband, also a physician, practices endocrinology. They met when she was an intern and Petrit was a doctor. After 34 years, they are still happily married, although they miss each other terribly because Ora is in the United States for several months to get breast cancer treatment.
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Tijuana Smith
In the summer of 2007, Tijuana Smith was busy caring for her 3-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son while keeping down a full-time job. When she had time, Tijuana also helped her younger sister care for their father who was battling cancer for the third time. Little did she know, her own battle with cancer was just around the corner.
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Michele Cornfield
When Michele Cornfield received a call following her mammogram, she figured it was not good news. "They only call if something is wrong," she shared. Further testing confirmed that Michele had Stage II B breast cancer, meaning the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.
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Rosalie Fox - Colon Cancer, Early Stage Breast Cancer
Although Rosalie Fox was widowed in 1981 at the age of 60, she is far from lonely. Little did she know that just 9 years later, her 6 children would produce 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. That same year, in 1990, Rosalie had her annual physical examination. Blood tests showed that she was anemic. Further testing would determine she had a blockage that was caused by colon cancer.
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Nancy Barton
"When asked to share my experience as a breast cancer patient at Fox Chase Cancer Center, it was apparent that I was doing so from a unique perspective," explained Nancy Barton. When Nancy discovered the lump in her breast in April 2001, she had worked as a nurse at Fox Chase for 12 years.
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Judith Bernstein
A long time resident of Ambler, Judith Bernstein, was enjoying a blessed life. She has a devoted husband, Arnold, a son, a daughter and beautiful grandchildren who are the love of her life. She had been diagnosed with numerous squamous cell skin carcinomas that were successfully removed. But there is much more to Judy.
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Kim Hagerich
Moving half way across the country with 2 small children for her husband's new job can be stressful for
some, but Kim Hagerich took it in stride. Kim and Todd settled into a friendly family-oriented neighborhood
in a northern Philadelphia suburb. Kim quickly made many friends by getting involved in a book club,
mother's group and preschool. She and her husband wanted a third child, and based on her fertility history,
she began taking progesterone (a hormone that is connected to pregnancy). Not soon after, Kim found a lump
in her breast.
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Carol Hess
At age 43, Carol Hess is just about as busy as a mom can be. The mother of 2 toddlers, Carol enjoys
running, photography and gardening. While holding down a full-time position working for the Department of Defense. "For 26
years I have worked for the Navy as an Engineer Technician. Our department is responsible for the launch and recovery systems
for aircraft used on an aircraft carrier," explained Carol.
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Novella Lyons
Novella Lyons was well aware that women who have immediate relatives with breast cancer are at
increased risk of developing the disease themselves. So when her mother died of breast cancer, Novella knew
that breast cancer was a real threat.
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Nancy McGarvey
During the night when most people are fast asleep, Nancy McGarvey is on her feet, caring for newborn
babies at one of the area's busiest hospital delivery rooms. "I have loved being a nurse for the past 20
years," said Nancy. During her 39 years of raising 4 children, many of the healthcare decisions revolved
around them.
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Shari Lynn
In 2002, Shari Lynn's husband, Mark, accepted a new job in another state. Together, Shari and Mark made the decision to move their family from New York to Pennsylvania. Shari was like many other moms in her situation. In preparing for the move, she scheduled routine doctor appointments on Long Island so they would not feel pressured to find new physicians right away.
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Roseann Tice
Roseann Tice says her husband always called her a "sunshine person." "As long as the sun was shining I was happy and I would enjoy the day. If it was rainy, cloudy or overcast - not so much," recalls Roseann. But now, after a 15 year journey with the professionals at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Roseann even loves the rainy days. As she says, "everyday, regardless of the weather, is a great day, because I'm alive."
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