Patient Testimonials
Video Testimonials
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| Casey Freeman, Cancer Survivor |
Denise Weeden, Cancer Survivor |
Heidi Wood, Cancer Survivor |
Written Testimonials
Joan Brayer was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 58. That day, September 24, 2009, will forever be etched in her memory. Her battle with breast cancer and her journey to recovery started with a routine mammogram in early September 2009.
Ms. Brayer, a baseball enthusiast, was told she needed to have a repeat mammogram on her right breast and then a stereotactic biopsy.
"It didn’t surprise me," Ms. Brayer said. "I had a suspicion something was wrong. But you don’t ever think that you’ll ever hear those words."
Those words, considered fighting words to her, were difficult to digest. But Ms. Brayer was ready for the battle.
"I’m a sports person. I love baseball. And in baseball if you don’t step up to the base, you’ll never know what would happen. I have always been a fighter and this cancer doesn’t know who it’s dealing with."
A year after her diagnosis, Ms. Brayer is healthy and cancer free. She credits her well-being to the early detection of her cancer and the medical staff at Dr. Garner’s office.
"Each and every visit to Dr. Garner’s office—from the receptionists to the nurses—was super personal. They treat you like you’re the only one there. It’s like a family. I was very impressed."
Dr. Garner’s staff also presented Ms. Brayer with a pink Louisville Slugger. The bat, which she carries around as a symbol of strength and her love for the game, is a constant reminder of her journey from cancer patient to cancer survivor.
"Baseball is comparable to life," Ms. Brayer said. "You can’t get to home unless you go to first, second, and third base. And you never know what’s going to happen in between."
Linda DiStefano has always loved to explore the world, but her traveling days came to an end in May 2007 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Linda turned to the experienced team of specialists at the Mercy Regional Cancer Center. Here, she received comprehensive treatment, individualized care and the benefits of the latest cancer-fighting technology.
Today, Linda is in full remission and ready to travel the world. "I am so thankful for the Mercy Regional Cancer Center, its extraordinary team and amazing technology. They gave me back my life."
For more information on Mercy’s cancer and reconstructive surgery services, visit the following:
