Patient Stories

I’m a two time cancer survivor.

The first time I was diagnosed, I opted out of radiation and chemotherapy. The second time I initially was planning on opting out of both, but was strongly advised against this by Dr. David Hauerstock. He encouraged me to at least participate in radiation treatment, and he then left the room for a few minutes to give me time to think. When he returned and I informed him that I might do the radiation, not wanting me to change my mind, he started me right then and brought me down to meet the girls to start the process.

These young ladies were excellent. They were very kind and caring, and they guided me through the whole thing. Upon starting, I was in treatment for 20 days. During each visit I had the same girls taking care of me, and the Center for Cancer Care staff became so familiar with me that they would just wave me in when they saw me walk through the door.

Everything was very private and professional, yet compassionate and personal. The staff always kept me up-to-date with any side effects that may occur and how they could help alleviate them. When getting towards the end of the treatment, the radiation became a bit more intense, and the girls offered me different creams to help.

At the end of my treatment I made cookies for all the staff who work at the Cancer Center, because having to say goodbye was like saying goodbye to part of my family.

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. From the moment I stepped in the door at the Center for Cancer Care, Dr. Velmalia Matthews-Smith, the infusion nurses, the radiation therapy and pharmacy teams, and the complimentary therapy practitioners were kind and compassionate. They listened to my concerns and answered my questions in a respectful manner. Dr. Vel explained my treatment options thoroughly and presented me with scientific evidence for why each option was or was not recommended.

I was able to make well-informed decisions about my treatment goals and plan. I felt supported as a patient, partner, mother, daughter, friend, and as an employee.

With a small child at home and a career I loved, it was important to me to receive care that was close to both home and work. Receiving treatment at the Center for Cancer Care meant appointments were close by and I had quick access to my oncology and radiation teams if needed. I could work as much as I was able, recover in my own home, and enjoy time with my family and friends instead of driving long distances to and from treatments.

Through chemotherapy, radiation, and continued treatment after surgery, the staff at the Center for Cancer Care with St. Lawrence Health have treated me with dignity and respect.

February 9, 2022 is a day I will forever remember; two days before my 53rd birthday. My wife and I got the call saying I have melanoma cancer. We held each other tight and said I love you.

In the coming weeks, we began to plan out our journey. From the very beginning, we agreed to be thankful for each day we had together. My wife and I believe we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, but what will that look like? Well, what it looks like for us is insulation not isolation, so I was going to let everyone know what we were facing. I had one big hurdle to cross, that was telling my children. That was the hardest thing I have ever done. 

I had surgery on February 25, 2022. We found out the melanoma was 3.7 millimeters deep on my back, the end of stage three cancer, and also in my lymphoid on the right side of my arm. Dr. Conor O’Neill (oncologist surgeon at UVM Medical in Burlington, VT) had a long visit with us and said we need a good team to beat this. I found that team in the Center for Cancer Care at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

From the first visit, I felt I was in good hands. When we would arrive at the Center, Logan (Receptionist) would call me by name and greet me with a smile. Candy (Nurse for Dr. Velmalia “Vel” Matthews-Smith) would call me by name and encourage me. She allowed me to be myself (making her laugh) - I love making people laugh. My friends have asked me if it was scary to go there and I would tell them it’s like going to my grandma‘s house because the nurses who gave me my infusions always treated me like family. They always made us feel like they cared by asking are you hungry, are you thirsty, or do you want a warm blanket?

This is the team that encouraged me and helped me through a year of treatments. I was initially under the care of Dr. Cruz, who was like a mother to me, and I had a hard time when she told me she was leaving. My next visit was with Dr. Vel and I couldn’t ask for a better doctor. She is wonderful. No matter who went with me, my wife, my daughter, or my friend Lee, the team always treated us the same - like family. I thank God for the team He blessed me with to oversee my care at the Center for Cancer Care.

I had just attended my nephews services; he had passed away of cancer at the age of 38.

I was sitting at home and felt sore on the left side of my breast. I bruise so easily that I figured I just had another black and blue mark. I started feeling around and felt a lump. Of course I was automatically worried.

I talked to a few friends that day and they tried to tell me not to worry, it was probably fatty fibroids. The next day I made a call to see my OBGYN, and she tried to sway my worries too. She told me most of the time there is no pain with breast cancer, but to be sure, she sent me to have a mammogram and ultrasound done.

After receiving the findings, she felt I should see (General Surgeon) Dr. Kiri Brandy and have a biopsy scheduled. Dr. Brandy’s office was great; they were able to get me right in and scheduled for the procedure. I had the biopsy done, and the next day Dr. Brandy called me. She said it was breast cancer.

It was like someone sucked the air out of my lungs to hear those words. I felt lost and scared. How was I to tell my family, who were still dealing with the loss of my nephew, about my news. 

I didn’t know what to do next, where to go, or how to start this whole process.

Dr. Brandy’s office gave me Patty’s number at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, so I made an appointment and met with her. She held my hand, listened to me cry, and sent me in the direction to start the cancer treatment process – meeting with Oncology, Radiology, and Dr. Brandy.

The first step was to have the mass removed; that happened on February 5, 2021. After recovering from surgery, I immediately started my radiation treatments. The girls in that department were wonderful. The talked me through everything and made me feel so comfortable. I was fortunate not to have to go through chemotherapy because the cancer was caught at an early stage. 

As of 2023, I have been on medications to block hormones for two years because my cancer was hormone-induced; I have three more years to go. 

A sad part of my process was having my younger sister get diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer two months after I found mine. I thank God that I was one of the lucky ones who only had to have a part of my breast removed. The scars are a reminder every day.