Cancer Survivor Testimonial
Debra Cooley - Breast Cancer
As a pharmacy tech working in Hematology Oncology at
Allegiance Health, Debbie Cooley helps to make the IV chemotherapy treatments
cancer patients receive. Last January, Debbie discovered a lump in her breast
and went to general surgeon Tamara Saunders, MD, for a biopsy. Dr. Saunders
confirmed that Debbie had breast cancer.
“A diagnosis like that is always so shocking,” Debbie said, “but
Dr. Saunders immediately gave me confidence that she had a plan and that I
would be okay.” Debbie’s fiancé, Greg Quinn, appreciated that “Dr. Saunders was
really good at explaining Debbie’s situation and all the treatment options. She
seemed so capable and determined, and she didn’t leave us time to worry,” he
said.
Debbie said she has been “impressed with the professionalism
of Dr. Saunders and her staff right from the start.” She is receiving
chemotherapy treatments each week, which will be followed by radiation therapy,
and she says Dr. Saunders has been “supportive and caring” throughout the
process.
“Overall, this has been a really great experience.” Debbie
said. “I can’t think of anything negative that has happened. Dr. Saunders takes
time with us and makes me feel very well cared for. She has prepared me for
what to expect every step of the way—including the radiation treatments I will
have in September—and that has made me a lot less fearful. Dr. Saunders always
makes me feel special, but I know she treats every one of her patients just as well.”
At 5 a.m. on Mother’s Day, Greg took Debbie to the
Allegiance Health Emergency Department because she was experiencing severe
dizziness and nausea. “Even that turned out to be a good experience,” Debbie
said. “The I.V. therapist had just gone through her own cancer treatments, and
she was very encouraging and helpful to me.”
Debbie and Greg look forward to their future together,
especially after October, 2011, when Debbie’s cancer treatments will be
completed.