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Sue OwensonA breast cancer patient at the American Cancer Treatment Center.
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Sue Owen's Journey With Breast Cancer
- Comprehensive Care at CTCA
- Post-Surgical Treatment
- Advanced Radiation Therapy
- Empowerment and Support
- Partner in Care
- Return to Activity and Gratitude
- Beyond Recovery
Sue Owen's Journey With Breast Cancer
Diagnosis and DecisionIn December 2008, Sue Owen's mammogram revealed suspicious spots, later diagnosed as ductal carcinoma. After considering surgery, Sue chose the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) for her treatment.
Comprehensive Care at CTCA
CTCA's patient-centric approach, with additional services like nutritional guidance, naturopathy, and acupuncture, appealed to Sue. Within three weeks of diagnosis, she underwent surgery at CTCA, which involved the removal of her tumor and preservation of lymph nodes.
Post-Surgical Treatment
Post-surgery, Sue weighed her options for chemotherapy but ultimately opted against it. She continued taking the estrogen-lowering medication Armidex and received acupuncture and chiropractic care from CTCA to mitigate side effects.
Advanced Radiation Therapy
For seven weeks, Sue underwent daily radiation therapy at CTCA. Her radiation oncologist utilized strobing, a technique that synchronizes radiation delivery with breathing to minimize damage to organs. Sue highly praised the care team for their attention to her well-being and skin health.
Empowerment and Support
Sue emphasized the empowering approach of CTCA's physicians, who valued her input in treatment decisions. She also received a cell phone number for her doctor and experienced warmth and support from the entire care team.
Partner in Care
Sue's husband played a pivotal role in her recovery, providing home care and emotional support. CTCA also supported her husband, educating him about caregiving.
Return to Activity and Gratitude
Sue's passion for sports motivated her to participate in a triathlon post-treatment. She cherishes her role as a caretaker for her granddaughter and has enjoyed traveling extensively, including trips to South Africa, New York, and a Disney cruise.
Beyond Recovery
Sue acknowledges the positive outcome of her treatment but emphasizes that CTCA does not guarantee a cure for all cancer patients. Despite her success, she remains grateful for the exceptional care she received and the impact it has had on her life.
