For Emily Wood, there have been few sounds sweeter than that of the bell she rang at Adena Cancer Center celebrating completion of her final breast cancer treatment.
“It means a whole lot to get to ring that bell,” Emily says. “I was beyond excited and cried tears of joy. I told them I was going to ring it off the wall because ringing that bell is absolutely amazing.”
Like so many other patients, the journey to that triumphant moment began with the news nobody wants to hear. Emily, a mother of three, admits to having put her health on the backburner. When she felt a lump in her breast, she initially explained it away as something that couldn’t be serious.
After feeling the lump, Emily called her Adena Women's Health OB/GYN provider, who immediately arranged further testing. The prompt care led to a diagnosis of stage two breast cancer.
Finding support at Adena
Adena’s speed moving from testing to the beginning of treatment was unbelievable and just what Emily needed, she said. She also learned how important her care team at the cancer center would be for her, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
“The entire Adena Cancer Center team has been nothing but supportive,” Emily says. “As soon as you walk through the door, there are smiles on their faces and you know they’re here to fully support you. My nurse navigator was on call for me around the clock and has been absolutely amazing, and my doctor, Sandip Patel (MD), has been awesome. We have an amazing health system and everybody at Adena Cancer Center is top notch.”
Those closest to her care, Emily said, made her feel like a friend. In addition to making sure she had everything she needed to be comfortable for treatment, they took the time to focus on her interests and everyday life, helping her take her mind off cancer.
Having quality care close to home was also important for Emily in keeping her spirits up, allowing her to continue doing the things that are so meaningful for her and her family.
“Having the convenience of my care so close to home helped me stay involved in most of my children’s activities, even with treatments,” Emily says. “I was able to be home in time for ball games and to have dinner with my family. There were days I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I had to travel farther, and that was really great.”
Advice to others beginning their cancer journey
Now, having experienced the strength and confidence her care team’s support provided her during treatment, she’s quick to offer advice to others who find themselves in a similar situation.
“If you are just beginning treatment or receiving a cancer diagnosis and you’re not sure where you want to go, I highly recommend visiting Adena Cancer Center,” Emily says. “Just meet the doctors, nurses, and caregivers, and you’ll see that even though you’re uncomfortable with what lies ahead, they’ll make you feel comfortable here.”
“Ringing that bell will just knock you to the ground with excitement because you don’t think you’re ever going to get there,” she adds. “Your care team at Adena makes sure you do.”