Patient Testimonials

We stand by our mission to our patients and community but don't take our word for it here are some testimonials from our patients

From N.M.:

". . . Following colon cancer surgery in February 2000, I had several options for follow-up radiation and chemotherapy, but it was suggested I go to you. Now, that was a great recommendation! Professionalism and friendliness starts right at your front desk. I feel like a member of the family. And treatment was on my schedule. SRCC is my medical 'Dream Team.'

I'm cancer-free, now. God willing, I'll stay that way through my follow-up testing. I'm so encouraged, especially by the enthusiasm of your staff when they tell me I'm still OK after more than a year. I'll continue to recommend you . . ."

From C.H.:

"In 1996, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. By 1998, I had undergone chemotherapy and then a surgical procedure in a second area. My doctor suggested radiation after that . . . and you became a central part of my recovery picture. You remind me how doctors used to treat their patients. I knew you truly cared . . . Sometimes I brought an attitude when I came for treatment. I'd ask why I had to do it all. You usually answered, 'to make you better.' And, I knew that was correct. Your caring really made a world of difference to me and how I progressed . . . Your smiles, hugs, praises, words of encouragement, and faces all said I could do it. Anytime you hear cancer, you think you're going to die. I now know that is not true. Thank you."

Southeast Regional Cancer Center treats breast cancer patients with radiation or chemotherapy after surgery. There is a rapidly growing list of survivors who realize breast cancer seldom includes mastectomy.

From J.L.:

"Every woman dreads hearing the words breast cancer. I heard them and . . . I came to you after a lumpectomy removed the cancerous area. I couldn't believe the atmosphere . . . There's hoped and support everywhere . . . My six-week radiation course was really a breeze. It was convenient for my schedule. I came in at 3 p.m. each week-day afternoon and I was on my way home by 3:15 p.m. The staff treated me like family, and they still do when I come back for check-ups. Radiation was not painful in the slightest . . . I am convinced very early detection and your excellent treatment saved my family and me a lot of heartache."

Radiation for breast cancer isn't anything like I feared it would be. It was part of my daily activity for a month and a half, and I had no discomfort.I found patients themselves offered encouragement and hope to other patients. I wonder where else we would get that kind of instant support group.

I don't understand all the machines at the Center, but your staff makes it very unthreatening. You make good on your promise to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. Why would anyone go anywhere else for treatment? Southeast Regional Cancer Center is an oasis in a desert of medical care. We're so lucky to have you."

Lung cancer takes a terrible toll. These patients once felt they had nowhere to turn, but there are always options. It is so important to explore all of them before treatment. For both of these patients, hopelessness was erased gradually so that only hope remains.

From E.D.:

"Thanks for taking care of my lung cancer. You're right - there is no need to go out of town for quality treatment. The best is right here.

I was coughing up blood. Local examinations, a chest x-ray and several blood samples didn't give me an answer, but a biopsy showed lung cancer. The doctors said we should take out a big part of my lung. Needless to say, that wasn't a very attractive option. The turning point was when I called you. You said you'd clear me up in six weeks with radiation even though the cancer had gone to the lymph nodes. I almost couldn't imagine it was possible. But, after treatment, there was no cancer, no pain, no nausea and no surgery. And, I still had both of my lungs.

Now, more than three years later, I still feel great. I have my life back. I'm over 80!"

From J.W.:

"Even now, I get emotional because I'm still alive. Years ago, when I met you, my situation seemed hopeless. In 1993, cancer in my chest involved the lung stem and lymph nodes. It was awful . . . doctors wanted to do drastic surgery they said might not even help! I was stunned. I said no; they said in that case, make the best of my final six months.

I met you as I was in a wheelchair heading out the door. You gave me hope, and we agreed on radiation using the latest proven techniques. I knew we'd succeed. Soon, I went back to lead the singing at church. I'm 70 now. I tend my farm cattle and enjoy the grandchildren. Their optimism and laughter, my faith, and the hope and support you provided has kept me positive . . . You're part of our family. If I called at midnight, I know you would be there for me."

There are prostate cancer facilities worldwide, but none gives more advanced treatment than Southeast Regional Cancer Center. New testing makes it easy to detect prostate cancer early, so therapy can be less intrusive and more successful.

From W.H.:

"I decided to have surgery for my prostate cancer at a well-known hospital outside Tallahassee. I visited your center only for a referral. But, starting with our arrival in your driveway, it began to dawn on my wife and me that yours is . . . one world-class treatment center. When we left that first day, we decided surgery was out of the question. Soon, I cancelled my appointment with the surgeons in the other city and decided to have the high-dose radiation and follow-up therapy you recommended.

We are very satisfied. The attention to detail, the superb people skills of the staff, and the entire experience was better than we could have possibly expected. Even the 'graduation' folder was typical of your caring awareness of the emotions of a patient going through treatment. I recommend SERCC to anyone with cancer."

From A.R.:

As a prostate cancer survivor, I consider . . . the staff part of my family. I came to the Open House several years ago looking for hope. You took time even then to talk with me about my cancer. My prostate had already been removed, and some other doctors said cancer had spread to my bladder and that I should go home and enjoy my final six months. However, at SERCC, there is no talk of not getting it all or 'can't do.' Even though my bladder was half full of cancer, I began to re-define hope immediately. I knew I'd beat the cancer because of the care, treatment and wonderful support of my medical family.

35 days of radiation got rid of my cancer. I return every few months for a check-up. I also come just to see you and the staff. I've never seen medical communication like this. The left hand knows what the right hand is doing! If I tell something to one of the staff, I always know the doctor will get the message. That's very comforting when you consider modern medical communications. I always tell my friends that my handprint was the first one on your Wall of Support!"