BREAST CANCER:

Roxann Rogers

Roxann Rogers didn’t know the day she had a mammography that her life was about to change temporarily.  The results, showing a small spot, set into motion a series of events that happened quickly.  A biopsy at Saint John’s Women’s Center.  Lumpectomy. And then, a revolutionary new kind of breast cancer radiation treatment that remarkably took only 5 days.

“I was only the second person in Anderson to have this new procedure at Saint John’s Cancer Center, and I was very excited,” Roxann said.  The new radiation therapy—Mammosite—reduces the traditional six week radiation therapy to only two sessions every day for five days.  “I knew that if I had traditional chemo, my chances were great that I would lose my hair and I’d be out of work a long time.  This new therapy was very convenient.  It didn’t even seem like I had cancer.”  Roxann had two scans daily, each one lasting only five minutes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  She started on Monday, and her treatment was completed by Friday afternoon.  “That Friday after the last radiation treatment, Dr. Ross removed the catheter, and we had a graduation ceremony.  I’ve felt great since,” Roxann said.

“When I first learned about the cancer, I was scared.  The nurse at Saint John’s Women’s Center was wonderful.  She really helped me through the treatment process.  They scheduled everything every quickly and were very supportive,” Roxann commented.  “And Dr. Ross—he’s the best.”

Roxann is happy to be back at work in human resources, staying involved in her church, and enjoying her hobbies.  “I praise God every day,” she said.
 

Read about Dr. Darrel Ross