Personal stories

Diane Harrington-Bowers

Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 54, when she was engaged to be married and planning her wedding..

Her doctor recommended that she enroll in a clinical trial to receive MammoSite® treatment at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital's Cancer Care Center. Diane, her fiance, and her family discussed the situation and Diane had a lumpectomy with MammoSite® and chemotherapy.

“The Cancer Care Center and the results of the MammoSite® were wonderful. It was quick and there was no burning of the tissue around the surrounding outside skin areas. I would highly recommend this to any woman who might be appropriate for it.”

And great news, Diane celebrated her first wedding anniversary in June 2007!

Ron Barton

Ron had been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer several years ago. When the cancer recurred, Ron decided to trust the Cancer Care Center at Good Samaritan Hospital for his treatment.

Initially, Ron was concerned about possible side effects from treatment, but radiation oncologist Michael Stutz, M.D., reassured him that due to the precise capabilities of TomoTherapy®, a higher dose of radiation—higher than traditional methods of radiation treatment could be delivered without damaging surrounding tissue or organs, such as the bladder.

Now recovered, Ron says, “Good Samaritan’s Cancer Care Center isn’t a cold, antiseptic place, it’s filled with people who really care... they just care."

Tracey Stills

Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37, having had no family history of the disease. She underwent a partial mastectomy and a lympectomy, then was treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Following her experience, Tracey wanted to do more to try to keep other women, including her daughter and three sisters, from having to go through what she went through. Tracey participated in a clinical trial for the drug Herceptin, which is now an FDA-approved treatment for breast cancer.

“I feel like I was part of history,” Tracey says.

Tracey was so moved by her experience at Good Samaritan Hospital's Cancer Care Center that she went to work there.  She now runs the “Look Good, Feel Better” program where she loves being an example of hope for women.

“Women see hope when they see me,” states Tracey.

Libbie Gilliland

When 15-year old Libbie was diagnosed with a brain tumor on her optical nerve, her family wanted to find the best treatment possible. After considering other treatment options, Libbie’s doctor referred her to Good Samaritan Hospital's Cancer Care Center, for TomoTherapy®.  TomoTherapy® would be used to deliver precise radiation to the tumor, without damaging her optic nerve or harming her vision.

Libbie's Mom, Denise, and Libbie drove an hour-and-a-half each way from their home in Indiana, for six weeks of daily TomoTherapy® treatments.

“It’s not a fun experience, but the staff at the Cancer Care Center made it more bearable,” says Denise. “The support we received from them was just amazing.”

Best of all, Libbie’s last treatment was the day after her 16th birthday, and the staff threw a party for her.