Category Archives: patient story

Making a change: She succeeded in quitting after a cancer diagnosis

Posted on December 13, 2019 by

This is one of a series of articles focusing on lung cancer. When Peggy Strong, 47, of Liverpool was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, “my first reaction was to have a cigarette.” She had smoked since the age of … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, HealthLink on Air, lung/pulmonary, patient story, Smoking Cessation | Leave a comment

Pint-sized patient: Glimpses of a girl who fought cancer — and won

Posted on December 11, 2019 by

PHOTOS BY MARANIE STAAB/TEXT BY JIM HOWE Kaylee Marshfield of Lakeland received unforgettable news on Feb. 1, 2018. It was her sixth birthday: She had cancer. A strange lump led to tests that detected a Wilms tumor on her left … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, chemotherapy, health care, kidney/renal/nephrology, medical imaging/radiology, patient story, surgery, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Warmth, kindness and radiation, too

Posted on December 6, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH It had been a rough 2019 for Joan Gorton of Hamilton. Starting early in the year, the 83-year-old woman had a series of medical issues — a lingering cough, then a suspicious lump on her leg that … Continue reading →

Posted in aging/geriatrics, cancer, health care, medical imaging/radiology, patient story, women's health/gynecology | Leave a comment

‘We are your neighbors’: Money raised for pediatric cancer helps kids here in Central New York

Posted on November 4, 2019 by

BY EMILY KULKUS Everywhere we go, Archie makes a new friend. He’s quick to smile and always chatty — not to mention pretty darn cute. So lately, lots of people stop to talk to us. Mostly him. They tell me how cute … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, health care, kidney/renal/nephrology, patient story, research, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | Tagged

Tackling a disease: SU offensive lineman keeps rare disorder in check with infusions at Upstate

Posted on November 1, 2019 by

BY JIM HOWE He’s 6 foot 4, weighs nearly 300 pounds and plays football for Syracuse University. And, about every three weeks, Sam Heckel settles in for 12 to 16 hours of infusion treatment at Upstate to deal with a … Continue reading →

Posted in blood/blood-related conditions/hematology, genetics, health care, patient story, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | Tagged , , , , , , ,

She’s beating the odds, thanks to her ‘tenderhearted’ oncologist

Posted on October 25, 2019 by

BY SUSAN KEETER On an August day, Kathi Tamer and her cousins were making Lebanese string cheese. The process involves kneading hot cheese curd into braids and rolling them in caraway seeds. While they cooked, they talked about oncologist Stephen Graziano, MD, … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, chemotherapy, drugs/medications/pharmacy, health care, lung/pulmonary, patient story | Tagged , ,

A difficult diagnosis: Psychiatrist with cancer shares his coping strategies

Posted on October 23, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH First of all, being a psychiatrist himself hasn’t been that helpful with his diagnosis. “I’m a human being first, and I experience emotions after a life-altering diagnosis just like anybody else,” Adam Stern, MD, explains. “Often, I know what I … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, health care, HealthLink on Air, medical student, patient story, psychology/psychiatry | Tagged ,

Everyday hero: Childhood cancer survivor Dan Kosick climbs mountains, skis, runs obstacle courses

Posted on October 7, 2019 by

By JIM HOWE Dan Kosick leads an active life. The Endicott resident is a social worker at a local middle school, a longtime youth lacrosse coach and a fitness enthusiast who typically swims three days a week, runs three days a week and … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, fitness, health care, HealthLink on Air, patient story, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | Tagged , , , , ,

Relief after reconstructive surgery: How one man had his urethral stricture repaired

Posted on August 27, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH Hemant Tandi knows other men suffer, as he did. He wants them to know how he was helped, because maybe they can be, too. For 30 years, Tandi, 58, of Endicott experienced slow, burning urination. It wasn’t until … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, patient story, surgery, urology | Tagged , ,

Extensive operations: Patients endure lengthy surgeries when cancer involves the face or jaw

Posted on July 8, 2019 by

  BY AMBER SMITH In constant pain after two root canals and months of antibiotics that were no help, Michele Giblin of Binghamton finally received a diagnosis. She had a rare cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma. Her oral surgeon referred her … Continue reading →

Posted in bones/joints/orthopedics, cancer, ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology, health care, HealthLink on Air, patient story, surgery | Tagged , , ,