Category Archives: patient story

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 , , ,

After abnormal mammogram, vigilant nurse tries new combination surgery and radiation treatment for breast cancer

Posted on June 27, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH In her role as chief nursing officer at Upstate University Hospital, Nancy Page is part of the leadership team that reviews major hospital purchases. In 2017, they gave the go-ahead for intraoperative radiation therapy equipment, which would … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, health care, HealthLink on Air, medical imaging/radiology, nursing, patient story, surgery, women's health/gynecology | Tagged ,

Battling cancer: Through 3 surgeries and 6 weeks of radiation, this determined Marine vet keeps his chin up

Posted on June 21, 2019 by

BY DARRYL GEDDES Howard “Mac” Waterman, 73, of Boonville is a Vietnam War veteran who saw combat as a Marine, but his biggest fight has been a recent bout with medullary thyroid and neck cancer. He appears to be outmaneuvering … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, diabetes/endocrine/metabolism, health care, medical imaging/radiology, patient story, surgery | Tagged

Adventures with Phred: Stem cell transplant resets body’s immune system

Posted on May 1, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH Doug Reicher, 65, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last summer. His treatment at Upstate University Hospital began with intravenous chemotherapy, which meant he would need to be connected to a device on an IV pole that would … Continue reading →

Posted in blood/blood-related conditions/hematology, health care, patient story | Tagged , , ,

Airlifted to Upstate, North Country man undergoes lifesaving heart surgery and beats the odds

Posted on April 29, 2019 by

BY EMILY KULKUS Chris Diaz is no stranger to fear or pain. Diaz, 35, spent four years in the Army, including nearly a year in Iraq from 2009 to 2010. When you’re in the Army, if something hurts, you drink … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, heart/cardiovascular, patient story, surgery | Tagged , , , ,

 How the Upstate pharmacy saved him $20,537.14

Posted on April 26, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH He went through a series of imaging tests, looking for an explanation for the pains in his stomach. After all the scans were complete, doctors delivered the news to Reginald Sanford of Syracuse. He had cancer in … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, community, drugs/medications/pharmacy, health care, patient story | Tagged ,

Back on the pitch – after back surgery

Posted on April 22, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH For weeks, Kendall Discenza didn’t know what was wrong. The pain in her lower back became crippling, and she was left sobbing.  Surgery brought relief. Discenza underwent a microdiscectomy at Upstate University Hospital. Lawrence Chin, MD, who leads the … Continue reading →

Posted in brain/spine/neurosurgery, health care, patient story, surgery | Tagged ,

Making the most of her rehabilitation: After a stroke, she’s motivated to live a healthier life

Posted on April 17, 2019 by

BY AMBER SMITH Melissa Meloling can walk, if she keeps an eye on her feet, so she doesn’t trip. She learned how to tell time again. She’s relearning how to fix her hair, although assembling a ponytail is still tricky. … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, patient story, physical therapy/rehabilitation, stroke

‘Look Now’: Breast cancer survivors share their stories for artistic project

Posted on March 4, 2019 by

BY SUSAN KEETER Breast cancer led Tula Goenka to re-evaluate her life. “I realized I could use my experience, and my body, to say something about breast cancer. All of us can use our experiences to advocate for others,” she … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, health care, patient story, women's health/gynecology | Tagged , ,