It all started around Thanksgiving of 2016 when I felt something in my breast. Dr. Mary “Molly” Sebastian, a breast surgeon at Virginia Hospital Center, was able to see me quickly, and by the time I met with her, we knew from my test results that cancer was present.
Days after our meeting, my surgery followed, revealing the seriousness of my situation. The procedure was estimated to take only three hours; instead it took twice that long, and they found cancer in 25 out of my 26 lymph nodes. It was clear that I needed chemotherapy and radiation. So Dr. Sebastian immediately called Dr. Neelima Denduluri, an oncologist at Virginia Hospital Center who specializes in the treatment of breast cancer, and said, “I’m sending you one of my favorite patients to be seen ASAP.”
Dr. Denduluri was very direct (“You will lose your hair”) but also kind and encouraging (“You can do this,” she said). I was impressed with her wide knowledge in the oncology field and reputation for customizing treatment for the needs of each of her patients. She even offered to refer me to any physician I wanted to see anywhere in the United States. But I knew right away that I was in the right hands with a committed professional who was willing to do whatever it took to help me—even if that meant sending me to another doctor.
March 30 is National Doctors’ Day, a day set aside to honor those professionals who are always there for us. Compassionate and expert physicians like Dr. Denduluri, who is definitely getting a note from me.
I wish I could tell you that my treatment’s over, but I’m still in the fight. Without question, though, I know the reason why I am going to win this battle is because I have the support of my faith, family, friends, community—and an exceptional local hospital.
Please join me in honoring a special doctor, or an entire department, now so they can get your note delivered by March 30, National Doctors’ Day ... and share a generous gift so Virginia Hospital Center can continue to be there for you and your loved ones when you need exceptional care, compassionately delivered.
A grateful patient,
Elizabeth Keane