2007 diagnosed with cancer scattered within the tissue and veins of 'the zone' of my face. NO ONE in the surrounding Orlando areas would take me as a patient as I have advanced Interstitial Scleroderma aka Crest Syndrome that has left me with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
After months of testing, I was given radiation and a chemo drug. Dr. Thomas Shellenberger was 'The Decision Maker"" that decided on radiation vs removing parts of my face.....Dr. Allen Forbes was the guiding hand that took me through the radiation and the days and weeks of 'the iron mask'...Dr. Mary Theresa Busowski and later Dr. Andrea Arsene, Dr. Elizabeth Feldman....And, Helen Brownson, the PAs, RNs, Radiation to Scheduling to specialty classes available to those handling insurance issues...EVERY PERSON within the MDACC is TOP NOTCH, CARING with a goal of taking care of each patient as if they were family.....and you are!!!
They have saved my life.....they have seen me on holidays when other doctors would have sent me to an emergency room.....They work with my other doctors within the community so that they, too, are aware of my uptodate medical conditions. I also need to thank Dr. Mahmood Ali, Dr. Adam Waldman, Dr. Anthony Coppola, and other community doctors that have been there when it counted.
They have given me so much to be thankful for. I am two years cancer free, and they still continue to see me regularly and stay on top of any issues that were affected by the cancer and scleroderma.
Dr. Thomas Shellenberger is in high demand and is highly regarded by all. Dr. Shellenberger always makes you feel that when he diagnoses and decides on your treatment plan of action that You are all that matters to him and his magnificent staff. Dr. Shellenberger is the most dedicated and passionate Doctor I have ever had the priviledge to be taken care of. I actually smile when I go for my appointments!
I am donating my body for organ donations and research...to MDACC....to give back to those that took such excellent care of me. They went beyond any expectations, and my expectations were pretty high.
Cancer is a cell.... Cancer does not define me.....do not let it define you..
I am on oxygen 24/7 because of advanced Pulmonary Fibrosis....Life is made up of choices, and I choose to LIVE.....The people that work at MDACC have made it possible for me to maintain my positive beliefs..... The photo of me was taken by a friend in 2009 and included as affirmation of how great M D Anderson in Orlando is.
7/8/10
Chooszy
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Pros: Specialists, Support is Precision Team Environment
Cons: NONE on behalf of MDACC
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