Survivor Stories

It’s a fact. The Saint Vincent Cancer Care Center’s expertise, technology, innovation and commitment are unrivaled in the region. But how do our patients feel about the care they received here…and about the physicians, nurses and staff who provided that care? Our survivor stories reflect, on a very personal level, why Saint Vincent is the region’s leader in cancer care.

Angeline
Breast Cancer Survivor
"I felt like I was so safe and secure at Saint Vincent, with everyone doing their work so efficiently, but still with such a kind human touch. Dr. Haupt was great; she immediately made me feel so much better on my first visit with her and every visit since then. I received excellent care from each and every person I encountered, from admissions to discharge and even home health.  Everyone was so efficient, so very nice and encouraging, even if it was just putting a hand on my shoulder and reassuring me.”

Wayne
Skin Cancer Survivor
“Getting that phone call from someone telling you you have cancer is a very scary moment, but the call I remember was the call telling me I was cancer free. I learned I had skin cancer, then, in the same month, had to have open heart surgery at Saint Vincent. My care was professional, thorough, and friendly. The people at Saint Vincent know how to make you feel at ease during a tough time.”

Grace
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor
“As part of my treatment, I spent five days as an inpatient at Saint Vincent every three weeks. I tell you, the people there treated me like a queen. During the period of my treatment, both my brother and my niece passed away. It was a difficult time, but I was in a very supportive environment at Saint Vincent. I am blessed to have a strong, supportive family, and I consider the Saint Vincent family a part of my extended family. They make you feel like you’re someone special to them…like you’re their only patient.”

Crystal
Breast Cancer Survivor
Saint Vincent’s breast health navigator was not just a clinician. She saw beyond the medicine and advocated for me as a person. This way of caring is so important in the African American community because, all too often, because of modesty, medical issues can be taboo. As women, we have to be the voice for our own bodies. Saint Vincent hears that voice. It offers a very holistic approach to medicine.

Walt
Colon Cancer Survivor and Saint Vincent volunteer
Saint Vincent has always given me excellent care, but more important, they helped me to feel more comfortable. That is part of the reason I became a volunteer at Saint Vincent, so that I could carry that on and help to make patients at the health center more comfortable.

John
Prostate Cancer
“Along with my family and friends, Saint Vincent physicians and staff provided a great support system for me when I was dealing with cancer.”

Lorre
Colon Cancer
The nurses at Saint Vincent were kind, caring and compassionate. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I have received care at other Erie hospitals and there is just no comparison to the care I received at Saint Vincent.

Letitia
Hodgkin’s Disease
I had never had surgery before, but my doctor calmed me down a lot. He was very encouraging. With him by my side, I wasn’t as worried about it.