Patient Testimonial

Shelia M.

Shelia M.

Patient Testimonial

Condition
Bladder Cancer
Location
Community MD Anderson Cancer Center - North

7979 N Shadeland Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46250

As long as you have a breath, you have a chance for change. I triumphed, and I had the most awesome experience.

The week in 2016 that Shelia was diagnosed with bladder cancer, she lost her job. And, she needed to move because her lease was up and couldn’t be renewed.

“It was a lot all at once,” she said.

Fortunately, she felt like she was in good hands at Community Health Network.

“They got me in for an appointment so quickly and with so much urgency,” she said. “I knew I was in good hands form the get-go, and they made it easier for me to cope with the diagnosis. I have not looked back since.”

Shelia was linked to Jean, a licensed social worker at Community Cancer Center North. Jean connected Shelia to a number of resources to help her with her financial situation at the time, including the Oncology Patient Assistance Fund. This Fund is supported by donors to Community Health Network Foundation and provides cancer fighters in need with a $250 gift card that can be used for groceries, gas and medicine.

“I was in the process of getting on disability, and Jean helped me tremendously,” she said. “I felt so supported and cared for, and the care itself was amazing.”

Her oncologist Sumeet Bhatia, MD, and her radiation oncologist Daniel Weed, MD, both MD Anderson Cancer Network certified physicians, helped to put her at ease.

“I’ve always been a positive person, and they refused to let me be anything else,” she explained.

First, Shelia underwent chemotherapy from May until July of 2016. Eventually, this was followed by radiation therapy for three weeks that began in June of 2017.

For Shelia, one of the most telling moments during her journey was her last chemotherapy treatment, which happened to fall one day before her birthday.

“All of a sudden, all of my nurses came into my room and started singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me,” she said. “It is like we became one big family. I will never forget that.”

In September of 2017, she started on new medication, and, today, Shelia is in remission. She credits the life-changing support and compassionate care she received at Community for this second chance.

“My motto is never give up,” she said. “As long as you have a breath, you have a chance for change. I triumphed, and I had the most awesome experience.”

Shelia M.

Cancer Specialties
No matter the cancer type, Community MD Anderson can help with diagnosis, treatment and survivor support - for breast, colon, lung, prostate, oral and skin cancers - and everything in between.
Learn More