Gretchen Rohlff

I was diagnosed in November of 1995 with advanced breast cancer. After my bilateral radical mastectomy, doctors discovered 14 positive lymph nodes. The prognosis was very poor I was told by my hometown doctors. They said I probably wouldn't even make it in two years, even with medical therapy. I did six rounds of heavy duty chemo and became violently ill. Camped out in the bathroom with nausea and vomiting. I was so ill and fed up with my oncologist, and I wanted out!!

One day I saw a commercial on TV about Cancer Treatment Centers of America. That commercial gave real hope for people with cancer, and I called them immediately and made an appointment. I needed to get another opinion and I didn't care how far I had to go!

In June of 1996 I went to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Southwestern Regional Medical Center (Southwestern) and received six weeks of radiation twice daily. At the same time I began an aggressive nutrition program including fish, lots of vegetables and water, fruits, abundant prayer, and a wide assortment of nutrition supplements. After finishing my radiation therapy the end of July 1996, I was considered "disease free".

I cannot say enough good about Southwestern. It is a wonderful center that offers a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment that incorporates traditional chemotherapy, radiation and surgical procedures, as well as numerous clinical trials. They also support these efforts by addressing the needs of the patient psychologically, spiritually and nutritionally. The doctors and entire staff are very warm, compassionate, supportive people, and they treat you like a "human being". This is the first time I have ever had a doctor hug me and pray with me!! I was first filled with hope and treated with love and care.

As of April 2000 I continue to be healthy with no disease detectable and I have an excellent quality of life. I have been and still go to Southwestern every four months for my routine examinations. I wouldn't go anywhere else!! I offer these words of encouragement to anyone facing cancer - "You need to have a determination and a will to live. Fight the cancer."

Thank you CTCA and your entire staff, but above all thank you Lord Jesus for your direction and your guidance. I know that you led me to this great place. Southwestern is a very spiritual place filled with your love. I have noticed if people aren't spiritually filled when they come, they definitely are by the time they leave. You are my ultimate healer Lord.

Breast Cancer