Breast Cancer Survivor Christiane Keilhofer of Frankenmuth
Celebrates Life® At Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
Learn More About This Topic: Chat with Us | Email Us
Joins Fellow Five-Year Cancer Survivors in Tree-Planting Ceremony
Zion, Illinois – June 5, 2009 – Christiane Keilhofer returned to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) in suburban Chicago today to celebrate her five years as a breast cancer survivor. Keilhofer was joined by doctors, hospital administration and the clinical support team in a tree-planting ceremony in her honor. Five doves were released at the conclusion of the event to commemorate each year of her fighting survival.
Keilhofer, daughter of Frankenmuth, Michigan’s noted woodcarver, George Keilhofer, was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in March 2004 after having her very first-ever mammogram done at age 42. What she thought would be just a routine test ended up sending her in and out of her local hospital for the remainder of the year, and required three surgeries to try to gain clear margins free of cancer cells. “Each time they took a little more of my breast, a little more of my energy, and a little more of my spirit. But somewhere within I had decided that I was not going to give in to this disease and that I would educate myself to find the best treatment approach possible for me.”
Keilhofer’s counselor was the one who offered her information about CTCA. She had heard about CTCA from another patient and knew that Keilhofer was interested in a more integrated approach to cancer treatment that allowed for both traditional medical treatment as well as more holistic methods.
During her first consultation at CTCA, Keilhofer was immediately struck by the staff’s compassion and genuine interest in her and her care. “It was unlike any other hospital environment I had encountered, both from my own experiences as well as my experiences with my dad in his battle with bladder cancer,” she said.
Keilhofer’s treatment plan consisted of seven weeks of radiation and complementary therapies to mitigate any side effects and maintain positive quality of life. “I not only felt that I was in the best hands medically speaking, but also made some wonderful friendships that will remain with me for the rest of my life. The various conventional and complementary practitioners gave me the treatment I needed and me the outlook of hope that I could and would overcome cancer. They also gave me the comfort of knowing that I would never be alone during the process. Most hospital environments don’t encourage this kind of interaction between patient and practitioner, or even between patients for that matter…but looking back, I can’t imagine getting through without it!” she said.
Now, after being a cancer survivor of five years, Keilhofer’s advice to other patients is simple, “Open yourself up to your family and friends’ love and support. I don’t know how I would have made it through without my best friend and caregiver, Angela, who always reassured me that everything would fall into place and helped me to have faith. When people genuinely care about one another and give one another hope, I believe that miracles can…and do happen!”
Keilhofer remains an active participant in fighting cancer, dedicating her time to sharing her story and message of hope whenever and wherever she can, at work and in the community. “This is what has inspired me to be a Cancer Fighter [www.cancerfighter.com]. I can now say in earnest that having breast cancer has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. If I can give hope to others – that’s what it is all about,” Keilhofer contends.
This year, 104 CTCA patients are celebrating their five-year triumph over cancer at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. “At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we surround each patient with a multidisciplinary care team that is designed to meet their individual needs,” said Anne Meisner, president and CEO at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. “Our team provides state of the art treatment protocols with fully integrated complementary therapies. We empower our patients to help them take control of their cancer and every patient is treated as though they were a member of our own family. We are so proud of our celebrants and honored to acknowledge and celebrate their journey and continued success,” she added.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with complex cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. Known for delivering the Mother Standard® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine®, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and their treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com.
