Breast Cancer Survivor Vibeke Achilles of Pinckney
Celebrates Life® At Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
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Joins Fellow Five-Year Cancer Survivors in Tree-Planting Ceremony
Zion, Illinois – June 5, 2009 – Vibeke Achilles 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. Achilles 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.
Achilles, 62, of Pinckney, Michigan was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer after a routine mammogram. “I came to CTCA because I wanted a second opinion and to learn more about the disease. I stayed there because they shared my sense of urgency. Everything was scheduled in a week. I got there on Thursday and had surgery on Friday. That meant a lot to me,” she said.
Achilles’ treatment plan consisted of a lumpectomy, ten Mammosite® radiation treatments over a span of seven days and chemotherapy. Her treatment protocol also included nutritional and naturopathic support, mind-body therapy, physical therapy and spiritual support to help her fight the disease on all fronts, manage her treatment side effects and maintain quality of life.
Now, as a cancer survivor for five years, Achilles’ advice to other patients is simple, “You’ve got to have a strong mind and a strong spirit when you’re fighting cancer. Tell yourself every day that ‘I will get well.’ Today’s another day you can fight if you have that positive attitude.”
Achilles still travels more than 300 miles for her yearly checkups at CTCA. She is an active member of the local Pinckney community, donating her time to the Livingston County Wildlife Conservation Club and the Livingston County Rock and Mineral Club whenever she can. She also enjoys a wide range of crafts, including jewelry making, embroidering, crocheting and knitting.
Achilles remarks ‘how sweet it is’ that “I’ve gotten something that I’ve wanted since I first came to CTCA – to get my name on the tree of life in the lobby! It means so much to me to have my name on one of those leaves because that has really been my inspiration throughout the battle. It especially helped me get through some of the tougher days!”
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 integrative approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with advanced cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, go to cancercenter.com.
