Survivor Stories
Every person touched by cancer has a story to tell. At Missouri Cancer Associates, we want to share the stories of those who walked through our doors. They describe the progress we’re making together to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Below are personal stories we hope will inspire you.
Silver Lining
MCA Patient: Katie Hanney Survivor Since: 2016 Diagnosis: Breast Cancer Medical Oncologist: Andrew Iliff, M.D. Treatment: Chemotherapy, lumpectomy, radiation and antibody infusions Even after two breast cancer diagnoses, Katie Hanney focuses on the positive. After six...
Staying Focused on Life Outside of Cancer
MCA Patient: Michael Lilien Survivor Since: 2019 Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Medical Oncologist: Dr. Mark Vellek Treatment: Chemotherapy After discovering he had cancer, Michael Lilien was determined to keep running his life the same way — all the way through...
Choosing to Live
MCA Patient: Bill Carter Survivor Since: 2016 Diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer Medical Oncologist: Dr. Uma Ramadoss Radiation Oncologist: Dr. Mark Bryer and Dr. Harold Johnson Oncology Nurse: Christy Philips Treatment: Chemotherapy When Bill Carter was diagnosed with...
Faith and Courage
MCA Patient: Duke Allen Survivor Since: 2018 Diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer Medical Oncologist: Dr. Mark Tungesvik Treatment: Chemotherapy For Henry Duke Allen, a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer hasn’t dimmed his zeal for life. As is common with anyone receiving a...
Start Talking
MCA Patient: Karen Singleton, Ashland, MO Survivor Since: March 2018 Diagnosis: Breast Cancer Care Team: Medical Oncologist: Liana Makarian, M.D. Radiation Oncologist: Dr. Mark Bryer Radiation: Dr. Teri Elwing Breast Surgeon: Dr. Anne Peterson Primary Care...
Let Them Love You
MCA Patient: Sunny Hoffman Survivor Since: April 2017 Diagnosis: Breast Cancer Medical Oncologist: Mark Vellek, M.D. Treatment: Chemotherapy and Radiation Chemotherapy Care Team: Amy Boyle, RN Danielle Kleithermes, RN Denise Huff, RN Erin Korman, RN Johanna Joes, RN...
Cancer Doesn’t Care About Your Plans.
MCA Patient: Pam Schilz Survivor Since: April 2008 Diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukemia Missouri Cancer Care Team: Medical Oncologist: Uma Ramadoss, M.D. Christy Phillips, RN Chemotherapy Care Team: Amy Boyle, RN Danielle Kleithermes, RN Denise Huff, RN Erin Swift, RN...
Confidence That Cures
MCA Patient: Matt May Diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia Medical Oncologist: Dr. Mark Vellek When college student Matt May received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, his world changed in an instant. But a matter-of-fact promise from his MCA doctor kept...
Faith in Positive Outcomes
MCA Patient: Sara Davidson Diagnosis: Hodgkin’s lymphoma Medical Oncologist: Dr. Mark Vellek Radiation Oncologist: Dr. Mark Bryer Radiation Team Treatment: Radiation and Chemotherapy When Sara Davidson was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in 1999, her team at...
But You’re Still Here
MCA Patient: Krissy Johnson Diagnosis: Breast Cancer Medical Oncologist: Dr. Uma Ramadoss RN, Medical Oncology: Christy Phillips Radiation: Dr. James Allan Breast Surgeon: Dr. Anne Peterson Amidst the ups and downs of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, survivor...