Bill Stewart's story: Nylen Cancer Center 'a real gem'

MY STORY: By Bill Stewart, Sioux City“I had a small bump in my armpit for about two years that my doctor and I watched after checking it. In October 2008 I realized it had suddenly grown. Following a biopsy, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma large cell B-stage 1. I wanted to delay treatment until after a planned vacation, but was told not to wait. We might then have been dealing with advanced disease.My treatment involved both chemotherapy sessions and radiation. Everyone was professional, knowledgeable and caring. The potential consequences and obvious benefits were explained, and each treatment began with IV medication to aid with nausea prevention. Another pre-treatment med was used to prevent possible reactions to chemo agents.I had an indwelling Port to make treatments easier. With long hours of chemo at a sitting, vein problems were eliminated. Naturally, because of the great pre-education I received about possible adverse effects of the chemo, my concerns were in the background. Following my chemo sessions, I received 27 radiation treatments to the armpit area where the lump had been.I had never heard anything but positive assessments from those persons I know who had received treatments at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. From the get-go, I was made to feel very special at the Nylen Cancer Center. The care was professional, yet fun.Every attempt was made to make me feel at ease and actually treatment days were quite pleasant for me. I would doze because of some pre-treatment medications that were given. Due to the length of each of my treatments, I was given a private room with a TV. Fortunately, I had no reactions such as nausea, problems with vital signs, or drug reactions.I work part-time so I never missed a day of work. I will always be thankful for the flexibility afforded me by my work partner.In every respect, I believe we have a real gem with June Nylen Cancer Center. It takes a back seat to no one! When I occasionally need to go for check-ups, it always feels like going home.”This story first appeared in the June E. Nylen Cancer Center newsletter.