Impact

Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer and sought assistance from the Cancer Nutrition Services after having an abnormally low count of white blood cells (neutropenic) from her chemotherapy treatment. She was told to follow a “neutropenic diet,” but didn’t know what that meant. Maggie, the Registered Dietitian, helped Lisa create a nutrition plan that included what she should eat and what she should avoid. The diet allowed Lisa to do much better while undergoing her treatment.

Suzanne worked with our Cancer Patient Navigator, Sherry, after learning she had cancer. In recounting her time working with Sherry, Suzanne says, “I simply cannot imagine how, without Sherry, I would’ve negotiated my new world...With her warmth and calmness, Sherry softened the unknown in every appointment I had….Immediately after my appointments, Sherry took time to review the information I’d received and to answer any questions or concerns I had. She did so with patience and expertise…She will always remain one of my most treasured associations.”

Maggie is one of our Registered Dietitians. She feels a special connection with cancer patients, having lost her mother to cancer when she was 7 years old. This inspired her life’s work, in which she “wants to make sure that people going through cancer treatment and recovery have someone to help them with their quality of life during such a difficult time.” Maggie provides free nutrition services to our cancer patients. One of Maggie’s patients told her, “Honey, you’re a lifesaver!”

Sherry works as a Cancer Patient Navigator, helping guide patients through and around the complex cancer care system. She helps ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and support. Says one of her patients: “There was no question too insignificant, no concern too minor, no fear too unreasonable. Sherry was always accessible and always knew what to do. She gave me courage when I had none—partly through reassurance, but mostly through education.”

Tom is the father of two children, including a boy with special needs. In 2015, Tom’s wife was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. Since Tom wasn’t working full-time, he was prepared to be her caregiver. But two months later, Tom suffered a seizure while keeping his wife company after her second round of chemo. Tom had a brain tumor and had brain surgery eight days later. After the surgery, he had to relearn everything, including walking and talking. He began attending the yoga classes offered through our cancer center. “Not only has this class contributed to my physical recovery, but also my socio-emotional challenges that come along with being a cancer patient/survivor.”

Having a great community hospital just minutes from home was something Beth took for granted. “Then our 17-month-old daughter— the center of our world—was badly bitten by a dog, on her face. Time stops when your child is hurt. That trip to the hospital, cradling her in my arms, was terrifying.” But the moment they reached the Emergency Department, she was surrounded by “the best care we could have wished for. Everyone treated us like members of their own family. We had support at every level, and we didn’t even have to ask.”  Read Beth's full story.

Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer, went through chemotherapy, and underwent three surgeries. “Throughout the ups and downs of my various treatments, the free yoga classes…have been a consistent support for me. In addition to the body movement aspect of the class, I have recently realized how much I have also benefited from Winter’s ability to quiet my mind. The internal experience has been invaluable as I continue to face my recovery from cancer and associated treatments.”

Within hours of coming into our Emergency Department, Dale learned that she needed open-heart surgery — urgently. Dale is sure that the personalized, compassionate care she received at Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare saved her life. “From the moment we arrived, through my open-heart surgery, postoperative recovery, and cardiac rehabilitation, we were surrounded by caregivers of exceptional skill and compassion. When I needed it most, Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare gave me world-class medical care, right in my own backyard.”  Read Dale's full story.

The Women in Need Fund provided me with post-surgical camisoles to wear directly after surgery, which made it much easier and more comfortable for me to move around. They also gave me much more self-confidence and self-esteem when I went out in public. After recovery, [the Fund] provided me with compression garments (full-length sleeves and hand mitts) which I wear daily to assist with moving fluid from tissues back to the circulatory system. When I completed healing, radiation, and physical therapy, I was provided with breast prostheses and special bras to hold them. It is hard to express what an incredible effect this had on my emotions and self-esteem. This made it okay (and easy) for me to dress and present myself at work and in public with no discomfort about my appearance. No one would know there was anything missing.

2017 was a challenging year for John and his wife. He was laid off from his job of 23 years, their dog of 18 years passed away, and he had aortic valve replacement surgery. After the surgery, he had trouble even with basic breathing exercises. Feeling overwhelmed and depressed, John was finally convinced to begin cardiac rehab. “Looking back on my experience with cardiac rehab, I am not only in better physical shape, but my mental and emotional state has improved significantly. I attribute this to the environment that exists at the Livermore cardiac rehab center, which has been instrumental in my moving forward with my life.”

Shelby is one of our physical therapists specializing in rehab for patients who’ve had concussions. She thrives on helping her patients make sense out of a confusing diagnosis and guiding them on the road to recovery from this treatable injury. Her goal is to help patients return to their prior level of function. When that isn’t possible, she helps to find alternative ways to allow them to be as independent and functional as is possible. Shelby’s passion to serve our community and our young athletes resulted in the launch of our Concussion Baseline Testing Program in 2017. We can now baseline-test young athletes and help them return to life, school, and play after a concussion.