Breast Cancer Survivor Thankful for Treatment Close to Home

Melissa Thomas rings the bell at Holzer Center for Cancer Care, which is used to signify a final cancer treatment.

In January 2018, Melissa Thomas was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple negative breast cancer. With no family history of this disease and nothing in her genetic background, the news came as a shock.

Now, one year later, Thomas cannot say enough good things about the care she received throughout the Holzer Health System scope of services. “It was wonderful. Everyone was so compassionate and I was treated like family,” shared Thomas.

Thomas began her treatment journey after finding a lump in her breast during a self-exam. After calling her OB/Gyn provider, Dr. Amy Hendricks, and setting up an appointment, she needed a mammogram and breast ultrasound. Those tests resulted in a required lumpectomy and biopsy, which was performed by Dr. Alice Dachowski, General Surgery. Thomas was treated at the Holzer Center for Cancer Care with 8 sessions of chemotherapy and 4 weeks of radiation. She completed her treatments in September of 2018 and is officially a cancer survivor.

“It was such a blessing to be close to home and able to continue some of my normal daily activities through my treatments.,” continued Thomas. “Our communities are so fortunate to have access to the same technology that is available in big cities.”

Thomas found her lump during a self-breast exam. “I encourage everyone to do self-exams. It’s important to know your body and if you find something that isn’t right, call your doctor. Cancer is scary, but can be treated,” shared Thomas.

Throughout treatments her husband, Chris, was able to attend each chemo sessions. “They were very accommodating to my family,” stated Thomas. “It was a comfort to not only have a supportive staff, but family with me throughout this journey. The level of commitment the Cancer Center staff has for each patient is beyond compare.”

“I am so blessed to be able to do the things I enjoy, like spending time with my family. I am proud to be a cancer survivor and feel honored that I can share my story with our communities.”

Photo is of Melissa Thomas and staff members at the Holzer Center for Cancer Care.

Thomas resides in Leon with her husband and two sons, Ethan and Gabe.

Holzer Health System is a multi-discipline health care system of over 160 Board Certified and Board Eligible Physicians providing care in more than thirty areas of expertise in clinical locations throughout southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia. Holzer Center for Cancer Care is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment for all cancer sites with gentle, competent, and individualized care. Medical oncology services include an infusion area for chemotherapy with 12 bays and 2 private bays for treatment. Radiation Oncology services are provided with advance technology in a relaxed and friendly setting. For more information on Holzer services, please visit www.holzer.org or call 1-855-4-HOLZER.