New technology allows radiation oncologists to track tumor movement when administering radiation, increasing accuracy in treatment.
told me I should, I went ahead and had the mammogram.” Two whirl-wind weeks, a biopsy, and a cancer diagnosis later, Leis had a lumpectomy and her surgeon’s recommendation to seek radiation at McKee Medical Center. Leis’ physicians suggested that she opt for newer radiation therapy regimens that shorten the overall dosage time and deliver much higher doses each visit. Leis spent only three weeks coming to Loveland instead of six. Dr. Ceilley irradiated Leis’ tumor over 15 treatments instead of the typical 34, lessening her chances for recurrence because of the higher dosing. She is now cancer free and was even able to make it on the Hawaiian cruise she thought she might miss because of treatments. Leis was grateful for the care she received: “They’re just wonderful at McKee. Everybody makes you feel welcome, not like a cancer patient. After you hear the news [that you have cancer], nobody wants to touch you, be by you or give you a kiss. They were so friendly and outstanding there… always just up and talkative. Dr. Ceilley answered all our questions and took such good care of me.” Leis adds: “I’m now a really big proponent for getting your mammogram every year. Because we caught my cancer in its first stages, it wasn’t too deep.” She credits that mammogram with saving her life. To most of us, photon beams and linear accelerators are as foreign as Bat Man’s lair. Certainly Karen Leis had never thought about them before. However, if your cells turn on you, it’s nice to know that radiation oncologists like Drs. Ceilley and Fuller are around to blast the mutants into oblivion. Corey Radman is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. Her website is www.fortcollinswriter.com. Loveland Greeley Medical Magazine & Directory 2011
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