Novalis® Radiotherapy Gives
Cancer Patient Hope
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 Carolyn Sems relaxes with her dog, Nick.
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Carolyn Sems had always lived an active and healthy lifestyle, so it came as quite a shock when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2005. As a registered nurse for more than 34 years, she was used to helping patients fight back against all kinds of medical crises; now, she faced the biggest fight of her life.
"I had severe stomach pain from a tumor that had perforated my bowel," says the 61-year-old Wellington resident. "I spent six days in the intensive care unit and was so sick I almost died."
She was prescribed a round of chemotherapy and radiation to shrink her tumor followed by surgery to remove it. After surgery, doctors recommended additional chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
After undergoing these aggressive treatments Carolyn thought her ordeal was over. But her doctor discovered another small tumor, this time on her spine, during a follow-up visit.
New Treatment Increases Chance of Survival
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 Angled radiation beams treating spinal lesion
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"My doctor explained that he couldn't operate this time because the tumor was located so close to the spinal cord," she said. "I was really worried until he told me about a new option called Novalis, an advanced radiation therapy technology that targets tumors in very delicate areas.
"I would have been willing to go anywhere to get this new treatment, so I was greatly relieved to learn that it was offered right in our area, at The Regional Cancer Center at Wellington," she continued.
Carolyn met with Kishore K. Dass, MD, the cancer center's chief radiation oncologist, who spoke at length about Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery. This innovative technology allows doctors to perform complex radiosurgery and radiotherapy procedures to eradicate tumors in the most difficult areas to treat, such as the brain and spinal cord, areas too delicate to navigate surgically. Treatment with Novalis targets the tumor or lesion so precisely that surrounding healthy tissue is spared.
Before treatment could begin, an individualized treatment plan was created specific to the size, shape and location of Carolyn's tumor. Imaging studies from MRIs and computed tomographies determined the tumor's specific location and dimensions. Novalis' advanced computer software then calculated the ideal access points of the tumor.
During treatment, the Novalis system rotated around the patient, delivering radiation beams that penetrated the tumor from many angles. The multileaf collimator, a special feature of the Novalis system, contoured the radiation beams to match the exact shape and size of the tumor. Carolyn was prescribed Novalis radiotherapy treatment five days a week for about one month.
"The treatment was painless and I tolerated the radiation beautifully," Carolyn said. "Follow-up scans show the tumor is gone, and I have been cancer-free."
Show of Support
Carolyn adds that the support she received from her husband
Rick and her three grown children helped her wage the biggest
battle of her life. "My family has helped me stay strong,"
she says.
Carolyn also credits The Regional Cancer Center at Wellington. "I can't say enough about the staff at the cancer center. They are the most soothing, caring people, and my chance of survival is greater because of the Novalis treatments.
"Colonoscopies are an effective tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. I am hoping my story will make people more mindful of the routine screenings that can save so many lives," said Carolyn.
For more information about Novalis, please call The Regional Cancer Center at Wellington at 561-793-6500.
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Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 798-8500 |
