Testimonial: One Patient's Lifesaving Journey
Every Good Journey Starts with the Right Step. Hers was Seeking a Second Opinion.
Theresa Williams, R.N., 72, lives in Centralia and is retired after 23 years at the State of Illinois Department of Health and Family Services in the Bureau of Long-term Care. From the moment you strike up a conversation with her about healthcare, you will be impressed with her clinical knowledge and her understanding of hospitals and how they work. As a result, her recommendations tend to carry a lot of weight.
In 2016, Theresa began experiencing frequent bladder problems. Believing her symptoms were a result of the natural aging process, her doctor treated her for several months with prescription medications. Growing weary of dealing with her discomfort, and concerned over her lack of improvement, Theresa sought a second opinion from urologist Dr. Gary Reagan in Mt. Vernon. “I had heard good things about Dr. Reagan. Looking back, I believe I went where the good Lord directed me,” she states.
As the result of further diagnostic testing at Crossroads Hospital, Dr. Reagan found a tumor in the dome of Theresa’s bladder. “My father had bladder cancer,” she recalls, “but he was an auto body repair man, and I thought his cancer was caused by exposure to paint fumes. Back in the day, they didn't have all of the safety precautions they have now.” It didn’t occur to her that her cancer might be hereditary.
“Dr. Reagan immediately scheduled me for surgery at Crossroads, and he was able to remove that part of the bladder and get clean edges,” she explains. “He was confident he had removed all of the cancerous tissue. I really believe Dr. Reagan saved my life. He told me if I had waited a year longer, it would have been too late.” Chemotherapy followed her surgery.
For Theresa’s follow-up care, Dr. Reagan ordered cystoscopies every three months. “During my second cystoscopy, he found a spot on my bladder. Naturally, I was extremely worried the cancer had returned, however, the biopsy was negative,” she says. Three months later, Dr. Reagan followed up with another cystoscopy, after which he stated, "Well that was boring! I don't want to do THAT again for another six months," indicating a three-month cystoscopy wouldn’t be necessary. Theresa believes his light touch helps can put patients and family at ease in stressful situations.
When asked about her overall experience at Crossroads, Theresa says she can't say enough good things about the nursing staff in the one-day surgery department. “There’s a continuity of care which extends from the prep area into surgery, then into the recovery area. Staff recognized me from prior visits, and the care was excellent,” she says. “
“I was extremely pleased with the hospital. At one point, I thought about transferring to my local hospital because Crossroads is 25 minutes from my house, but the people are so great at Crossroads, I won't change,” says Theresa. “Even the food was great! They have a chef who can do some amazing things with lunch,” she adds.