A True Patient Story Told by Nicole and Her Best Friend Christine

“After mom was diagnosed with cancer, she made me, along with my brothers and sisters, promise to get ourselves checked. I’m not one to go to the doctor, but I went to put her mind at ease. I never dreamed they’d find anything.” ~ Nicole

“I was so upset to hear about Nicole’s mom’s condition. The two were close, and I knew it was really hard on her. The timing couldn’t have been worse for Nicole to find out about her own health crisis.” ~ Christine

“During my physical, they found a hard spot on my abdomen. I was feeling bloated a lot, but never thought to get it checked. I sure learned my lesson. Before I even got home from the hospital, the CT scan results were in. I had a massive tumor in my kidney. I had cancer.” ~ Nicole

“Nicole broke down on the phone to me that night. She was shocked by the news. Amazingly she was most concerned about not being well enough to help care for her mom. That shows you the kind of person she is.” ~ Christine

“My doctor referred me to Dr. Rossman. I felt comfortable with him and trusted him immediately. He explained everything in a way I could understand. He was so thorough in his evaluation, initiating an insightful consultation with an interventional radiologist, Dr. Denny, and a vascular surgeon, Dr. Goldman.” ~ Nicole

“The surgery was nerve wracking. The procedure went longer than expected so we were all worried. For six hours I sat and waited with Nicole’s family and more friends just hoping for the best.” ~ Christine

“Dr. Rossman didn’t want to rush the procedure. He was very careful. Based on his consultation with Dr. Goldman, it was decided that a lesion found on my spleen must also be removed.” ~ Nicole

“When it was finally over, Dr. Rossman came to the waiting room. He explained to everyone, friends and family, what took place step by step. What they did. Why they did it. And why it took so long. It was really comforting.” ~ Christine

“Post-surgery I had a lot of support from friends and family. Because mom and I both had surgery on the same day we recuperated together at my house. There was always someone there to help us do even the simplest things.” ~ Nicole

“As soon as Nicole began to feel better, she wanted to start taking care of her mother right away. At first that worried me, but Dr. Rossman was sensitive to her anxieties. He really helped her stay focused on her own recovery until she was 100%.” ~ Christine

“Today I don’t take my health for granted. I’m here for two very special reasons. Because of the love only a mom can give. And the small miracle only the most committed surgeon can perform. Love and commitment that was genuinely unconditional.” ~ Nicole