My Knight Cancer Story
At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, we offer cancer care as unique as you are. These stories about our patients’ experiences show how our personal cancer care sets us apart. From medicines that work with individual DNA, to advanced surgery and lifesaving transplants, you’ll learn how our compassionate cancer experts work together to design the right treatment for every patient.
Featured Story
During my treatment for breast cancer, I had the opportunity to select a new oncologist. I chose Dr. Jacqueline Vuky: I liked that she was affiliated with the OHSU Knight Cancer Insitute and had a special interest in breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Story
A forester's work pays off in research
I had just finished a run last October when I noticed a lump in my breast. It turned out to be a benign tumor, and I had surgery to remove it. At my follow-up appointment, however, I learned that there was invasive breast cancer next to the benign tumor that had been removed. Read Nancy's Story
AYA story
New in Town and Facing Colon Cancer
Caron Blau Rothstein had just moved to Portland when she found out she had colon cancer. She was only 35. Thanks to treatment with Knight Cancer Institute’s partner Pacific Oncology and help from the Adolescent and Young Adult program, she recovered her health and found a supportive community. Read Caron’s story
Bone marrow story
A Second Chance to Beat “Incurable” Leukemia
Her first doctor told Teisha Helgerson her leukemia had no cure. But the 33-year-old wasn’t giving up just yet. She contacted experts at Knight Cancer Institute for a second opinion, and a bone marrow transplant gave her a second chance at life. Read Teisha’s story
Breast cancer story
Feisty Reporter Takes on Breast Cancer
For years, TV reporter Shellie Bailey-Shah has fought for consumers’ rights. But when she learned she had breast cancer, she was the one who needed advice and support. At Knight Cancer Institute, she met nurse navigator Martha McInnes and a team of breast cancer experts who helped her win the fight of her life. Read Shellie’s story
Colorectal cancer story
Stage 4 Colon Cancer is Treatable
Angie Laroche thought her intestinal symptoms were just part of getting older. When she finally mentioned them to her doctor, a colonoscopy revealed she had Stage 4 colon cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Angie is telling other people to speak up about their digestive health. Read Angie’s story
Leukemia story
Breakthrough Cancer Drug Gleevec Gets Ski Instructor Back on the Slopes
When he was diagnosed with leukemia, friends asked Brad Standley if he was working on his bucket list. But the revolutionary cancer drug Gleevec, developed by Knight Cancer Institute director Brian Druker, M.D., helped Brad get back to normal with just one pill a day. Read Brad’s story
Liver cancer stories
Curious George, Knight Cancer Team Help Patient with Liver Cancer
Stomach cramps sent Anthony Esposito to the emergency room. When they removed his ruptured spleen, doctors found liver cancer. To get the best treatment, Anthony made the trip from Grants Pass to Knight Cancer Institute, taking along the Curious George another cancer survivor gave him for good luck. Read Anthony’s story
Could Your Poodle Diagnose Liver Cancer? Knight Cancer Institute Team Gets Pet Owner Back to Health
Deborah Hansen knew something was wrong when her toy poodle refused to leave her side. Her constant pain wasn’t just another symptom of her fibromyalgia -- it was liver cancer. Her Salem oncologist sent her to the Knight Cancer Institute for personal cancer care from a team of experienced surgeons. Read Deborah’s story
Lung cancer story
Personalized Medicine for Lung Cancer: Genetic Screening Matches Patient with New Drug
When her lung cancer progressed, Betsy Milligan was running out of options. But Alan Sandler, M.D. , of the Knight Cancer Institute found she carried a gene mutation that made her a candidate for the new drug Tarceva, available through a clinical trial. Read Betsy’s story
Prostate cancer story
Latest Prostate Cancer Surgery Gets Emergency Worker Back to Saving Lives, Stat
Hood River paramedic and firefighter Peter Mackwell knows a life-and-death situation when he sees one, so he knew prostate cancer was serious. After a personal consultation with Christopher Amling, M.D ., at the Knight Cancer Institute, he had an advanced, less invasive surgery that let him go home the next day – and get back to saving lives sooner. Read Peter’s story
Sarcoma story
Finding Hope -- and the Right Specialist to Treat a Rare Cancer
Five years after she was diagnosed with an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, Patricia Beck hopes to dance at her children’s weddings. She relies on James Hayden, M.D., and other Knight Cancer Institute specialists to give her the best future. Read Patricia’s story
Thyroid story
Cancer Survivor Turns Ordeal Into One-Woman Show
Finishing college kept Carmen Anderson so busy, she barely found time to go to the doctor when she noticed a mysterious weight loss. Then, a mass on her windpipe turned out to be thyroid cancer. After treatment at the Knight Cancer Institute, she fulfilled her dream of doing standup by writing and performing a show about cancer. Read Carmen’s story
