I don’t think I would be alive today if it wasn't for Touro.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2013. That is when I discovered Touro. It is the best hospital I have experienced during one of the hardest moments of my life. I do not live in New Orleans, but chose Touro for cancer treatment and drive about an hour each way to and from several times a week—coming to Touro was the right decision for me and my family. I had surgery as an inpatient at Touro and then received chemotherapy there before entering the Cancer Rehabilitation Program. My experience at Touro, from the doctors, nurses and all the other staff I encountered was nothing short of incredible. Any time I or my family needed anything, the staff was right there to help. The infusion nurse was there to soothe me and hold my hand when I was feeling my lowest—physically and emotionally.

After completing chemotherapy, I felt a constant ache in my feet, hands and shoulders. I had developed chemo induced neuropathy, a tingling sensation, in my feet and hands as well as chemo induce arthritis, which is rare. When I was referred to the Cancer Rehabilitation Program, I was in constant discomfort and could not open and close my hands—making it hard to do everyday things like pick up a pen or hold a clipboard-things that you take for granted. I’d say I’m 85-90% better now than I was at start of therapy. I’m able to grab things and do things in my daily life like I used to.

I don’t think I would be alive today if it wasn't for Touro. So many patients live with side effects as the result of cancer treatment and aren't aware treatment is available to help. I definitely recommend cancer patients discuss the cancer rehabilitation with their care team.