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Breast Cancer

Dr. Ora Hoxhaj is a psychiatrist in the southeastern European country of Albania. Her husband, also a physician, practices endocrinology. They met when she was an intern and Petrit was a doctor. After 34 years, they are still happily married, although they miss each other terribly because Ora is in the United States for several months to get breast cancer treatment.

At the age of 56, Ora had her first mammogram.

Albania is not as medically advanced as many European countries. In fact, doctors just started using mammography equipment within the last several years. "Because my husband and I are in the medical field, we knew the importance of getting a mammogram," shared Ora. At the age of 56, Ora had her first mammogram.

The results were shocking to Ora. Doctors found a suspicious spot on her films. A biopsy proved it was breast cancer - and that it was in her nodes. Upon learning this information, Ora decided to seek treatment at the nearest hospital with advanced surgical options - a decision that took Ora to Luzerne, Switzerland.

After undergoing a lumpectomy in Switzerland, it was time to pursue her next step, which was chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy is available in Albania, Ora wanted access to the best treatment available. While she could have returned to Switzerland, Ora had nowhere to stay for an extended period. Chemotherapy is a lengthy treatment. Fortunately, Ora's cousin Lule had moved to the United States and was living in Philadelphia at the time - not far from Fox Chase Cancer Center.

"Getting treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center became a real possibility for me."

When Lule heard about her cousin, she picked up a magazine on her table and saw an article about Fox Chase. She made a few calls and before she knew it, Ora and her husband arrived at her home, ready to meet the doctors at Fox Chase.

"Dr. Dushkin is a wonderful physician. I am fortunate to be under her care."

Holly Dushkin, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer met with Ora, reviewed her records that she brought from oversees, and determined the best course of treatment. Ora began chemotherapy immediately - which will continue through the summer of 2009. Her husband travels back and forth, but her children, who are grown, cannot afford the trip.

Lule shared, "I won the green card lottery and was able to move to America with my family. It is wonderful being able to have my cousin stay with me during her treatment. I can take care of her when she doesn't feel well."

Ora's mother, a retired actress and art teacher at the age of 82, is very worried and calls every day. "I miss my family so much," explained Ora. "Especially my granddaughter, Kiara, who is only 6. But I know that I'm doing the right thing and will be reunited with my family very soon."

Although Ora was surprised to have breast cancer (she lives in a country with very little industry and eats a very healthy diet), her sister was diagnosed in 1996 and was treated in Albania. Ora's sister recently learned that the cancer had spread to her lung. "Unfortunately my sister doesn't have the means to travel to the United States for treatment, which would probably be more advanced than what she's getting," Ora admitted.

Spreading the word about the importance of mammograms.

When she returns home, Ora will spread the word on the importance of mammograms. "I will tell everyone to get a mammogram," she said. "Although there are not many machines, I will do the best I can."

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

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