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Glenyce Scott-Hogland
Pancreatic Cancer
In the spring of 2009, Glenyce Scott-Hogland began experiencing severe pain in her side. Luckily, she was at her office where several of her colleagues are nurses. They encouraged Glenyce to seek medical care at her local hospital. Initially, the emergency room doctors thought she might have kidney stones. Further testing revealed a suspicious spot on her pancreas.
Glenyce and her husband David, who had been married less than two years at the time, traveled to Fox Chase Cancer Center for additional diagnostic testing. Jeffrey Tokar, MD, a gastroenterologist, performed an advanced endoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis, which was a neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor.
Dr. Tokar suggested several surgeons to consult with for treatment. After doing some on-line research, the Hoglunds decided to meet with Andrew Gumbs, MD at Fox Chase, who is internationally recognized for his minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology. "It was really an easy decision," Glenyce admitted.
"I had only been hospitalized once, so becoming a patient was new for me," recalled Glenyce, who works for a medical device company and spends a lot of time in hospitals.
"Dr. Gumbs is the kindest surgeon I've met."
Glenyce was immediately impressed by Dr. Gumbs' calm and reassuring manner. She explained that he answered all of her questions until she had no more. "I have met a lot of doctors during my career, but Dr. Gumbs is the kindest surgeon I've met. He really impressed me with his gentle and reassuring manner."
During the delicate procedure, Dr. Gumbs removed Glenyce's spleen and 50 percent of her pancreas to ensure that the margins were clear. Glenyce and her doctors believe they "got all the cancer" so further treatment was not recommended.
"It is with utmost gratitude that my wife and I were able to get the true holistic patient care experience for which Fox Chase is widely known," shared her husband, David. "The end results speak for themselves."
"Our experience at Fox Chase was unlike any other," explained the Hoglunds. "From the person across the counter handling the paperwork, to the nighttime housekeepers, to the grounds people who asked me how my wife was doing, it was like 'wow!' Everyone really cares and understands the dynamics of what we were going through." That meant a lot to the Hoglunds as they experienced the emotional highs and lows of a cancer diagnosis.
"I was totally blown away by the quality of care and positive attitude the nurses have."
During his wife's surgery, David met many of the nurses, including pre-operative, surgical nurses, intensive care and post-operative - all were outstanding in his eyes. "The nurses at Fox Chase are world-class care givers," he shared. "I was totally blown away by the quality of care and positive attitude the nurses have."
Glenyce believes the Fox Chase staff deserves kudos for the individualized care that they give. "From the patient's perspective, Fox Chase is unique," said Glenyce. "As far as we could tell, there were no egos involved and no issues, other than taking care of patients."
"Dr. Gumbs saved my wife's life."
"Together with God's hand, Dr. Gumbs saved my wife's life," recalled David. "In a greater sense, he has a humble and down-to-earth attitude that is unique to find in a surgeon."
Glenyce returned to work just 6 weeks after surgery. She and David have resumed their active lives, including bike riding, kayaking, picnicking and trout fishing. The Hoglunds were planning a trip to Italy just before Glenyce was diagnosed with cancer, but have rescheduled for the fall. "We made this promise together - that as soon as I was better, we would take the trip back to Italy, where I used to live," summed up Glenyce. "Thanks to Dr. Gumbs, we will."
Learn more about pancreatic cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.