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Eleanor Sypher
Metastatic Lung Cancer
In 2004, during Eleanor Sypher's routine check up with her primary care physician, she had a chest x-ray taken. With no symptoms, she was surprised to learn she had a suspicious mass in her lung. Her doctor believed it was a cancerous tumor. He suggested she go to one of 2 hospitals located in downtown Philadelphia. Eleanor did not listen.
"If I have cancer, there is only one hospital for me. I'm going to Fox Chase Cancer Center."
Instead, she said, "If I have cancer, there is only one hospital for me. I'm going to Fox Chase Cancer Center. I have heard about the wonderful things they do. And I feel that a hospital that does nothing but cancer all day and night must be the best."
Dr. Michael Unger, a pulmonologist at Fox Chase, performed a variety of tests, including a bronchoscopy, which confirmed that the mass was cancerous, as opposed to scar tissue as he previously thought might be possible.
"Dr. Unger was just delightful. He explained every test and treated me with compassion."
By July, Eleanor was ready to begin treatment and was transferred to Dr. Roger B. Cohen, a medical oncologist who specializes in lung cancer treatment. Dr. Cohen and his team reviewed Eleanor's medical condition and considered her age, which was 87 at the time. Surgery was not recommended because her disease was already metastatic.
"I just did what Dr. Cohen said. I knew I was in good hands."
"Dr. Cohen recommended chemotherapy. He's the expert. I just did what Dr. Cohen said. I knew I was in good hands," explained Eleanor.
"I have met a lot of doctors in my day, but I have never met anyone like Dr. Cohen."
At her first appointment Eleanor asked Dr. Cohen if he wanted to read her medical history. She explained, "He said he can read all about me . . . or he can get to know me and what type of person I am. I have met a lot of doctors in my day, but I have never met anyone like Dr. Cohen. He has a welcoming manner, deep concern and genuine compassion."
Eleanor shared with Dr. Cohen her concern about getting sick from the chemotherapy. A widow since 1997, she thought it could be more difficult to go through this type of treatment alone.
"I have never had one ounce of nausea thanks to Dr. Cohen."
She recalled, "He told me he was not going to let me get sick. Four years later, I can say I have never had one ounce of nausea thanks to Dr. Cohen."
Eleanor is fortunate to have a companion, Stella, who lives with her, and whom she considers a "surrogate daughter." "Not only does Stella take me to and from appointments, she is a source of love and support, which is very important when undergoing cancer treatment."
"The nurses are without a doubt the most wonderful I've ever met. I can't praise them enough."
As for her nurses, Eleanor shared, "The nurses are without a doubt the most wonderful I've ever met. I can't praise them enough. I've had a terrific time with them - I consider them my friends and love them, and Dr. Cohen, dearly."
"Dr. Cohen is the finest physician in the world!"
Eleanor says she owes her life to Dr. Cohen and the team of healthcare professionals. She often tells people "Dr. Cohen is the finest physician in the world!"
Today, in her early 90s, don't expect to find Eleanor sitting still and taking it easy.
"I volunteer at Chestnut Hill Hospital in the Adult Day Care Center and am an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution," explained Eleanor.
There is more - as a former English teacher, Eleanor is actively involved with the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) as well. If anyone thought you could not be a productive part of a community at age 90, you should meet Eleanor. She is an inspiration.
Learn more about lung cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.