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Beating Cancer

Not oNce,but Twice

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Beating Cancer Not Once, but Twice

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W hen Olga Ortiz was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008, she went

through the range of emotions that anyone would. First there was shock, then fear for herself and her children: Pedro Melendez, 21; Olga Liz, 14; and Yoskar, just 5. Finally, she found determination. Olga intended to survive and be there for her kids.

She came to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she received state-of-the-art treatment. After surgery and six months of

feel scared there. As soon as I got there, I knew I’d be OK.”

Renowned Clinical Expertise Close to HomeOlga’s story is unique, but her feelings about the cancer program at Jersey Shore are not.

“If there is one thing that separates Jersey Shore, it’s our combination of empathy and first-rate care,” says Kenneth Nahum, D.O., the medical oncologist who coordinated Olga’s care through both cancers.

Jersey Shore connects patients to renowned experts in oncology, hematology, and oncologic surgery. Patients also have access to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials that are often not available at a community hospital.

“Patients don’t have to go to Philadelphia or New York,” says Dr. Nahum. “They can get state-of-the-art therapy right here. But they also get the personal attention that comes with being at a local hospital. And they can stay close to their family and friends.”

From the first time Olga met Dr. Nahum and the team of physicians who would treat her colorectal cancer, she felt confident placing her care in their hands.

“Dr. Nahum is the best,” she says. “As soon as he walked through that door, he always had a smile. He asked me what I needed and if I was

comfortable. And he always explained everything clearly.”

Coming Home to FamilyOlga’s ovarian cancer treatment also included surgery and six months of chemotherapy. The drugs were stronger this time and harder

Kenneth D. Nahum, D.O.Board certified in Internal Medicine and Hematology-OncologyHowell • 732-367-1535

on her. Chemotherapy meant going to the clinic and staying overnight for three days each time she needed a new dose. Fortunately, the nurses on the oncology wing always made her feel like she was coming home to family.

“I had a little suitcase filled with magazines that I would bring when I came for chemotherapy,” Olga recalls. “The nurses would wait for me in the morning and ask if I brought my magazines. They were all so nice to me, and they always made me feel comfortable.”

“The oncology nursing staff is second to none,” says Dr. Nahum. “They are dedicated and hard-working, and they truly care about their patients.”

And when Olga or her family had questions, Dr. Nahum and the other surgeons and specialists were there to help. “During my chemotherapy, Dr. Nahum would visit me in the morning when he was doing his rounds,” says Olga. “He would come tell me jokes and make me laugh.”

A New Lease on LifeThanks to her determination, the love of her family and friends, and the expert clinical care she received at Jersey Shore, Olga is again cancer-free and back to spending time with her children and all the people she loves.

She also is back to work at a local nursing home, coordinating activities for residents. In her job, Olga strives to be as warm and caring to her clients as her caregivers were to her.

“I am cancer-free, and I feel like a new person,” says Olga. “For anyone else going through something like this, don’t lose faith. It won’t be easy, but stay strong. The people at Jersey Shore will take really good care of you. They’re the best.” l

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chemotherapy, Olga was cancer-free. Or so she thought.

Less than two years later, she started having pain in her stomach. It got so bad, she went to the Emergency Department. Doctors found another mass, not related to the first. This time it was ovarian cancer.

“I was surprised, and even more scared than the first time,” says Olga, 45. “There were days I was depressed and I cried. But I had faith that everything was going to be all right. I had to survive for my kids. And I have a lot of people who love me. That gave me a lot of strength.”

Once again, the Eatontown resident turned to Jersey Shore.

“I never considered going anywhere else,” she says. “They made me so comfortable the first time, and I didn’t

During her two battles with cancer, Olga Ortiz had to draw on her great reserves of inner strength. Today she is cancer-free and back to her activities. She enjoys going to the gym with her sisters, including Myriam Castillo, below. See page 28 to learn how exercise is good for everyone, including those wanting to lower their cancer risk.

Meet More Inspiring Patients Find out more about Olga online at MeridianCancerCareNJ.com. Hers is just one of many inspirational stories

that can be found there. Visit today to learn how John Vanore of Whiting battled liver cancer with the help of the experts at Jersey Shore.

door, he always had a smile. He asked me what I needed and if I was

treatment also included surgery and six months of chemotherapy. The drugs were stronger this time and harder