Find Extraordinary Care at the Mon Health Zelda Stein Weiss Cancer Center | Bonnie’s Story
Posted Date: 06/13/2023
Bonnie with Dr. Ihtishaam Qazi, Oncologist and Dr.
James Littles, Radiation Oncologist
Bonnie experienced serious medical issues over the years, including lung cancer. An undiagnosed lung cancer nodule from previous CT scans led Bonnie to manage a new cancer journey. She trusted the teams at Mon Health Cancer Center to provide her with exceptional care during her treatment and recovery.
Bonnie had been living in New Jersey, where she grew up, when doctors found a spot on her lung years ago. The spot didn’t grow for nearly six years when her son brought her to the Mon Health Zelda Stein Weiss Cancer Center in Morgantown, WV to treat Bonnie’s newly diagnosed Stage IV lung cancer.
“Dr. Qazi and Dr. Littles got me through chemo and immunotherapy. These guardian angels took me into their hearts, and the staff who are the most expert and compassionate, took such great care of me and made what is normally a bad experience, not so bad,” said Bonnie. “I never felt sick through chemo or radiation. Their support made the difference and today as I continue on immunotherapy, I know I have what it takes to lead as normal of a life as you can with such a diagnosis.”
Bonnie received 33 rounds of radiation therapy, where high-energy radiation is used to shrink cancer cells in the body and infusion therapy, where intravenous (IV) medication is administered into the body. Her doctors in Morgantown and in New Jersey coordinate to ensure she is on the road to recovery.
“I’m feeling much better, some days don’t feel great, but if you have a great attitude and great people behind you, you make the most of it,” she said.
The Mon Health Zelda Stein Weiss Cancer Center has an award-winning record for patient experience and safety. The facility offers a multidisciplinary team approach to treating cancer, where each staff member applies emotional and financial support to get patients through their treatments successfully. The Center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, Healthgrades, the Surgical Review Corporation as a Surgical Center of Excellence, and the American College of Radiology as a Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center.
“I couldn’t rate the doctors at Mon Health high enough,” said Bonnie. “It’s not only the medical staff, but the entire hospital cares so much about each person that walks through, whether it be a cook or a surgeon, they are so kind and respectful to all.”
Mon Health has volunteers that also share a commitment to patient care. Bonnie herself is a volunteer for human resources at Mon Health Medical Center. She enjoys helping and spending time with the staff at the hospital. In her free time, Bonnie enjoys spending time with friends and family. She has three children, two sons and a daughter, and multiple loving grandchildren who have supported her throughout her treatments.
“I just love each and every person at Mon Health. I could only wish that everyone had the same care and treatment that I had.”
At Mon Health, receive cancer care you can trust from neighbors you know. That's the Mon Health difference. To learn more, visit MonHealth.com/Cancer.