Dawna's Story
Dawna was diagnosed with Familial Melanoma; it's a very aggressive, unpredictable cancer that has already reached stage four. "The word cancer is scary and ominous and dark. I remember it was the darkest time when I was first diagnosed," she said.
Dawna admits she is not normally a very trusting person. But, when it comes to Rumford Hospital Specialty Clinical Oncologist, Nicholette Erickson MD, Dawna says, "I have absolute blind faith in her."
Once diagnosed, Dr. Erickson immediately had three treatment options and a plan to move forward. Dawna felt like she had choices, that she was part of the decision-making process.
Dawna is still in pain, every day. Yet, she's quick with the gratitude. She's thankful for the specialty oncology clinic at Rumford Hospital that allows her to be treated close to home and she’s thankful for the many team members she now calls her extended family.
