Susan's Story

As a longtime resident of Orangeville, Susan had few occasions to use the services of Headwaters Health Care Centre over the years. It was not until 2021, after a routine mammogram, when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer that she became a regular.
 
“When I found out that I was going to require chemotherapy I was fortunate that my oncologist was part of a team that offered cancer care and treatment at Headwaters Health Care Centre, close to home. From the first day I visited the cancer care centre I was cared for and comforted by an awesome team of nurses, doctors and support staff” Susan recalls.   
 
Susan’s primary care was through the Oncology Department for chemotherapy and other therapies that were part of a 16-month treatment schedule. For the first six months, visits were weekly for treatment, blood work and regular check-ins with the oncologists. After that, treatments took place every three weeks. During her journey, Susan also had frequent visits to Diagnostic Imaging and a short hospital stay after her surgery.
 
“After having a life changing diagnosis, each test, procedure and appointment came with a level of anxiety that no one can prepare for, managing personal feelings and that of family was the most difficult. However, with the support and easy access to the nurses and doctors at Headwaters we were able to get answers to our questions and any concerns were addressed in a timely manner. Having cancer care close to home made treatment, recovery and scheduling the last thing my family needed to worry about.”
 
When asked about her experience at the hospital, Susan recounts, “each team that I encountered showed care, compassion and professionalism. Everyone deserves credit having to work through the changing technology and COVID, but as the first line of service comes from the registration desk, as a frequent visitor I was always greeted with a smile, and that was important to me. The oncology nurses deserve a world of credit, even when resources seemed stretched, they were always caring and truly angels of calm. Dr. Wang and her surgical team – one word, awesome.”
Susan also noted that, “I have experienced so much kindness that I feel this is truly a value that is instilled in all members of the Headwaters teams. I do want to mention that some of the kindest experiences I have had have been during mammograms, those technicians have always been so kind and caring!”
 
What truly made a lasting impression with Susan was, “how this small hospital on the hill was able to offer extraordinary services and procedures so close to home.”

In 2021 Susan’s family encountered three breast cancer diagnoses. All three were diagnosed at Headwaters and each journey was unique. Susan reflects, “today we are all survivors and thanks to the various departments, doctors, nurses and technicians we can go about life being grateful to Headwaters Health Care Centre and supporting services.”

Photo caption: Susan poses for a recent photo at Headwaters.