The James Cancer Diagnostic Center: a patient's story | OSUCCC – James

The emotional roller coaster of cancer got off to a fast start for Mindy Steinbrunner, whose diagnosis immediately led to a specialized, successful treatment plan at Ohio State.

Steinbrunner’s cancer journey began when she noticed an unexplained lump above her collarbone, and quickly followed up with a visit to her family doctor.

“It was a little painful, and just not supposed to be there, so I went and saw my doctor,” Steinbrunner says. “She did some bloodwork, and nothing was out of the ordinary, but then ultrasound and scans were abnormal — that indicated probable cancer.”

As is often the case with cancer, the news came as a shock to Steinbrunner. Fortunately, her doctor was ready with a recommendation to visit The Ohio State University, home of The James Comprehensive Cancer Center — James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

“From other people's experiences, I had heard many positive stories,” Steinbrunner. “So, just like that, she passed my file on to The James Cancer Diagnostic Center, and they reached out and got me in very quickly.”

After undergoing testing at The James, Steinbrunner was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The news was hard to hear, but her new Ohio State team’s immediate action provided some reassurance amid the fear and uncertainty.

“My experience at the diagnostic center was just really wonderful, and I can't imagine a better set up to help you step through that,” she says.

The immediacy of her treatment planning provided a measure of comfort to Steinbrunner, who credits the process with reducing some of the anxiety of her cancer diagnosis.

“I didn't have to wait until my next appointment to hear back from them,” she says. “There wasn't all this time to just wonder and wonder and wonder.”

The close communication continued throughout Steinbrunner’s treatment, which culminated six months later with some great news that doubled as a priceless present on her 40th birthday.

“On my third PET scan, I got a clean bill of health,” she says. My team brought me out a birthday card, signed ‘happy birthday’ and ‘happy cancer free,’ and there were lots of hugs and tears. It was one of the absolute best days of my life.”

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