Cancer Center Made Her Feel Like a Person

Although there are choices for cancer care in Houston, when Karen Taylor found out she had breast cancer, there was only one place she considered for her treatment: the Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center. She said it turned out to be one of the smartest decisions she’s made.

"I am so happy that I went to Kelsey-Seybold, where I felt like a person as opposed to a number. You’re going to get the same treatment and drugs wherever you go, so the difference is the experience or environment. Unless I had a rare form of cancer, I would not go anyplace else," Karen said.

From the moment cancer was detected by mammogram, Karen received personal care, starting with a Cancer Center breast specialist who sat down with her to go over the results and answer her questions.

A team of Kelsey-Seybold specialists and nurses assigned to her care coordinated her treatment and supported her every step of the way as she underwent chemotherapy, double-mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

"I was very impressed with the doctors. They listened to me. They answered all my questions. My mom and sister went with me and they answered all their questions. They really took the time to be there for me," she recalled.

As for who was the most influential in her care, she replied, "All of them. I’d say it was a group effort. My oncologist, my breast surgeon Dr. Jonathan Nelson, my reconstruction surgeon Dr. Jamal Bullocks, and of course all of the wonderful nurses all worked together to make sure I got the care that was best for me," Karen said.

This high-touch approach to Karen’s care was instrumental in making her feel comfortable and confident.

"I didn’t feel stressed, anxious or scared. They were always checking on me to make sure I was okay. I knew everyone by name and they knew mine, from the receptionist on up. Everybody was extremely great!" she said.

Karen also liked the convenience of the Cancer Center and patient amenities.

"The Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center is easy to get to, and you don’t have to pay for parking,” she said. "When I came in, they were ready for me. They were punctual – it was great! It worked with my schedule, too!"

Family and faith help young patient battle Hodgkin’s lymphoma

It was an exciting time in Kaylyn Hale’s life … she had graduated from high school and was in her first year at Texas A&M University. However, not long after arriving on campus, the then 19-year-old student began experiencing some mysterious health symptoms.

Kaylyn started itching, and it did not let up throughout her freshman year, despite numerous trips to the doctor.

“I'd been itching for a whole year, and I'd gone to four or five different doctors,” she said. “In May, I was at a concert, and my neck swelled up really big.”

With her neck swollen, Kaylyn immediately went back to the doctor. The physician recommended a PET scan followed by a scheduled biopsy of her lymph nodes. While in the waiting room for the biopsy, Kaylyn received a phone call from her physician informing her they had already made a diagnosis – she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

“It was frightening to get that news, but it was also kind of a relief after having itched for so long,” she said.

Kaylyn’s family had just joined Kelsey-Seybold health insurance, KelseyCare, so not only were they navigating through a new medical system – they were doing so with a serious illness.

“Not really knowing any of the doctors or anything, it was a little frightening, but everybody made us feel comfortable,” said Leslie Hale, Kaylyn’s mother.

After her diagnosis, Kaylyn immediately began six months of chemotherapy treatments, followed by radiation therapy. She didn’t return to Texas A&M, but instead took a class at San Jacinto Community College so that she could stay close to home and family while undergoing her treatments.

“I have a large family and we're all very close. The Kelsey-Seybold staff always let us all come to the doctor appointments,” said Leslie.

Kaylyn added, “There were about eight to 12 of us every time!”

The family always showed up in matching shirts featuring slogans to encourage Kaylyn during her battle with cancer. That support helped her get through hair loss, ‘chemo brain’, and all the additional side effects of cancer treatments.

Kaylyn’s siblings also did their part to support their sister. When her diet was restricted, they also refrained from eating those restricted foods … at least in front of her. Kaylyn also liked to go to the gym when she felt up to it and her aunt went along with her.

Kaylyn’s cancer treatments ended just before Thanksgiving – perfect timing because her faith was tested during her battle with cancer, but she and her entire family were thankful that she completed her treatments in time to celebrate the holiday.

When she got to ring the ceremonial bell indicating the end of her treatments, the entire family wore one of the customized shirts they became known for throughout the Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center. It said, “Ring the bell and run like Hale!”

The experience has changed Kaylyn’s outlook on life. She says she no longer takes things for granted. Battling cancer has also changed Kaylyn’s career goals.

“I was a biology major and was going to go into pharmacy, but I think I'm going to apply to nursing school. I'd really like to be a chemo nurse,” she said.

Kaylyn will have to closely monitor her health for the remainder of her life, but if she becomes a nurse, she’ll have a personal experience to reflect on as she takes care of her future patients.

“The people at Kelsey-Seybold used to tell me that just seeing me made them feel better and I made them happy. I’d like to help people the way they helped me,” said Kaylyn.