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Patient discovers benefit of cancer care connection
John Pittelkow of Hartford feels his connection of care through the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic is what helped him get through his five-year battle with leukemia. “I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenic Leukemia in Nov. 2002,” says John. “My primary care physician, Dr. Michael Tye, referred me to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Slinger. The experience I had there was amazing.” Under the care of Jonathan Treisman, MD, an oncologist (cancer specialist) at the clinic, John underwent an advanced chemotherapy regimen at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee to battle the aggressive form of leukemia he had. The treatment considerably lowers the body's natural immunity, so inpatient hospitalization was required. John spent 40 days in the hospital and had nearly three years of good health before the cancer returned. “At that point, my chances of survival were pretty slim,” says John. “But Dr. Treisman, as always, was reassuring and encouraging. He suggested I consider a bone marrow transplant at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, and he put me in touch with the doctors there.” Unfortunately, none of John's family members were a compatible donor match. That's when Dr. Treisman referred John for an umbilical cord blood transplant at the University of Minnesota, an institution that specializes in the procedure. Linking patients to what they need
“Dr. Treisman did everything to set up the cord transplant other than actually going to Minnesota with me,” says John. “He did the research, found the treatment I needed, and connected me to the program. He was in constant communication with the doctors there. “Before and after St. Luke's and the University of Minnesota, I had all of my follow-up care in Slinger including my appointments with Dr. Treisman, blood transfusions, blood products,” John continues. “Whatever you need, they make it happen.” “The important thing about having cancer treatment is that you have physicians who are taking care of things and good nurses that are on top of their patients' problems,” explains Dr. Treisman. “A lot of people with cancer have to drive into a bigger city in order to get all the transfusions, all the support, and all the care that goes along with cancer. That's not the case in Washington County. The care they need is centered right here. John's situation was complicated, but not unlike a lot of our patients in that there is a significant amount of coordination needed to take care of individual problems. Cancer patients need specialists to help them. We'll connect them to the best.” Support of loved onesOn top of having access to high quality medical care, a major benefit to being close to home is being near family and friends that can provide support when it is needed most. “My wife… I can't say enough about her,” says John. “This experience has been like a full time job for her. I was in an out of the ER in Hartford, in and out of St. Luke's. She was there by my side through every step of the way.” John also credits his sister Mary's family for their support during his time in Minnesota. “I stayed with them, and my brother-in-law Jerry. He watched out for me, every single day for six months. He took me to every doctor's appointment, sat with me through every blood transfusion. “When you go through something like this, it's a humbling experience and you learn to be grateful – for everything,” says John. “I love my family and friends. They stood by me through all of this. But I also am forever indebted to the great doctors and nurses in my life. I had so much going on with my care, and whenever I had a need, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic was the number one place I turned to for help. Dr. Treisman and the nurses there are out of this world.” Echoing his sentiments, John's wife, Sande, adds that, “They are our angels on earth.” On Oct. 15, 2007, John was given the best news possible at his two-year checkup – a clean report. “He is doing very, very well,” says Dr. Treisman.
For more information about the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic call the Aurora Health Center in Slinger at 262- 644-2960. If you are searching for general cancer information and educational materials, call the Vince Lombardi Cancer Hotline at 800-252-2990. Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic Services
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When
the diagnosis is cancer, it's good to be cared for close to home. When
that's not always possible, it's important to have connections to get
you where you need to go. 
“Finding
the best thing for each patient is always the challenge,” says Dr.
Treisman, “but that's exactly what we try to do each and every time. An
advantage to having a Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in the community is
that it is an extension of a major medical center. It's home base, with
access to advanced care and outside resources when needed.” 
So
well, in fact, that on Dec. 18, John was able to undergo total hip
replacement surgery. It was yet another Aurora connection for him, this
time with