PATIENT CARE
“I was fearful of the surgery; I’d never had surgery in my life. But I knew I was in very good hands, literally. I trusted everything Dr. Reinersman told me. And now I’m here and doing great. It’s been an incredible journey.” She did, and has never looked back. Prothro’s cancer was confirmed, but she also learned that it had spread to her right lung. Reinersman, working with her oncologist in Tulsa, created a treatment plan: She would undergo chemotherapy with immunotherapy, followed by radiation to the nodule on her right lung. Then she would have surgery to remove the cancer in her left lung. “Carla is very vibrant and strong – she is a fighter,” Reinersman said. “She wanted to do whatever it took to get rid of the cancer and beat it in any possible way that she could. I assured her that we would think outside the box. If patients are good candidates and in good shape, and they want to pursue aggressive treatment, we are going to figure out a way to help them.” Prothro made it through four months of chemotherapy and radiation, fueled by the belief that she was taking steps toward becoming cancer-free. When the day of the surgery arrived, she was nervous but determined to keep moving forward. “I was fearful of the surgery; I’d never had surgery in my life,” she said. “But I knew I was in very good hands, literally. I trusted everything Dr. Reinersman told me. And now I’m here and doing great. It’s been an incredible journey.” Prothro not only walked in Outpace Cancer, but she raised money and invited her family, who supported her along the way, to take steps alongside her. Each person participating and each dollar raised creates a brighter future for cancer patients, Reinersman said. “Cancer research may sound like a generic thing, but that’s the way we can really make a difference,” he said. “Research is the way we have been able to bring about new and exciting drugs and treatments that have really helped people.”
Participants in the Outpace Cancer race and walk begin the event, which weaves through the OU Health Sciences Center.
Stephenson Cancer Center Welcomes Hundreds to Outpace Cancer In October, Stephenson Cancer Center hosted its second Outpace Cancer race and walk. The event raises money for cancer research and to provide support for cancer patients and their families. This year, nearly 1,500 runners and walkers took part in 10k and 5k races and a 1-mile walk. The event raised $150,000.
[ Fa l l / Wi n t e r 2 019 ]
27
