From OHC

June 20, 2025

OHC has received permission to publish the following story in its entirety, with the name withheld, in order to provide guidance and support to other cancer patients in our community.  This patient first contacted us when they sent a review for OHC advanced practice provider Laura Weldishofer, DNP, APRN, referenced in the story below.  Here is that review:

I have been a cancer patient at OHC for 28 years. I attribute my longevity to early detection and state-of-the-art medical care delivered to me by medical oncology doctors, radiation oncology doctors, advanced practice nurses, treatment nurses, medical assistants, radiation therapists, receptionists/schedulers, and pharmacists.

To put substance behind my words:

During a recent review of results from an MRI brain scan, Laura Weldishofer, DNP, APRN, Advanced Practice Provider, found a tumor that was overlooked. Although the tumor is tiny, had she not identified it, the tumor would be growing for the next 4 months or until the next MRI scan. Laura’s meticulous attention to detail when reviewing scans ensures that critical information is not missed. Her ability to explain complex MRI results in a way that patients can easily understand is invaluable. This tumor will not affect my brain function because it has been detected early. I am scheduled for GammaKnife Radiosurgery. 

I am fortunate to have Laura on my medical team.

This story shares my experiences with OHC and cancer to support and give hope to cancer patients beginning their experience.

I have been a cancer patient receiving care from OHC for 28 years.As of August 2021, my diagnosis has been Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), which means kidney cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of my body. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of kidney cancer. Yet, my prognosis has not been discussed with OHC, and I have not raised the topic due to its negative bias.

Living with stage 4 kidney cancer is challenging. OHC understands that to meet the challenge it is important for patients to have a support system and access to comprehensive medical care,  including palliative care that focuses on improving the quality of life for people with life-threatening illness.

In addition to being my best friend, my wife has been my support since my first cancer diagnosis. She sought out D. Randolph Drosick, MD, who has been my medical oncologist, and primary doctor playing a key role in diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of potential side effects ever since.

When Dr. Drosick became the President of OHC, he chose to continue as my medical oncologist and loyal doctor guiding every step of my treatment with medical expertise, dedication and optimism.

Since Dr. Drosick is both my medical oncologist and the President of OHC, I am in the catbird seat at OHC. At one of my routine checkup appointments, Dr. Drosick candidly discussed how pressures on radiologists might limit early detection, the foundation of my treatment plan. In response, OHC thoroughly reviews the results and impressions of scans to ensure early detection.I am especially grateful for the vigilance of professionals working with OHC.

During a recent review of results from one of my MRI brain scans, Laura Weldishofer, DNP, APRN, Advanced Practice Provider with OHC, found a tumor that was tiny, had she not identified it, the tumor would have grown for the next 4 months or until the next MRI scan.

Laura’s meticulous attention to detail when reviewing scans ensures that critical information is not missed. Her ability to explain complex MRI results in a way that patients can easily understand is invaluable. This tumor will not affect my brain function because it has been detected early. I received Gamma Knife Radiosurgery on April 29, 2025.

I am fortunate to have Laura on my health care team.

Currently, I have an in-person consultation with medical oncology and blood testing once a month. I have in-person consultations with medical oncology and radiation oncology once a quarter to review the results and impressions from scans of my brain, chest, abdomen, arm, and skeleton. Once the cancer is understood, there are no boundaries to the treatment available under OHC’s care.

Now that stage 4 renal cell carcinoma cancer can go anywhere in my body, OHC Medical Oncology and OHC Radiation Oncology are ready to manage whatever treatment is best and available. Treatment for Stage 4 RCC aims to slow the growth of the cancer, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.

After 28 years of being treated for cancer by OHC, I cannot recall an instance where being able to maintain a positive attitude was compromised. The atmosphere at OHC is manifest by a potent blend of positive attitude and humor: infectious character traits of Dr. Drosick.

If a positive attitude is not pervasive, there is little point to cancer care.

A positive attitude combined with humor is a potent combination.

Here is what happens when humor and a positive attitude team up.

Humor acts as a fantastic stress reliever. It allows you to find lightness even in challenging situations, making problems less daunting and fostering a “this too shall pass mentality”, which is a cornerstone of a positive attitude.

A touch of humor can help you step back from a situation and see it from a different angle. It prevents you from bogging down in negativity and allows for more creative problem solving, a hallmark of a positive outlook.

A playful mind often nurtured by humor is a more creative mind. When you’re not taking everything too seriously, you are open to new ideas and possibilities, fueling a positive and innovative approach to life.

Studies have shown that laughter has psychological benefits, like releasing endorphins.Coupled with the mental and emotional benefits of a positive attitude, the combination can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of overall well-being.

Positivity and humor are often contagious. When you approach the world with a smile and a lighthearted perspective, it can influence those around you in a positive way, creating a more uplifting environment for everyone.

In short, humor acts as a delightful lubricant for a positive attitude, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and a smile. It’s a powerful recipe for a more joyful and  resilient existence.

To close, as you are at the beginning of your experience with cancer, you have reason to be positive due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although AI is not currently promising a definitive cure for all cancers in the immediate future, it is demonstrating potential. Its ability to analyze complex data, improve detection accuracy, personalize therapies, and accelerate drug discovery offers tremendous hope.

Dr. Drosick has access to new therapies, available through clinical trials, and is current with the most advanced treatments.

I attribute my longevity to early detection, state-of-the-art medical care, and a belief in the healing power of optimism, coupled with humor delivered to me by OHC, the comprehensive cancer center at the center of my medical network.  I am especially grateful for the vigilance of professionals working for and with OHC who have been my healthcare providers, including: medical oncology doctors, radiation oncology doctors, advanced practice nurses, treatment nurses, medical assistants, radiation therapists, nutritionists, receptionists/schedulers, and pharmacists; OHC collaboration with Mayfield Brain & Spine Neurosurgeon teams specializing in stereotactic radio surgery, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery; Mercy Health Radiology and Medical Imaging Services.

Signed,
A Survivor’s Voice (Name Withheld By Request)

We are incredibly grateful to this patient for their story, and appreciate their kind words of encouragement to our patients and those in the beginning of their cancer journey.  We know through experience that hearing of another’s story can help answer questions and provide hope to those who are entering their fight.  We hope that this story provides you support and peace knowing that OHC will be with you every step of the way.

If you’d like to learn more about OHC, visit ohcare.com to make an appointment or schedule a second opinion.