4 RiversideHealthcare.org Shane Eades wasn’t too worried at first about the lump he discovered on the left side of his jaw in spring 2020. “Out of the blue, within a week, it blew up from about the size of a pea to a small walnut,” says Eades, now 52. That’s when Eades saw his primary care doctor, who sent him to an ear, nose and throat specialist for a biopsy. Not long after, Eades learned he had non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. The next few days were dark, Eades says. He had recently lost loved ones and friends to cancer, and now he was facing his own diagnosis. “Your mind takes you to worst-case scenarios,” Eades says. But after talking with a friend and cancer survivor, who told Eades to “hit the brakes,” he soon realized he needed information to better understand his diagnosis and his chances of beating lymphoma. A reassuring consultation People newly diagnosed with cancer often feel anxious and uncertain, says Ahsan Basha, MD, the oncologist who treated Eades at Riverside Healthcare’s Watseka campus. That’s one reason Riverside aims to provide quick appointments and information for newly diagnosed oncology patients. “Oftentimes, people are hearing from different people or reading about different experiences on the internet,” Dr. Basha says. “Knowing what the diagnosis is and what to expect can make a huge difference.” Even when cancer can’t be treated successfully, it can often be managed. Eades had an aggressive form of lymphoma that, if left untreated, can often spread, Dr. Basha says. Fortunately, Eades’ early-stage cancer had not spread to his bone marrow or organs. “Dr. Basha was very knowledgeable and upfront with us from the very beginning,” Eades says. “He kept me informed. Information was a huge factor in all of this.” Great care, close to home Eades received the same advanced lymphoma treatments available at metropolitan centers—but at a location just a five-minute drive from his home. He underwent six rounds of combined chemotherapy (powerful drugs Fighting cancer to win! Experience and compassion close to home Working out and coaching high school football are just part of Eades’ busy life, which also includes being a husband, father and grandfather. Ahsan Basha, MD
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