Cheryl's Story

One patient’s journey: Overcoming fear and embracing a second chance

Cheryl Sousa of Taylor had gone to the emergency department at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital with severe pain in her left rib. They took biopsies of six ulcers in Cheryl’s stomach. She had Stage III Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, a common yet aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The next morning, Cheryl saw medical oncologist Jessica Schering, M.D. After additional biopsies, Dr. Schering recommended chemotherapy to combat Cheryl’s aggressive lymphoma.

For Cheryl, it was devastating news. With a husband, four sons, and a young grandson that she takes care of during the week, Cheryl was worried about what this could mean for not only her family, but the cleaning business she owns in Taylor as well.

“Everyone at Henry Ford Wyandotte was so supportive,” Cheryl says. Every three weeks, she would go for chemotherapy and spend the day at the hospital. The nurses kept her well informed of procedures and possible changes her body would go through during treatment.

Cheryl said she felt reassured by the 24/7 on-call nurses who could answer any questions she had without having to leave home. “I couldn’t ask more of Dr. Schering either—she did everything to make sure I was informed and was very attentive to my needs.”

“In the end, your hair and strength come back,” she says, “The nurses were there for me when I needed them—they were very compassionate, friendly, and very loving.”

Cheryl completed her chemotherapy this past March and her consolidative radiation therapy six weeks ago. “I’m excited just to go on with my life—and see my grandson grow and become an adult.”

“Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital has given me a second chance with my life.”