Fran's Cancer Story
After cancer, survivor says ‘everything’s a little bit sweeter’
When doctors spotted something suspicious during a mammogram, Fran Harrod said she knew she was in for a long journey. Yet, she felt confident in the care of her oncologist and the team of specialists at Baptist Health Hardin.
“It goes in one ear and right out the other. All you hear is cancer,” she said.
For Fran, traveling a long distance for treatment wasn’t an option. At the time, she was caring for her mother, who had COPD, and their rescue dog. Plus, she cherished her nearby support system of family, friends and co-workers.
“When you’re going through a chemo treatment, you’re sick. No one wants to be on the road,” said Fran, who feels fortunate to have had two friends to accompany her to her appointments.
Although her oncologist is now retired, Fran continues her survivorship journey with Donald Goodin, MD, medical director of the Cancer Center. Dr. Goodin takes pride in the hospital’s multidisciplinary team, which includes a nurse navigator to support each patient through treatment, as well as dietitians, social workers and financial counselors.
“We help focus on the patient as a whole clinical team as opposed to each specialty working in isolation,” he said. “Being able to have patients close to home, they’re also close to their family, their friends, their communities. Having more support systems also ultimately helps with their healing and their comfort.”
Today, Fran calls herself “blessed” because of the skilled, compassionate team who was with her from diagnosis through recovery.
“You can’t get better doctors,” she said. “Everybody wants a place close by where they can get the best treatment, and Hardin County has that. There’s no reason to go anywhere else.”
On the road to survivorship, Fran said she’s savoring every moment, enjoying spending time with her family, which includes her three nieces, three great-nieces and great-nephew, more than ever.
“You look at life differently after going through something like this. You treasure everything. Everything’s a little bit sweeter,” she said.