Teacher Wins Fight Against Cancer Thanks to New Medical Technology
(ARA) – In 2003, Courtney Roush was a 20-year-old sophomore at Ohio University, when she began to experience back pain, fatigue and weight loss. Initially, she didn’t give it much thought. But when a random check at a local drug store revealed extremely high blood pressure — Courtney knew something wasn’t quite right.
“When I got home, my mom took one look at me and said we need to get you to a doctor right away,” says Courtney.
A series of tests concluded Courtney had an 8 pound tumor; and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis — Retroperitoneal Sarcoma. Retroperitoneal sarcomas are malignant tumors which grow in the abdominal cavity. They have an aggressive rate of growth and a high rate of recurrence.
“My father told me not to just accept one opinion,” Courtney confides. “He felt it was important to explore several options in order to decide what the right treatment plan was for me.”
Eventually, two sarcoma specialists, Timothy J. Kinsella, M.D. in Radiation Oncology and Robert Shenk, M.D. in Surgical Oncology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center recommended radiation therapy, followed by an operation to remove the tumor. Dr. Kinsella told Courtney that during the operation, he wanted to use a new technology called the Mobetron device to administer intraoperative electron-beam radiation therapy (IOERT) to kill the remaining cells.
Mobetron is the first OR-ready, fully portable, self-shielding electron-beam linear accelerator designed for use in any operating room. Key Mobetron benefits include: increased survival rates, better local tumor control, shorter treatment cycles, fewer side effects and peace of mind. Leading hospitals, from university research centers to specialized cancer clinics in North America, Europe and Asia, use Mobetron as a vital part of their comprehensive cancer program to deliver life-saving treatment.
After 35 radiation treatments, Courtney’s surgery was scheduled. Dr. Shenk removed the tumor, along with one kidney and part of Courtney’s intestines, and Dr. Kinsella used Mobetron to administer the IOERT treatment to kill the remaining cancer cells. The procedure was a success.
Courtney couldn’t be more pleased with the results. “It was a miracle,” she says. “Before the surgery I had cancer, and after the surgery I was cancer free. I didn’t have to do any more radiation treatment, take any medication, or anything. In less than three months, I was back in school. Eventually I gained my weight back and I have been fine ever since.”
Today, Courtney has a bright future ahead of her. The 24-year-old is a dedicated teacher living in Findlay, Ohio. She recently got married and is hoping to start a family soon. Courtney says her family and friends played an important role in her recovery. “Emotionally, you can’t go through something like this alone. You need support from friends and family, and you have to stay spiritual.”
Still, Courtney credits her doctors and a new cancer-fighting device, with making it all possible. “I am so grateful that my doctors were open to using new technologies. The Mobetron is an amazing tool and I want everyone going through something similar to know about it. It saved my life. And it can save others.”
For more information on IntraOp Medical Corporation and the company’s flagship product, Mobetron, please visit www.intraopmedical.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
