Testimonial: A great & compassionate crew.

A great & compassionate crew. KUDOS!

I was first diagnosed with cancer 14 years ago. After being clear of any trace of cancer I was again diagnosed with a recurrence almost two years ago. Not exactly what a guy wants to hear from his doctor. For the last 20 months it has been continual treatments and numerous tests.

I’ve been participating in experimental treatments through Oregon Health Science University (OHSU). It requires traveling to Portland every 3 weeks for a 3 hour IV. When you add the travel time, waiting time for my appointment and to see the technologist, it turns into a very long day. It didn’t take me long to know I didn’t want to make that trip for every test they wanted me to take.

I discussed this problem with the doctors at OHSU and administration at CMH. I suggested that we work out a program where I could get a lot of my tests at Columbia Memorial Hospital. We were able to work out a plan and I was able to get most of the tests I needed done right here in Astoria. Sometimes you just have to take charge and control your own destiny! OHSU is a marvelous institution, but they are not able to be as personal and as quick as they are at Columbia Memorial.

Words cannot express my gratitude for the treatments I received at Columbia Memorial. I guess super is the best word I can come up with. All of my tests were ahead of schedule and every single person that had contact with me was outstanding! Tim, the radiology technologist who did the bone scan sequence was absolutely the best technologist that I have encountered in all of my tests
anywhere. He made me feel totally at ease, I didn’t even have time to think about claustrophobia. The scan was over before I knew it. I’m also undergoing physical therapy at Columbia Memorial three times a week and the entire staff is very attentive to my problems. They’re a great and compassionate crew. Kudos!

After the first round of tests I called OHSU and told them how well everything went and they were surprised at how quickly I was taken care of. I told them what a terrific idea it was to have the tests done here in my home town rather than driving to Portland. The person I spoke with said, “Gosh, maybe the next time I need some tests I’ll come down there.”

My wife Margie and I are deeply indebted to everyone at CMH for your kindnesses
and considerations! Thanks from both of us.

Dick Thompson
Astoria, Oregon
Both Margie and I have lived here all of our lives and are thankful that we have Columbia Memorial Hospital.