Why Choose Fox Chase? »Success Stories »Colorectal Cancer

Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer

Although Rosalie Fox was widowed in 1981 at the age of 60, she is far from lonely. Little did she know that just 9 years later, her 6 children would produce 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. That same year, in 1990, Rosalie had her annual physical examination. Blood tests showed that she was anemic. Further testing would determine she had a blockage that was caused by colon cancer.

"I made up my mind immediately that I was coming to Fox Chase Cancer Center."

"I made up my mind immediately that I was coming to Fox Chase Cancer Center. I had heard the line 'all we do is cancer' and I knew that's where I should be treated," recalled Rosalie. "Plus, my daughter is a nurse and wanted me here. If had not suggested it myself, she would have."

"I trusted Dr. Hoffman's judgment, and look at me today!"

Dr. John Hoffman, a surgical oncologist at Fox Chase, performed the surgery. Lab results determined Rosalie's lymph nodes were clear. He did not suggest further treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. "Although my kids were concerned, I trusted Dr. Hoffman's judgment, and look at me today!" said Rosalie.

"The nursing staff was fabulous."

"During my hospital stay I met many staff members. Everyone at Fox Chase was wonderful. The nursing staff was fabulous, which is important because they are the people who really take care of the patients," explained Rosalie.

A routine mammogram revealed early stage breast cancer.

In 2009, Rosalie had a routine mammogram at Fox Chase, which showed a suspicious spot. Further testing revealed that Rosalie had early stage breast cancer. She met with Richard Bleicher, MD, a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer treatment."

Rosalie underwent a lumpectomy, in which Dr. Bleicher removed the sentinel lymph node, which was clear. She urges others to have routine screenings. "My colon cancer was found because I had an annual physical and the breast cancer was detected during a routine test."

"I owe Dr. Hoffman, and now Dr. Bleicher, all these years!"

Other than her recent bout with breast cancer, Rosalie is considered to be in excellent health. She does not take any prescription medications, although she noted that most of her kids do! "Ever since my treatment, the doctors here have kept a close eye on me. I owe Dr. Hoffman all these years!," explained Rosalie.

She is grateful to be alive and well. Rosalie often considers all of the things she would have missed if both cancers would have gone untreated - babies, weddings, graduations and holidays with her family.

Rosalie signed up to be a Fox Chase volunteer.

In 1999, when Fox Chase opened its Cancer Prevention Pavilion, Rosalie signed up to be a volunteer and has been an asset to the Admissions Department ever since. On any given Thursday, you might find her cheerful face in Admissions, making deliveries to the patient floors or in one of the offices filing. "Everybody is so nice here. It keeps me coming back every week. They pay me with their warm hugs and kisses," said Rosalie.

Another place you might see Rosalie is displaying her work the Annual Art Show at Fox Chase. After retiring, Rosalie took art classes at Holy Family College and has become a talented artist using oil and watercolor paint.

"As you can see, I don't like to sit still. At 87, I live alone, drive a car, read several books each week and spread good cheer to the patients at Fox Chase," said Rosalie.

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Learn more about colon cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.