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Dr. Bartels said. “This discussion and interaction help
build both physician and patient confidence in rare and
complex situations like Ginger’s. The specialist at Mayo
agreed with the plan our oncology team put together.
This gave us the confidence to move forward with an
aggressive approach that was otherwise not clearly
defined by the standard treatment guidelines.”
Ginger is currently undergoing aggressive chemo-
therapy to treat her tumor and is so far responding very
well. Just a few weeks into treatment, her tumor shrunk
in size by half.
“I had no idea Kootenai was a member of the net-
work,” Ginger said. “My first impression of Dr. Bartels
was that he was a very warm and kind individual. He
has been very positive and confident all along, but the
fact that Mayo Clinic backed up his plan gave me even
more confidence in him and my treatment.”
Ginger’s daughter, Darby Lolley, has been by her side
each step of the way, helping to manage her mother’s
treatment schedule.
“I want to be there to support her no matter what’s
going on,” Darby said. “I have been so pleased with
the care she has received both at the clinic and at the
hospital. Every doctor and nurse has been compassion-
ate and encouraging. And the fact that the Mayo consult
came back in support of my mom’s treatment plan
proved to me that our doctors are good here. It solidified
that my mom is in the best hands possible.”
Dr. Bartels said families can play an important role in
cancer treatment.
“The diagnosis of cancer brings out the best, worst
and strongest emotions in patients and their families,”
he said. “Ginger’s family has rallied around her in en-
couragement and support, which is clearly beneficial.
That type of response is the best thing that any of us
could hope for when faced with such adversity.”
L E A R N
M O R E
A B O U T
Kootenai Clinic
Cancer Services at
KH.org/cancer
or call
(208) 625-4700
.
Learn more about
Kootenai Health’s
membership in
the Mayo Clinic
Care Network at
KH.org/mayo
.
Ginger Lolley (right)
with her daughter,
Darby Lolley
LEADING EDGE
KH . ORG
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