Dedicated Determination
“I want a doctor who treats the patient first.”
That’s how Terry and Mary Lou Murphy have approached and dealt with their medical care for years. They’ve experienced their share of it during their more than three decades together. Recently, however, they’ve been dealing with one of their biggest health challenges.
Following a mammogram last spring Mary Lou was diagnosed with breast cancer that resulted in a lumpectomy. When it was time to decide on a physician for her post-surgery chemotherapy, the Murphy’s asked their surgeon, “who would you send your mother or sister to?” The surgeon replied, Dr. Srilata Gundala at Hope and Healing in Hinsdale.
Mary Lou said Dr. Gundala made her very comfortable from the first visit. “She didn’t use big medical terms. I could understand what she was talking about,” says Mary Lou. “I didn’t feel afraid. I felt like I was in good hands.”
Depending on the type and severity of the cancer, chemo treatment is different for every patient. For Mary Lou, it began with a few issues. She developed a rash from one of the time-released drugs administered to help her deal with the chemo treatment. Though Dr. Gundala told the Murphy’s to call if they had a problem, “Mary didn’t want me to bother the doctor on a Sunday,” says Terry.
He called anyway and Dr. Gundala told him what to get from the drug store and send her photos of the rash. The doctor called the Murphy’s every few hours, through to the following morning. Terry says, “I’m impressed with her hands-on approach. The commitment level, especially with how much time she spends with her patients despite the challenges of the healthcare system is remarkable.”
Unfortunately, Mary Lou also had a reaction to the medicine and she had to be hospitalized for a time. Dr. Gundala checked on her daily and always kept Terry apprised.
Despite all the early challenges, Mary Lou continued with her chemo treatment, but Dr. Gundala monitored her closely. Then there was a new and very serious issue.
Mary Lou was referred to the emergency department by her primary care physician for a growing blister on her toe. It was determined to be caused by a drop in her white blood cell count due to a MRSA infection that spread to the stomach and eventually led to emergency surgery to remove a cancerous appendix. And though never determined to be directly related to Mary Lou’s cancer treatment, Dr. Gundala worked with Mary Lou’s primary care physician and an infectious disease specialist to direct her care.
“There was no guesswork or worry,” says Mary Lou. “Because my doctor was always there to assist through the process.”
“She has no problem working with other doctors – keeping them informed and making it a team effort,” says Terry.
“Communication is key in providing optimal care of any individual especially ones affected by cancer,” says Dr. Gundala. “I believe that the sooner we are all working as part of a team, the better we can take care of our patients.”
While much of the DeKalb couple’s attention has been on getting Mary Lou well – she will wrap up her chemo treatment in March – Terry is also being treated by Dr. Gundala for a blood disorder called hemochromatosis and is doing fine. “She’s on top of it, I can talk to her,” he says.
As for why they travel all the way to Hinsdale for treatment they could get closer to home, Mary Lou says, “Dr. Gundala is a very caring doctor that you can get a hold of anytime. Her positive attitude throughout my care even through the many challenges, reflects how committed she is to her patients.”
And Terry adds, “I see her determination. She made Mary Lou’s treatment feel like it was a winnable situation.”
Work with an oncologist that puts you and your family first.
Call to schedule an appointment today 630-560-0121.
Written By: Mike Robinson
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
