Big-city treatment with down-home support From Spotlight on Health - Fall 2011
Two hours west of the Coborn Cancer Center in St. Cloud, the Kellen family’s 550-acre farm is home to 100 dairy cows, dozens of chickens, goats and horses. Kenneth and his wife, Tracy, never expected that their pastoral life in Beardsley would be impacted by cancer.
In December 2010, Kenneth, 40, had difficulty swallowing so he made an appointment with his local physician for an evaluation. After an endoscopy, Kenneth was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In March 2011, doctors at the Mayo Clinic evaluated Kenneth who wanted Mayo quality care closer to his family and farm. |
Kenneth and Tracy Kellen
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“We decided to transfer my treatment to Coborn Cancer Center as the communication and treatment was excellent and I am closer to my family’s and friends’ support,” said Kenneth. “Dr. Nathan Reuter was easy to talk to and understand. His treatment plan was consistent with Mayo. I felt like I was part of the planning process.”
To shrink his tumor, Kenneth started six weeks of chemotherapy and 28 radiation treatments on April 15. In June, Kenneth had esophagectomy surgery to remove part of his esophagus and the top part of his stomach. The esophagus and stomach then were reconnected. Dr. Reuter, a surgical oncologist, is specially trained in this procedure.
As the care coordinator for gastroenterology cancer patients, Amy Stolt, RN, helped Kenneth coordinate his appointments and treatments. Amy also provided emotional support and education.
“Every time we left the Coborn Cancer Center, Tracy and I knew exactly what was going on and my next appointments were arranged. Good communication and caring as well as skill are part of what is important for treatment. We feel we made a great decision.”
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