ROCK SPRINGS – While a recent trip to the hospital may have been an important milestone for Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, for one local family it is just another step in a long fight against a horrible disease.

Thanks to Sweetwater County residents supporting a new medical office building at MHSC through the sixth penny, new health care services have become available to the community. One of the biggest steps forward is the opening of the new Regional Cancer Center.

For Laurie and Norman Stahly, it has been a long road and a fierce battle against cancer. The Stahly’s came to Rock Springs a little over a year ago from Colorado. Norman found work at Bridger Coal while Stahly was employed as a nurse at Deer Trail Assisted Living.

Stahly’s fight started in 2010 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer went into remission. Laurie said the cancer remained in remission for four years.

On May 5, Laurie got the news no patient wants to hear as the Stahly’s found out the cancer had returned. Laurie said doctors informed her the cancer had moved to her brain. The Stahly’s went straight to Utah and on May 7, Laurie had brain surgery to remove the tumor.

Despite the efforts, Laurie said the doctors informed her if she went through treatment, it would extend her life for approximately 25 months. Always the fighter, Stahly again started treatment.

This time, the Stahly’s did not have to make a three hour trip, spend money on gas, food and a hotel room, have Laurie go through her treatment and then make that three hour trip home. The Stahly’s were able to take advantage of the new regional cancer center as she became the first person to receive treatment in the new Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center.

“A lot of times, chemo makes people really sick,” Laurie said. “I cannot image traveling.”

When Laurie went through treatment in Colorado, she said she had to travel for surgery and more specialized care, but it was only about a 20 minute drive. She said they also had a little community center where they lived, similar to the new center here, where she received most of her treatment.

“It’s really a godsend they built this place,” Laurie said. “It is a big benefit to this community. Cancer patients have enough to deal with let alone worrying about travel and all of that.”

Laurie said it keeps families at home, patients and families do not have to worry about traveling and all the costs. Another point she brought up was her husband does not have to take off work like he would have to if they had to travel to Utah.

Norman and Laurie both said they have gotten to know the nurses and doctors here and it makes it a lot more personal. Norman also made one of the biggest points.

“We can sleep in our own beds at night after treatment,” he explained.

Not only is the New Regional Cancer Center helping the Stahly’s, the Stahly’s are also helping the new center. Where Laurie has been through this before, she said she knows what makes patients comfortable and what does not. She said the staff has been very good about asking questions and want her opinion on making treatment better for the other patients.

“Not only does the staff here want to provide the best care, they also want to provide the most comfort they can to patients,” Norman explained.
This was evident in an early event in Laurie’s treatment that both the nurses and the Stahly’s brought up.

Laurie explained they had this headrest that was the most uncomfortable thing and she told them about it. Both nurses Miranda Crawford and Eva Wasseen also spoke about the headrest. Crawford explained because Laurie spoke up about the headrest, the hospital has gotten rid of them and are going to use one which will be more customized to fit the individual patient to make the patients more comfortable.

Nasseen said Laurie has been through the process and knows the side effects which in turn has helped them. Wasseen added Laurie has been forthcoming and they appreciate that. Crawford added Laurie will tell them when something is wrong and it has taught her to explain every part of the process and tell the patients exactly what she is doing during the entire process.

The Stahly’s said one thing they had in Colorado and other centers which is not here yet is a strong support system. She said in other hospitals she has received treatment at, they have had counselors and people to talk to. The Stahly’s have brought this to the hospital and as the Regional Cancer Center moves forward, the hospital is working on adding a strong support program for the patients.

As the Stahly’s move forward, there may be a person who is just beginning their fight or a family learning for the first time, someone close is getting the news nobody wants. Laurie passed on the best advice she could offer to these folks.

“Take it one day at a time. Get as much out of every day as you can,” she said. “At first it can be overwhelming and by the time you know it, treatment is done and hopefully the cancer is gone or in remission.”

As for treatment, Laurie said let the staff lead you through it.

“Ask all the questions you have,” Laurie said. “Don’t go without a question being answered because then you will find yourself lying in bed at night wondering. Do research and get all the knowledge you can about it.”

For the Stahly’s, they will be going to Phoenix in the upcoming weeks for a second opinion although she said she has the utmost confidence with the doctors and staff here at MHSC.

On July 23, Laurie, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and other officials will take part in a ribbon cutting for the regional cancer center. There will be a celebration on the night of July 23 for the public. MHSC staff will be having a barbeque in the parking lot and giving tours of the new medical office building for anyone who wants to see it.