Sturdy Health ER Visit Results in Life Extending Diagnosis

Donna Mahoney was anticipating a busy and happy Christmas week when she woke up early one morning in December 2022 with excruciating pain on her side.

Arriving at Sturdy Health’s Emergency Room, she met Dr. Dembowski, who quickly determined that she had seven broken ribs and a compressed spine. He asked about her family history after asking her if she had experienced a bad fall or automobile accident. He listened carefully as she relayed the extent that cancer had stricken several relatives. He then admitted her for further testing. 

Still holding on to her plans and hopes for a festive holiday, Donna received her test results revealing some bad news on December 24. She found out she had metastatic breast cancer.

She felt as if the bottom of her life had dropped out, but she knew she was going to “fight like crazy.”

Donna was referred to Sturdy Health oncologist, Dr. Asma Latif, who she credits with providing excellent care and ensuring she had a good quality of life beyond simply fighting cancer.

“Dr. Latif is a breast specialist, and she is super smart and very caring with a lot of experience and research under her belt,” says Donna. 

But a few months after her diagnosis, in March 2023, Donna returned to Sturdy Health’s emergency room when Dr. Dembowski once again saved her life by noticing she had labored breathing.

“I hadn't realized I was breathing heavily,” she explains. “The doctor ordered a CT scan of my lungs, which showed I had a large blood clot. Due to the unique nature of the clot, I was quickly sent to a partner hospital for emergency surgery to remove the clot.” Donna credits the emergency room care team that day with saving her life.

While Donna continues to battle cancer, she finds relaxation in listening to music and writing poetry. Raised in an Italian/Irish family in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Donna boasts 72 first cousins who give her strength, courage, and hope.

“Lots of my family members have been supportive,” she explains.

During her time at Sturdy Health, Donna says she received excellent care, especially from the nursing staff. According to Donna, “Jamie,” “Alyssa,” and “Sara” on the third floor were especially caring and supportive nurses. 

She also cites the food as being “terrific” “and that is saying a lot since I am on a diabetes diet,” she says. Donna recently shed about 110 pounds because she learned to maintain a healthier diet while at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. “They taught me how to manage my diabetes partly through weight control. I no longer do injections," she says. “Now I only have to take pills.” 

“I used to eat the wrong food at the wrong time. Now breakfast is my most important meal. If I go for a fancy dinner at the Chateau Restaurant in Norton, I make more careful choices. A lot of the changes I made are helping me live longer.”

For now, Donna says she is grateful for the ”life-extending” treatment she received at Sturdy Health.

“When I am having a good day and a family member calls to go out, I get up and go. I credit the doctors and nurses at Sturdy Health for the quick diagnoses and the wonderful care I received.”

Sturdy Health offers a comprehensive Cancer Care Program that coordinates and provides care for all but the most uncommon cancers. As our patient, you will receive the same cancer treatment options and protocols that are found in major cancer centers. To learn more about our Cancer Care program, click here.