Survivors Speak Out: Care During COVID-19

Two cancer survivors share their unique perspective on safely receiving care during the first peak of COVID-19.

Ken: The Move from Traverse City to Detroit

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis in April 2020, Ken Godin and his wife left Traverse City and relocated to Detroit for six weeks. Fighting advanced tongue cancer, Ken already had a transplant and tongue reconstruction at Henry Ford in March. Crucial radiation therapy was next – during the pandemic.

Ken’s Decision-Making Factors

• The cancer could further advance to an incurable stage.
• Doctors and administrators were confident heightened safety precautions would protect patients.
• Henry Ford previously provided positive and personalized treatment.
  
  

“The tipping points in our decision were the caliber of care and quick response to our needs and questions by the Henry Ford staff during and after my cancer surgery, and the multi-source expressions of trust in the skill and precision of
radiation oncologist Dr. Farzan Siddiqui ” Ken says.

Now, Ken says he hopes “to stay positive, maintain a sense of humor and trust God.”

Read Ken’s Full Story

Kim: Cancer Does Not Quarantine

Several events propelled Kim Krygier to receive immediate chemotherapy for breast cancer in early 2020. But mid-treatment, the coronavirus triggered a statewide quarantine.

Intensely focused, Henry Ford enacted enhanced safety measures so patients could receive uninterrupted treatment.

“The nurses were so careful. I felt protected, like I was in the eye of the storm,” Kim says. “I was able to continue these healing treatments, taking it one day at a time and knowing that this too shall pass.”

Kim’s Advice

• Listen to yourself. Everyone has their own way of dealing with cancer.
• Use caution when searching online for medical information. It may take you down a rabbit hole of fear.
• Make wise choices for your emotional health. Fear can paralyze, weaken and defeat you, while faith can bring you hope, encouragement and strength. Faith can see you through treatment.

“We go through life with either fear or faith,” Kim says. “I would say choose faith.”

Read Kim’s Full Story