Patient Stories

This year, Virginia Cancer Specialists celebrates its 50th anniversary and we’re celebrating more than our practice history—we’re celebrating you, our patients! As we look back on our 50-year legacy of compassionate care, we’re highlighting a few of our patients as they share their stories and words of encouragement. We hope you enjoy reading about their journeys and find them as inspiring as we do.

These patient stories are based on the individual patient’s unique experiences and do not represent all patient outcomes.

Antoinette Jones

Breast Cancer Survivor Antoinette Jones a patient of Anne Favret M.D. with Virginia Cancer Specialists in Northern Virginia, talks about her journey with Breast Cancer. Community Practices like Virginia Cancer Specialists who have top rated oncologists and cutting-edge Clinical Trials, provide better care to patients within the communities where the live and work. Local Care is Better Care. For over 40 years, Virginia Cancer Specialists has been dedicated to the fight against cancer and diseases of the blood. We offer an integrated treatment approach – treating the complete cancer continuum from prevention through survivorship. We offer genetic testing and counseling, and access to some of…

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Philip Suazo

I am a current patient of Dr. Sarma at Virginia Cancer Center. He has been treating me for a stage 4 cancer in my neck. I wanted to send a note to someone letting them know how much I appreciate Dr. Sarma’s and his teams concern for me. He is a very kind man and great Doctor. The nurses in the chemo lab have been very supportive and helpful as well. VA Cancer Center has a great team. Best regards, Phil Suazo Cancer SURTHRIVER!

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Temitayo Sadare

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Patrick Russo

Virginia Cancer Specialists was recommended to me by a colleague who happens to be a highly acclaimed medical professional in the DC area. I was diagnosed on May 6th 2014 at the age of 25. My cancer was initially detected when I was getting ready for work at my new job one morning and I…

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Susie Hanrahan

I was 57 years old when I was diagnosed with Cancer. The diagnosis came as quite a shock as I had never smoked and had no family history of cancer or GERD (acid reflux). I had a few experiences where I felt that swallowing was difficult, but that was the only indicator that something was…

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Kristin Berberich

When I was 26 I was working as a high school teacher, cross country coach, and tutor. I was doing an after school boot camp and a running club with other teachers and had tons of energy. I noticed on a Wednesday in December 2013 that I had some bruising on my legs and arms…

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Elizabeth Keane

The week before Thanksgiving in 2016, I felt a strange lump in my breast. The following week, I went to my OBGYN who had me get a mammogram (I was already up to date on my mammograms), sonogram and biopsy. On December 6, I was told I had breast cancer. I was originally scheduled to…

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Eileen Crisson

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 at the age of 68. I was referred to Dr. Sarma at Virginia Cancer Specialists. I had to do two rounds of chemo and six weeks of radiation. I was so lucky to have a wonderful family who were my support system throughout diagnosis and treatment. After treatment,…

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Sharon Tutchings

I was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma on October 10, 2014 at the age of 70. My mother is thought to have had pancreatic cancer. There was never a biopsy to prove this, but her doctor is positive that’s what she had. My genetic test came up positive for BRCA2 and there’s no other history of…

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Katy McRae

When you receive a cancer diagnosis the second time, you quickly realize just how precious life is. Almost 4 1/2 years after my first diagnosis, I received the devastating phone call in mid-august that my post-cancer checkup looked suspicious and might indicate a return of breast cancer. The PET scan confirmed my worst fears; I…

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