If you’re a federal employee and have questions about continuing coverage, please speak to your Patient Benefits Specialist and visit our insurance page here: virginiacancerspecialists.com/insurance/Exciting News! Our Gainesville Office has moved to Bristow9450 Innovation Drive, Manassas, VA 20110.  Same great providers and care team, same exceptional care, new, larger space to better serve our patients.

Patient Stories

At Virginia Cancer Specialists, we are honored to share the stories of the patients who inspire us every day. Our Patient Stories page features real-life experiences of those who have faced cancer with strength, resilience, and hope. These stories highlight the challenges, triumphs, and journeys of individuals who have walked through our doors, each one unique yet united by the spirit of perseverance. We invite you to read their stories and gain insight into their experiences, as well as the support they received from our dedicated care team. We hope that through these personal narratives, you find inspiration and encouragement, knowing that no matter where you are in your journey, you are not alone.

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

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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