Barbara

In Feb 2008, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My right leg swelled up and I went to the emergency room because it was very painful. The doctor thought I had blocked arteries but nothing was found on the ultra sound. A CAT scan was ordered and it revealed that I had cancer. I was automatically booked into the hospital, after which the doctor ordered a biopsy and bone-marrow surgery. This was a very frightening time for me, but Dr. Mehdi, my oncologist, told me not to be afraid. He reassured me that the cancer was curable.

Dr. Mehdi met me the next day and I showed him my biopsy results. Thankfully they were very good because the cancer had not spread to my bone marrow and my organs were not damaged. Of course, I had a lot of questions for Dr. Mehdi, but he gave me all the time in the world to answer each one of them. He showed patience, understanding, knowledge and experience. He is also very approachable, which was very comforting. Dr. Mehdi ordered my medication, and the chemotherapy treatment began after a port was fitted in my chest.

I had six chemotherapy sessions over a period of 4 months. The experience was horrifying I felt like I was dying. After my first session, I went home and was sick to my stomach. I had no appetite, and all I wanted to do was sleep. Then my hair started to fall out... yes, it was terrifying worrying about my appearance. The cancer took a toll on my kids, as well. They would often cry, and once told me that they feared that I might be dead every time they could not see me breathing (with my chest moving up and down), while I was asleep.

As the chemotherapy sessions got less, I began to feel and look better (however, I gained a lot of weight, because one of the after-medications that I took raised my blood-pressure and blood-sugar). On July 8, 2008, my cancer was in remission and I stopped taking my medications. What great joy!

I am blessed, and grateful to God for sparing my life. I gave my testimony in church and volunteer my time to help in the Church and do Gods work. I will miss Dr. Mehdi very much, and wish him all the best life has to offer. Keep up the good work, Dr Mehdi! THANK YOU!

Darci

I believe GOD sends people into our lives for different reasons. Some are in our lives for a short time, others for our entire lives, while others are sent for a specific need. Once He feels that need has been fulfilled, He lets them move on to their next phase of life. I may not feel it is time for you to move on but I am NOT the one in charge! - Dr. Mehdi - words are not enough to describe how you have touched my life. You are wonderful, compassionate, competent, extremely knowledgeable, and genuine person. I feel our relationship has been special from the beginning of my treatment for the breast cancer, however, upon talking with other people that are also your patients - I know that they feel the same way (I will still think that that I was one of your all-time favorite patients!).

I wish you the very best on your move to Las Vegas with your family. If I can ever be of help to you or one of your new patients, please do not hesitate to have them contact me. I have truly been blessed to have you for my oncologist, but more importantly as my friend.

Don

When I retired in 2001, I thought I was on top of the world. However, in 2006, tests identified the cause of my abdominal pain as gastric cancer. WOW! What a shock! This is when I met Dr Mehdi. He looked me in the eyes and told me how serious the situation was, and that he and his team would do everything within their means to treat this cancer. At that point, I decided to continue living my life the way I wanted, and fight the cancer head on. Dr. Mehdi developed an aggressive chemotherapy plan, and started comprehensive treatment right away. He was committed to treating both the cancer, as well as my emotional state.

Although the chemotherapy treatments zapped me hard, and I was wearing a chemo pump 24/7, I tried to live my life in the best way possible. I would go to the gym and workout, or play golf (of course Dr. Mehdi advised me to be careful not to strangle myself with the tubing from the pump!). Other days I would go fishing or do lunch with friends. I even drove antique tractors in several parades. Some days I would just take a nap. I learned to listen to my body and do what it needed.

My wife, Bonnie, was with me every step of the way. She went with me to every appointment, and was always there to provide her support and love. Friends like Steve and Susan would show up on chemo treatment days, bringing malts, burgers and fries, and spending 6 -7 hours telling tall tales and jokes. We had a lot of good laughs, and made the best of the situation.

Thanks to the prayers and support of my family, medical team, and many friends, I was able to keep a positive outlook. I truly believe prayer and a positive attitude worked for me because the cancer has disappeared. I thank God everyday for my health, family and friends.

Kathy

Twelve years after my first diagnosis in April 2005, I was again diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Back in 2005, I was experiencing severe pain in my neck area, and was referred to a neurologist. When he read the MRI he told me than he was sure it was cancer, and immediately admitted me to the hospital to operate on severly damaged vertebrae.

Luckily for me, Dr. Mehdi was the oncologist on duty. During my stay in the hospital he came to see me numerous times and before they even had the biopsy back, he was running scans, x-rays, blood tests, and in general, just checking on everything that he possibly could. The cancer was not only in my neck but also in my lungs. He wanted to start me on a treatment plan right away because of the extensive damage to my neck, and the fact that the cancer was in several places. I have been under his care for the last four and half years and so far I am doing great, which is a miracle. Dr. Mehdi has been a great doctor for me. He is very proactive and I am so thankful that he was the doctor on call that fateful day. Right from the start, he has done everything in his power to keep me alive.

When I heard that Dr. Mehdi was leaving Kansas for Nevada, I was naturally very upset. I understand his move but I truly wish he were staying here. Dr. Mehdi assured me that I will be okay and that he is just a phone call away. If I need to, I will even go out to Las Vegas to see him. I am just very thankful that I was lucky to have Dr. Mehdi as my oncologist for as long as I did, and I know that all his patients in Nevada will be happy to have such a great doctor!

Robert

My name is Robert. I was diagnosed with cancer in November 2007. In June of that year I was in constant pain in my back. I was unable to sleep at night due to the fact that I could not lie on my back, and turning on my side only made the pain worse.

My primary care physician referred me to an oncologist, which to my good fortune turned out to be Dr. Mehdi. Dr. Mehdi informed me that I had cancer. It has not been easy with all the treatments and medical procedures I went through. Dr. Mehdi has been encouraging, kind and willing to listen. He never rushed my office calls. Not only was he my doctor, he became my friend.

Today I am doing well. The cancer is in remission. I am able to sleep at night again, and am free of spinal pain. I am a cancer survivor! My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mehdi... a doctor who really cares!

Shirley

My name is Shirley and I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2008. I was referred to Dr. Mehdi, and in August of 2008, I underwent a multitude of procedures. These procedures included, but weren limited to PET Scans, CAT Scans, as well as having a port placed. My first encounter with chemo was in September of 2008. I shared the news with my family and they provided me with the love I needed to cope with my new reality and make it through the next several months. I also received support from friends, co-workers, as well as my church family. The first chemo session was not as bad as I had heard it would be. I was scheduled for chemo every three weeks. I honestly believe no one should have to go through cancer alone. After my treatment, I would return home to find that my family had disinfected my home, as well as prepared meals for me and my immediate family. My family would also assist me by bringing food, water, or even just a word of comfort. I thank God for my life, and for sending me an angel by the name of Dr. Raja S. Mehdi.

Susan

Tuesday, September 22, 2005, was the day that changed my life. It was the day I learnt I had breast cancer and from that point on, nothing has been the same; in fact, it has perhaps been better.

I often did a self-check breast exam. One day, I noticed my right breast felt unusually dense, but attributed the density change to my oral hormones associated with a recent hysterectomy. My next mammogram was scheduled in the near term, so I wasn worried. A couple of weeks after the scheduled mammogram, I was informed that I needed another one! That same day I had an ultrasound and lastly a biopsy. Moral of the story: what everyone says is true. Do NOT miss your mammograms. My regular mammogram saved my life.

I was very blessed to have been surrounded by a cocoon of family members, friends and the finest medical support team. I remember asking my oncologist, Dr. Raja Mehdi, "Who will be my Champion?" I needed to know who was going to be in charge of all the physicians working through the quagmire of medical procedures and processes. Dr. Mehdi explained he would be in charge of my total care, and he was. He coordinated with my primary care physician, radiologist team, and the infusion team for my chemotherapy. Moreover, Dr. Mehdi became a part of my life in such a good way.

I am one of the many fortunate breast cancer survivors. My type of cancer had a chemotherapy protocol, Herceptin , which had just been approved by the FDA. Without Dr. Mehdis use of Herceptin, plus the other regimen of chemotherapy drugs and radiation, I most likely would not be here today telling my story.

I found writing status emails to my friends and co-workers about my breast cancer experiences very therapeutic. I intentionally shared the great experiences about the treatments, the loving care of my friends and family and the expert care of Dr. Mehdi and his medical team. What I received in return from my friends and family was more than I could ever have imagined. Dr. Mehdi is a consummate professional with a very personal touch.

Thanks to my family, friends, co-workers, and most importantly the medical team led by Dr. Raja Mehdi, I am here today enjoying my life. Women can beat breast cancer, I did.

Wayne

Wayne was enjoying an active, outdoor life. After an annual physical (less a colonoscopy, due to scheduling) and a two-week hiking trip in New Mexico, Wayne had his first Colonoscopy an age 52.

The Diagnosis

Colon cancer, but no symptoms or bleeding, but a big letdown from the high of hiking with a group of scouts.

Surgery- Right hemi-colectomy and a port for chemotherapy under the direction of Dr Raja Mehdi.

On a biweekly schedule of chemotherapy able to return to light work, ten working days until about half way through the series of treatment. I kept a positive outlook, and a focus on our goal.

Life 1 year later

I am back to normal and the weight I lost during treatment will remain off. I am more aware of what I eat and the gift of the remainder of my life. I have taken it on myself to be an advocate about getting screening colonoscopy.

Life now, 5 years later

I have kept my weight down and kept regular checkups and I am "officially cured"...