Fortunately for Mrs. Kuklis, an early diagnosis of her colon caner— combined with access to a top flight cancer care team at White Plains Hospital Center’s Dickstein Cancer Center—resulted in successful surgery and a post-operative chemotherapy regimen that she recently completed with a very good prognosis.

Along the way, she discovered that cancer is not a death sentence. “You learn that you can take care of yourself by being vigilant doing what you need to do.” But, the experience also reminded her how ubiquitous cancer is. Since her diagnosis, the Edgemont High School community—where she has taught for the past 18 years— has lost two beloved students as well as two former faculty members and the wife of a faculty member. And a former principal passed away due to complications from cancer. But, she also became aware that many other faculty members are cancer survivors like her.

“I am so fortunate to be a cancer survivor who is blessed to have a loving and supportive husband, two wonderful children and friends. Their genuine willingness to help me through my recovery taught me an important lesson: It was OK to ask your loved ones to help you when you need it.”

Surviving cancer also made her focus on what is really important. “I used to be a worry wart and dwell on petty things. But, now my perspective is changed and I appreciate the simple things in life like walking to school with a dear friend, noticing the gardens in the neighborhoods and seeing the seasons change.”

Mrs. Kuklis’ bout with colon cancer began following her third colonoscopy. She was extra diligent about taking the exam every few years after she passed the age of 50 because her mother had colon cancer. The test showed a massive growth. Mark Gordon, M.D., a surgeon affiliated with White Plains Hospital Center’s Dickstein Cancer Center, recommended immediate surgery which took place in January 2007.  “I dread to think what might have happened if I had not taken my periodically scheduled colonoscopy.”

Recently, her chemotherapy port was removed, a very positive sign that the treatment has been effective.  Mrs. Kuklis will continue to be monitored with periodic check ups and CAT scans.

Mrs. Kuklis is also deeply appreciative of the outstanding medical staff at the Dickstein Cancer Center, especially the nurses at the Lowenthal Infusion Center during her six months of outpatient chemotherapy. “My son and his fiancé were concerned about my being well enough to attend their wedding while I was undergoing treatment. The nurses convinced them that they could get married. Thanks to their great care and powers of persuasion, I was able to dance at their wedding last July which took place two weeks after my chemotherapy ended. The nursing staff is truly outstanding.”

On Cancer Survivors Day, Mrs. Kuklis was surrounded by her husband, family members and many well-wishers. Her daughter, however, was not able to attend because she is expecting to give birth sometime in July which will make Mrs. Kuklis a grandmother for the first time. “This is another blessing I look forward to as a cancer survivor.”

Cancer Survivors Day brunch— which is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, is in treatment for cancer or has completed cancer therapy—is a life affirming event.

In 2006, the White Plains Hospital Center cancer program won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. It was one of 31 nationwide and the only one in Westchester and the New York metro area to be recognized for the prestigious award.

White Plains Hospital Center

White Plains Hospital Center is a 292-bed voluntary, not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of offering high quality, acute health care and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas.  Its Centers of Excellence include the Dickstein Cancer Treatment Center, The William and Sylvia Silberstein Neonatal & Maternity Center, The Ruth and Jerome A. Siegel Stroke Center and The Westchester Orthopedic Institute.  The Hospital has the busiest Emergency Department in Westchester County, treating more than 45,000 patients a year.  White Plains Hospital Center is a seven-time winner of the Consumer Choice Award, an honor given to the nation’s top hospitals by the National Research Corporation. WPHC is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and the Stellaris Health Network, Inc.  For additional information, visit www.wphospital.org.