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surgeries done at Aspirus after his
initial visit to the Cancer Center made
him more comfortable with the high
level of care available to him in his
hometown.
“Everyone at Aspirus, from the
doctors to the nurses and technicians,
is wonderful—we’re lucky to have
such outstanding care available in
Wausau,” he said.
Salli nearly made it all the way
through 2012 without any other health
concerns—until he and his wife went
to Madison to visit their daughters for
Christmas. He had been dealing with
some slight abdominal pain for a few
days, but during their stay in Madison,
the pain became more severe. A trip
to the hospital revealed that he had
two masses the size of softballs in his
abdomen.
Upon returning to Wausau,
Salli headed back to the Aspirus
Regional Cancer Center to discuss
his options. This time surgery wasn’t
recommended. Both his oncologist
and surgeon agreed that surgery
would be too risky because the
masses were located near his adrenal
gland and remaining kidney.
A new approach
Instead, Salli’s oncologist started
him on a regimen of drugs that
shrink tumors and prevent future
growths by cutting off the tumor’s
blood supply. In January 2013, Salli
started a schedule that requires him to
take pills daily for four weeks, followed
by two weeks of no medication—a
routine he continues today.
“It can be mentally draining, but
I keep a positive attitude because
the side effects fade away and some
cancer can be cured,” he said.
Salli isn’t sure how long he will
have to continue his drug regimen,
but the growths have shrunk as
his oncologist had hoped. Salli has
experienced many ups and downs
during his battle with cancer, but
one thing that’s never wavered is
his appreciation for everyone who’s
supported him along his journey.
“It’s not a story with an ending; it’s
a journey with many emotions,” he
said. “The support I’ve received from
Nancy, my family and friends, and
my church has been wonderful, and
all the doctors and nurses will help
you anytime.”
HERE FOR YOU
Cancer can change everything. Aspirus
Regional Cancer Center is here to help
you cope. To find out how, visit
and click
“Support for Patients & Families.”
Arne Salli
Pam Vetter
Compassionate,
personalized care
Nobody ever wants
to hear the words “you
have cancer,” but if
you do, it’s important
to make sure that you
seek the best possible
treatment options
for you. All cancer is
different, and many
different treatment
options are available, so you want to be
confident in the care you’re receiving.
When you’re first diagnosed, seeking
second opinions is often encouraged.
Regardless of where the initial diagnosis
is made or the second opinion is obtained,
patients often choose to receive their care at
Aspirus Regional Cancer Center.
“We work with each patient to develop a
plan of care that is best for each individual,”
said Hamied Rezazadeh, MD, oncologist at
Aspirus Regional Cancer Center. “Every case
and person is different, so it’s important to
discuss not only treatment options, but the
needs and goals of each patient.”
Aspirus Regional Cancer Center offers
support for patients and families that extends
far beyond clinical care, and also offers the
latest treatment options, including:
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Drug therapies.
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Clinical trials.
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Radiation therapy.
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Tomotherapy.
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Chemotherapy.
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Brachytherapy.
Hamied
Rezazadeh, MD
