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Dancing with Life’s Challenges
Milton and Tina Collis share why they can’t stop talking about Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s oncology center
Milton and Tina Collis feared the worst when Milton, 92, was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. Still, they and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren met the challenge with characteristic positivity and optimism. Milton began treatment at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s oncology center, working with YaoYao Pollock, M.D.
As the couple adjusted their lives to focus on his cancer treatment, dialysis three days a week, and blood transfusions every three weeks, Milton worried that he wouldn’t make it to their 71st wedding anniversary in June.
Turning the corner
Fast forward a few months, and everything has changed. “Dr. Pollock saved my life,” Milton said. She and her colleagues recommended a medication that eliminated the need for injections. “Ever since he’s been on that pill, everything — red cells, white cells, everything — is better than it’s ever been,” Tina said. “And it’s all because of her. She is wonderful.” Milton wholeheartedly shared his wife’s sentiment. “She is very, very attentive. We just can’t say enough good about her. She is excellent.”
The Collises believe that the improvement in Milton’s health is due to the special attention the staff at the Oncology Center gives to their patients. “They’re all very caring, nurses, technicians, everyone — you’re not just a number,” he said. “It’s because of them that I have this attitude. Of course, there are ill effects from chemo, but I feel so good, like I could go on for another 10 years.”
Milestone celebration
When June rolled around, Milton and Tina knew they would be able to celebrate their wedding milestone — with some surprise help from Dr. Pollock and the oncology center staff. “She threw us a party!” Tina said. “Dr. Pollock and her wonderful assistant, Jennifer Cazares, brought champagne glasses with apple cider, flowers, even cookies with our names on them. Everyone came in, even people we didn’t know! She did something extra special for us. She is very special.”
The couple keeps making new memories as they continue into their seventh decade of marriage. “The thing we miss most is dancing,” Tina said, explaining that Milton previously used a walker to get around. “Well, a week ago, I was fixing breakfast, and he tapped me on the shoulder to ask me to dance! There was no music, so he sang. We have been so blessed, and we know it.”
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