Cancer and Clinical Services Patient Stories

Nadia Quraishi, a holistic nutritionist who resides in New Jersey, decided to travel out of state to receive her treatment at the OSUCCC – James upon the recommendation of her brother-in-law.

She was referred to surgical oncologist Timothy Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, for the treatment of stage 1B cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer. Her brother-in-law, a trauma surgeon, had worked with Dr. Pawlik at another institution.

Impressed by Dr. Pawlik’s specialization in cholangiocarcinoma and by articles he had written about this cancer in scientific journals, Nadia decided that he was the best person to help her fight her disease, which had been diagnosed at a hospital closer to her home following an incidental finding via an MRI and a biopsy. “I was very lucky that they found it early,” Nadia says.

She was able to get a consultation with Dr. Pawlik on the Monday following the week of her diagnosis, and her surgery was scheduled for four days later (Friday). “It all came together quickly, but it all worked out very well, as timing was everything,” Nadia says.

The surgery removed 60-70% of her liver, several lymph nodes and her gallbladder. Nadia was discharged from The James on the following Tuesday, had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Pawlik the following Friday and flew out of Columbus the day after her appointment.

Nadia hasn’t had too many experiences with hospitals and has never been to the state of Ohio before, but she was very impressed by The James and the treatment that she received from the staff.

"The James was a great hospital with amazing staff. As overwhelmed as I was at the time, it was comforting to be around doctors and nurses that truly cared. Everyone I encountered on my stay in Ohio was very nice,” she said.

In addition to Dr. Pawlik, Nadia extends special thanks to nurse Jonathan Denne, Bridget Oppong, MD, and the entire staff on 12 James.

Today, Nadia feels a lot more like herself after going through a post-surgical recovery period of several weeks. With Nadia’s cancer battle mostly behind her, she has a new perspective on life and appreciates people around her all the more.

“I think I have really started to see how the people around me care about me and how truly important those ties are and what a great support system I have — things that people sometimes take for granted,” Quraishi says.

Looking back, she is very grateful for the treatment she received at The James. “It was definitely the best option for me, and I’m really glad that I was able to get the surgery with Dr. Pawlik,” Nadia says.