Ashburn resident fights tongue cancer with traditional and alternative treatments

Embracing the Alternative

Inova encourages traditional and alternative medicine to fight cancer

James Torrenzano had always been a healthy guy. The 59-year-old art therapist and teacher from Ashburn lived an active life and went for regular physical checkups, so when he was diagnosed with tongue cancer in November 2013, “it stopped me in my tracks,” he says.

Earlier that year, Torrenzano felt a marble-sized lump in his neck, which he brought to the attention of his primary care physician. After a follow-up visit with an ear, nose and throat specialist and further testing, the diagnosis was confirmed: cancer cells inside the lump. He then visited Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Mary Elizabeth Miller Cancer Center (on the Lansdowne campus).

The Journey Begins

“Energetically, I’m very attuned to spiritual surroundings,” Torrenzano says. “When I walked in the center, it was a welcoming atmosphere. I never really felt like a victim, I never really felt scared. I just felt like this was another journey, or it was going to be a process.”

He met with radiation oncologist and Medical Director Samir Kanani, MD, who worked with a team of doctors — including oncologist Anthony Felice, MD, as well as pathologists and surgeons — to determine the best course of action.

“I think the most important aspect of cancer treatment is to have a multidisciplinary approach,” Dr. Kanani says. “Often, there are a number of treatment options available, and doctors with different opinions. So we get all the doctors in one room to discuss the case.”

Although the tumor at the base of Torrenzano’s tongue was small, its location near a rich network of lymph nodes meant it could spread very quickly. The doctors decided to treat it with a course of radiation therapy, which Torrenzano received five times a week for seven weeks.

Life with Cancer

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accredits all Inova hospitals. This accreditation is in recognition of their exceptional cancer care. Additionally, Inova provides more than the standard radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Through Inova’s Life with Cancer® program, anyone affected by cancer, no matter where they receive treatment, can find information, support and a variety of classes — including the alternative therapies Reiki, acupuncture, yoga and more.

“Since 1970, I’ve been involved in the healing arts,” Torrenzano says. “For the major medical model to recognize [these therapies] is just brilliant, and it surrounded me with positive energy.”

Throughout his radiation therapy, Torrenzano attended yoga classes twice a week and Reiki once a week. He also worked with an acupuncturist and nutritionist to help with the flow of spiritual energy often referred to as “chi.”

“Acupuncture is often used to combat nausea and dry mouth that can accompany chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancers,” says Dr. Kanani. “I’m a big proponent of using complementary medicine to help patients during therapy.”

Proactive Success

Torrenzano finished his radiation therapy on March 17, his daughter’s birthday. A PET scan in early June showed no cancer.

“James’ remission is not the only remarkable outcome of his treatment. Because we were proactive in dental and nutritional care, and because we used advanced radiation technology to avoid major structures in his throat, his prognosis for long-term quality of life is amazing,” Dr. Kanani says. “What we strive to do is cure without complications.”

The radiation targeting the tongue cancer also temporarily affected Torrenzano’s sense of taste, a tough blow for someone who “grew up Italian.”

But just like his good health, it’s all coming back — pickles, salami and even beer taste good again.

“The cancer was in me, but it wasn’t me,” Torrenzano says. “I never let the darkness surround me on a spiritual level. I just kept trying to hold the light.”

Quality Affirmation

Recently, the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons, recognized Inova for its exceptional cancer services and re-accredited Inova Loudoun Hospital for an additional three years. The Commission on Cancer takes a thorough look at each facility it accredits to make sure it provides “comprehensive, high-quality and multidisciplinary patient-centered care.”

“People can feel comfortable knowing that the quality of care at Inova Loudoun Hospital meets a very stringent benchmark,” says Dr. Kanani. “We’re offering world-class cancer care in the community, and our Life with Cancer program offers second-to-none support when it comes to dealing with cancer.”

 

 

Keeping Cancer in Check

To learn more about Inova’s cancer services and Life with Cancer® program, visit inova.org/cancer.

 

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