I was in unbelievable pain and finally, I gave in and asked my sister to take me to the hospital. We passed several hospitals as we traveled from Riverside to Mission Hospital. I remembered the amazing care Mission provided when my nephew was born there many years ago, and that’s where I wanted to go.

I had a history of kidney stones and expected the Emergency Department physician to promptly confirm that as the problem. After a thorough evaluation the physician found more than kidney stones; he found a mass in my chest. The mass was later diagnosed as stage IV lung cancer.

It’s been three years, but I still clearly remember what the physician said next, “I can’t in good conscience allow you to leave. We can’t allow you to leave without providing you with more information.”

Following additional testing, I met Dr. Chu-Pei Feng, a board-certified radiation oncologist. She was so confident, so energizing and she told me that she could help me. I asked Dr. Feng if she believed in her work — truly believed in the power of her work and her ability — and without hesitation, she said, “Absolutely.” From that point on, I put my health in her capable hands.

My experience at Mission Hospital was amazing. I had never met physicians like those at Mission and the nurses were angels.

Dr. Feng did exactly what she said she would do: She killed my stage IV lung cancer. I will never be able to sufficiently thank Mission Hospital for the incredible care I received. I am so inspired by my experience at Mission Hospital, that I’m making arrangements to become a hospital volunteer. I would love to support and encourage other cancer patients along their journey.

I wish I could more adequately convey my gratitude to Dr. Feng, Dr. Bruce Tammelin and all the other physicians, nurses, patient care technicians — everyone who helped me along my diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Mission Hospital, I owe you my life. 

– Jonathan Ceballos-Herrera