LELAND, N.C. — Brenda Booze, a Leland woman, recently passed away after a tough battle with stage four cancer. Her husband, Steve Conrad, believes that earlier detection might have saved her life.
Brenda was known for her kindness and generosity. “She didn’t have to die if someone had just listened,” Steve said, expressing his heartbreak over her treatment at Novant Health.
In a WECT Investigates report from December, Brenda shared her struggles with cancer and her wish to help others avoid a similar fate. Despite persistent concerns about her health, doctors at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center did not initially recognize the severity of her condition. Steve repeatedly requested a full-body scan, but doctors believed Brenda didn’t have cancer.
Brenda’s CEA levels, which can indicate cancer, rose sharply. For instance, her levels increased from 8.5 in March to 12.03 by July. Yet, doctors opted for targeted tests rather than a comprehensive approach, which Steve was willing to pay for.
It was only after she collapsed during a vacation in Oak Island that she received a cancer diagnosis in October. Tests showed cancer had spread from her lungs to her brain and spine. She was sent home on hospice care, with a prognosis of mere days or weeks left.
“I just feel neglected,” Brenda said in October. “I’ve made peace with God and will try to live my life the best I can.” Despite the grim outlook, she fought hard and lived six months longer than predicted. She later received treatment at Duke Cancer Center, which she described as a much better experience.
From January to May, Brenda struggled significantly with her health. She was hospitalized twice for an adrenal crisis and described her pain as overwhelmingly intense at times. In her final days, Brenda stopped eating and drinking, choosing to focus on her peace rather than her suffering.
Novant Health declined to comment specifically on Brenda’s case, but indicated they prioritize patient health and early detection. “A cancer diagnosis can be the start of a difficult journey,” they noted, acknowledging the challenges faced by patients.
Steve has continued to advocate for changes at Novant, stressing that Brenda’s wish was not for monetary compensation, but for improved care protocols. He filed a complaint regarding her hospital bills, which Novant reviewed but ultimately denied any wrongdoing in her care.
Even with his efforts, Steve feels unheard. “I still haven’t gotten any answers,” he said, reflecting on his attempts to discuss Brenda’s treatment with the hospital.
This case raises important questions about patient advocacy and communication in healthcare. It underscores the need for comprehensive testing and early detection, especially with illnesses like cancer. Recent studies indicate that patients often feel overlooked in their healthcare journeys. Sharing experiences like Brenda’s may help highlight these issues and encourage a more patient-centered approach in medical settings.
For more insights into cancer treatment and patient care, you can explore resources from the American Cancer Society here.
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