Patient Stories

Cheryl Metcalf

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Cheryl Metcalf, Potosi

Breathing a Sigh of Relief

Cheryl Metcalf remembered thinking that it was odd to have cold-like symptoms that lasted more than a couple weeks. With a busy job in food service, keeping up with her grandson Austin, and no health insurance – she put off going to the doctor.

Her condition worsened until one day she found herself literally unable to breathe. Potosi Rescue Squad rushed her to Grant Regional's ER. Once stabilized, she was admitted to the hospital and over the next four days, underwent a series of tests and procedures including CT scan, x-rays, and lab work. She remembers being fearful of cancer and also in the back of her mind, was wondering how she could ever pay for this level of medical care. "I felt so well cared for," Cheryl explained. "The staff was so patient and careful to explain everything very clearly so I understood what was happening."

GRHC radiology technicians conducted a specialized CT scan and she was diagnosed with a large pleural effusion (fluid on the lung) impacting her ability to breathe. Today – she is enjoying good health and says she'll be forever grateful for the excellent care she received.

She is also very grateful to Grant Regional for another important reason. She was almost put in the position where she would have had to sell her truck to pay her hospital bill. But because of Grant Regional's Community Care program that essentially wrote off her $17,000 hospital bill, she was able to keep her truck and breathe a sign of relief… literally!!

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