Debra’s Story

I’m here for my family because of advanced cancer treatment.

Charleroi resident Debra Dwzinsky was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and lived cancer free for three and one half years. When she returned to the Penn Highlands Hahne Cancer Center at Penn Highlands Mon Valley for a CT scan in early 2024, a cancerous mark was detected on her liver. She was referred to Zachary Senders, MD, a double-board-certified surgical oncologist and general surgeon with Penn Highlands Oncologic and General Surgery, who performed a microwave ablation on Debra’s liver.

“Microwave ablation is a laparoscopic procedure that is not typically performed in community cancer centers,” explained Dr. Senders. “The procedure uses microwaves to shrink and eliminate the tumor from the inside out — basically cauterizing it. Microwave ablation is as effective as surgical removal but with a faster recovery.”

With physicians who use advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment, Penn Highlands Hahne Cancer Center is well positioned to treat patients with many different types of cancer.

“We have a comprehensive cancer program at Penn Highlands Mon Valley,” said Dr. Senders. “A multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, hematologists and radiation oncologists work together to deliver expert care to our patients. There is nothing that a patient can get anywhere else that they cannot get here,” said Dr. Senders.

Debra, who has lived her whole life in the Mon Valley, adds, “One thing that people can get at Penn Highlands Hahne Cancer Center that they may not receive at other facilities – straight talk laced with compassion. Dr. Senders thoroughly explained the procedure to me but made sure that I was comfortable and at ease.”