Testimonials

jennifer-hunt

Dr. Ren Yu Zhang and Dr. Lynn Kowalski are my dream team.

Dr. Zhang performed a hemi-colectomy on me and Dr. Kowalski performed a total hysterectomy. Both procedures were done during one operation using the da Vinci surgical system and NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery).

I knew what to expect every step of the way because each doctor explained everything clearly and concisely and answered all of my questions. They are warm and compassionate, professional and knowledgeable and have excellent bedside manners. Above all, they are outstanding surgeons.

My recovery was swift and pain free thanks to the da Vinci system and NOTES. I would recommend it to anyone needing surgery and I would highly recommend Dr. Zhang and Dr. Kowalski to do the surgery. They are the best surgeons in Las Vegas.

Dr. Kowalski is now my medical oncologist because they found cancer in the endometrium of my uterus. I have every confidence in Dr. Kowalski’s abilities and know that I could be in no better hands to overcome this disease.

~ Jennifer Hunt

Lucinda Barrett

What words come to mind when I think of the NVSCC? Kind, caring, compassionate? Yes, all of those and more, but the one word, in my opinion, that best describes the doctors at NVSCC is advocate. They fought for me when I was too sick or weak to fight for myself. They gave me hope and courage when I had none. I don’t know what my future holds, but I know that no matter what happens, they will be there with me every step of the way.

~ Lucinda Barrett

Frances Sharp

No one intends to embark on a cancer journey, but if a diagnosis of cancer happens to you, it is extremely helpful to know the direction to take for the best results. I was referred to Dr. Kowalski at NVSCC. Before I had a consultation visit with her, when interrogating others in our community, NVSCC and Dr. Kowalski’s excellent reputation were voiced. During the consultation visit with Dr. Kowalski, I quickly discovered a compassionate, confident, intelligent, physician with knowledgeable experience. She explained in detail how the radical hysterectomy (due to endometrial/uterine cancer) was going to occur with the da Vinci Surgical System. It is a year later and never once have I been disappointed with the care I have received from Dr. Kowalski at NVSCC. Her remarkable research dictated chemo and radiation treatments after the surgery. The practice is exceptional and has a unique approach to treating cancer, which ultimately enhances their patients’ lives.

~ Frances Sharp

Family of Diane DiFiore

My sister fell ill in October 2007. In reality, her illness likely started long before, but she ‘ignored the signs.’ With her excruciating abdominal pain reaching its peak, she was hospitalized at Mountainview Hospital. It was here that she came under the care of Dr. Lynn Kowalski, who was called in to confirm the emergency room doctor’s finding of a mass.

From the minute we met Dr. Kowalski that fateful day in 2007, through the immediate surgery 3 days later, to Diane’s ongoing treatment for Ovarian Cancer for over 4 years, Diane (and the rest of us as her family) remained completely resolved to her treatment plan as outlined by Dr. Kowalski. All along, the attention and medical care she received from Dr. Kowalski and all of her staff at Nevada Cancer Care and Surgery Center were over the top. Diane’s daughter, our sister, and I were ever-present through her treatment. Dr. K was always candid with us about Diane’s diagnosis and treatment, but always compassionate. She never felt ‘overwhelmed by the rest of the family being present and so involved; rather, she relished in getting to know not only her patient but the rest of us as well.

Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer as the patient, or their family is quite difficult. Your emotions are everywhere, as you try to deal with what will likely be inevitable. Yet, the combination of my sister’s perseverance & positive attitude from day one, to the heartfelt attention of all of her medical needs by the entire staff at NVCSC, made the journey more palatable. Sadly, my sister’s journey ended after 4 plus years. Thankfully, Dr. Kowalski was there to see Diane at the end, giving Diane peace as she reached the end of her journey. Dr. K also made it a point to check in on our family a few days later. She is remarkable: a brilliant doctor and a loving, caring person.

Diane always said Dr. Kowalski was her angel. There is no doubt that her professional care of Diane kept her with us longer than one might have thought. We are forever grateful to Dr. Kowalski and her staff for traveling this journey with us.

~ Family of Diane DiFiore

Missy Powell

I was seeing another doctor for several years before I met Dr. Kowalski. My previous doctor told me that my condition called for a hysterectomy and that my surgical incision would extend from side to side. You can imagine the fear I felt. Then came my Godsend. A friend recommended a second opinion and said that if I wanted the best, I should see Dr. Kowalski. Immediately upon meeting her, I was much more at ease. Dr. K was generous with her time with me, explained in great detail the Da Vinci method and all my options. She displayed extreme care, and soon I made my decision. The Da Vinci method was incredible, and my four incisions were microscopic. Now I can’t even see them. Since then, Dr. K and her amazing staff have continued to display the kind of care that a patient deserves. Today, Dr. K plays a huge role in my overall health. My family history is cause for concern, but Dr. K sees me on a regular basis, and her great attention to detail always gives me comfort. I give her the highest marks for bedside manner and overall patient care. Now I’m the one recommending her to others. She’s the best!

~ Missy Powell

Yesterday, I was released from Mountain View Hospital, only 5 days after my colectomy. The excellent care given to me by both doctors – Ren yu Zhang and Lynn Kowalski – made this speedy recovery possible. I appreciated their willingness to schedule my operation at a time when both of them could perform the necessary surgeries while I was under anesthesia, rather than having me come back for a second time.

After a colonoscopy was performed a couple of months ago, it showed a non-malignant growth in one of my ovaries and a cancerous growth in my colon. Dr. Kowalski expertly removed both ovaries after consulting with me and my husband about the wisdom of this operation. Dr. Zhang performed the colectomy, removing the malignancy and a portion of my colon. I am grateful for the professionalism, friendliness, and clear communication of both doctors which allowed us to make these decisions based on their knowledge and expert advice. Both of them are very kind and caring and have a wonderful bedside manner. I have complete confidence in their judgment and professional expertise and would not hesitate to go back to Nevada Surgery & Cancer Care in the future.

I am particularly grateful to Dr. Zhang for his superb skills in making the least invasive incisions for the removal of part of my colon. His operation was performed after a clear consultation in which he described the process, the risks, and the expectations. I am enjoying a quick recovery and have had no pain. I will continue to consult with him about post-operative conditions, and I am sure he will alert me to any areas of concern.

With sincere gratitude.

~ Jennifer Zobelein

After a routine colonoscopy they found a large growth in my colon which they were unable to remove using the conventional method. I was then referred to Dr. Wishnev she performed a colonoscopy to verify the size and position of the growth, and recommended surgery as it was in such a position that she cannot get to it so we went ahead with the surgery which was a complete success. The recovery took some time which was to be expected but after nearly a year I am feeling very good. Dr. Wishnev has a great bedside manner, she explained every step of the procedure and followed up constantly. You can tell if someone is just going through the motions or really cares and she really cares.