Cancer Patient Stories
Every year our physicians and staff care for many patients with cancer. We're proud to share some of their stories with you.
- Anal Cancer
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Brain Tumor
- Breast Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Mediastinal Tumor
- Multiple Myeloma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pediatric Cancers
- Skin Cancer
- Stem Cell Transplant
- Stomach Cancer
Anal Cancer
Surgical Technique Helps Woman Avoid Colostomy
When Lena Knezevich was diagnosed with anal cancer, she knew she wanted to come to the University of Chicago for treatment. Doctors were able to shrink and remove the mass from Lena's lower anal canal, leaving her sphincter muscles intact -- sparing the need for a colostomy.
Bile Duct Cancer
90 is Just a Number for Whipple Surgery
At 90, Gus Snare became the oldest patient ever to undergo the Whipple procedure at the University of Chicago medical center. Our experts have found that older patients like Snare who are independent and healthy can recover from complex operations like the Whipple procedure. "As a geriatrician, I don't think about chronological age, but rather physiological age," said William Dale, MD, PhD, co-director of the Specialized Oncology Care & Research in the Elderly (SOCARE) clinic.
Brain Tumor
Woman Doesn't Let Brain Tumor Surgery Slow Her Down
When an MRI revealed a meningioma at the base of Ann Barth's skull, she sought help from experts at the University of Chicago Brain Tumor Center. Five weeks after the tumor was completely removed, Ann returned to her job and her life with renewed energy.
Awake Craniotomy: Confronting Brain Surgery with Open Eyes
Initially, Anna Litchfield wasn't sure she could handle an awake craniotomy -- a complex procedures typically used to remove tumors nestled close to functional areas of the brain. Because the patient is awake during the procedure, a neurologist can continuously monitor language, motor and sensory function to make sure critical parts of the brain suffer minimal damage. However, Anna overcame her fear, and decided to have the procedure. As a result, the surgical team believes she avoided critical damage that she may have experienced during a traditional procedure.
Drug Made from Scorpion Venom Keeps Patient’s Brain Tumor in Check
A drug derived from scorpion venom appears to be helping a 49-year old Tinley Park woman beat the odds. Diagnosed in December 2005, with a deadly glioblastoma multiforme, Donna Van Ryn has lived almost three times the median survival of 15 months--and feels fine.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Team Combines Quality of Life With Quality Treatment
At age 20, Eloise Orr was diagnosed with breast cancer, the same disease that her mother died from at age 35. Over several years, Orr battled recurrent breast cancer and brain tumors, but was determined to not let cancer prevent her from achieving her dreams. "We tailored an entire regimen around her plans so this [treatment] wouldn't be an obstacle in her life fulfillment," said David Song, MD.
Former High School Principal Finds Correct Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer
In the world of breast cancer survival, Shirley Mertz has come a long way by battling for 17 years. University of Chicago oncologists tailored Mertz's treatment according to the biology of the tumor--an approach that reversed the course of her cancer. "I know that I would not be here today if it were not for the skill and expertise of Olufunmilayo Olopade, MD, and the other specialists and nurses at the University of Chicago medical center," says Mertz.
Heidi's Story: Cancer Risk Clinic Eases Fears
A cancer prevention plan helped ease Heidi's fears about breast cancer risk.
Colon Cancer
Woman Chooses Laparoscopic Surgery for Effective Colon Cancer Treatment
Using his own hand-drawn illustrations, Konstantin Umanskiy, MD, helped Mary Shedd understand why minimally invasive surgery was the best treatment option to help her beat colon cancer. Umanskiy performed a laparoscopic lower anterior bowel resection--an alternative to open abdominal surgery--to remove the cancerous tissue from Shedd's colon. Following the procedure, she experienced no complications, a quick recovery, and minimal scarring.
Esophageal Cancer
Man Avoids Losing Esophagus to Cancer
When Tom Flint's Barrett's esophagus condition deteriorated into cancer, doctors at another hospital told him he had only one option--removal of the esophagus. Before considering such life-altering surgery, Tom turned to University of Chicago experts who used advanced minimally invasive techniques to treat the cancer and spare his esophagus.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Expert Treatment for a Unique Type of Tumor
When John Hunt was diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, he did a lot of research to find the right specialist. "When my wife and I met Dr. Posner, we both liked him," Hunt said. "It was clear to us that he was a very skilled physician and an excellent communicator. He helped us understand what the game plan was and helped us gain confidence." After a successful surgery to remove two tumors, Hunt is enjoying a new career and life with his family in a new city.
Head & Neck Cancer
Combination Therapy Saves Chef's Tongue from Cancer
When famed Chicago chef Grant Achatz was diagnosed with tongue cancer, several doctors told him that his only treatment option was the removal of most of his tongue. Faced with a career-threatening decision, Achatz sought help from University of Chicago cancer specialists who developed a combination therapy plan that spared Achatz’s tongue from surgery and put the cancer in remission.
Kidney Cancer
Robotics Aid Surgeons in Operating Room
Using advanced robotic technology, surgeons removed a cancer-bearing kidney through tiny incisions.
Leukemia
Three Generations, One Gene Mutation, No Cancer
Mica Witt and her daughter, Shannon Wilson, were both successfully treated at the medical center for a rare genetic form of cancer. Shannon's daughter, Kelsey 16, has not been diagnosed, but she shares the genetic mutation that could lead to leukemia.
Liver Cancer
A Complicated Case: Expertise and Emotional Support Combine for an Excellent Outcome
Mary Keogh faced a challenging combination of health problems--including liver cancer, lung cancer, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. Her complex case required the expertise of many specialists from the University of Chicago Medicine, who worked together to coordinate Keogh's treatment plan. More than three years after her cancer surgery, Keogh is cancer free.
Lung Cancer
Aggressive Therapy, Positive Approach Cure Lung Cancer Patient
When Tony Palumbo was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and told it was incurable, he turned to the University of Chicago Medicine for a second opinion. Physicians at the University of Chicago agreed that surgery was not an option, but offered hope through a personalized treatment plan of radiation and chemotherapy. Six years later, Palumbo is still cancer-free.
History of Personalized Medicine Brings Future Hope to Lung Cancer Patients
The cause of Victor's lung cancer was a mystery to him--until experts from the University of Chicago Medicine traced it to a specific gene mutation. After enrolling in a clinical trial for genetically based drug therapy, Victor's tumor has shrunk and shows no signs of growth.
Active as Ever--a Decade After Lung Cancer Surgery
Watch Jeanie Dallas exercise and you'd never suspect that she faced and conquered lung cancer more than 10 years ago. Her only reminder of cancer is a small scar from surgery and annual visits to the University of Chicago Medicine campus to monitor her for cancer recurrence.
Minimally Invasive Surgery a 'Lucky' Option for Woman's Early-Stage Lung Cancer
In an ironic way, Barbara Arvia is grateful for the bunion on her foot. Preparation for foot surgery led to a surprising diagnosis of lung cancer--and to state-of-the-art treatment with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Barbara's surgery was performed through three small incisions, which resulted in a shorter recovery and a faster return to her busy lifestyle.
Man with Lung Cancer Rides to Clear Recovery
Surgery for carcinoid tumor of the lung hasn't prevented John Williams from taking 15-mile bike rides along Lake Michigan's shoreline.
Mediastinal Tumor
Robotic Surgery Puts Patient on the Road Again
Jim Chessare had robotic surgery to remove a malignant mediastinal tumor. He went home a day after surgery and quickly returned to normal activities. "My outcome was so incredibly positive; it couldn't have been better," said Chessare. "I am the luckiest guy in the world."
Multiple Myeloma
The Waiting Game: Facing Down an Incurable Cancer with Optimism and Research
When Bill Herlihy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 56, his oncologist didn't think he would ever leave the hospital. Herlihy is now in remission, thanks to innovative treatments and expert care from his physicians at the University of Chicago Medicine. While daily life remains a struggle, Herlihy is quick to point out that he feels lucky to be alive.
Ovarian Cancer
From the Oncology Ward to the Maternity Ward
At age 19, Jennifer Bishop-Staley was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. She underwent focused treatment that included removal of an ovary and the tumor inside it, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Several years after surviving the cancer, Bishop-Staley gave birth to her first child.
Age Alone Isn't a Reason to Forgo Aggressive Cancer Treatment
When Harriet Geary was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 89, she chose to fight the disease head on with the help of experts from the Specialized Oncology Care and Research in the Elderly (SOCARE) clinic. SOCARE specialists worked with University of Chicago oncologists to develop an individualized treatment plan that took into account her overall health and functional status. Several months after treatment, Geary is back exercising at her local YMCA.
Pancreatic Cancer
Fighting Pancreatic Cancer with Spirit
Pancreatic cancer is a very challenging disease. Diana Sokol-Roth turned to the University of Chicago Medicine for treatment, where physicians are constantly involved in leading-edge research. Here, clinical trials and advanced treatment options abound.
Pancreatic cancer patient defies statistics, connects with others in fight for life
For Pam Duda, the highlight of her treatment for pancreatic cancer was talking with fellow patients while she waited for chemotherapy treatments. Duda was eager to learn everything she could about her cancer and treatment options. Throughout her treatment, the care team explained every step to her. "I had a real understanding of what was happening to me," Duda said.
Second Opinion Brings Michigan Woman to Expert Surgeon
After having gallbladder surgery, doctors in Michigan suspected that Georgann likely had pancreatic cancer. A second opinion at the University of Chicago Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology confirmed the diagnosis that led to a successful Whipple surgery. More than five years after the surgery, Georgann is keeping healthy with regular exercise.
Good Health, Great Surgeons Give Pancreatic Cancer Patient a Second Chance
After having the Whipple procedure to treat pancreatic cancer, 81-year-old Norma Langellier is back to her active lifestyle that includes daily walks. Though many doctors may consider people like Norma to be too old for the Whipple procedure, our experienced surgeons have found that they can safely and effectively perform this life-saving surgery on reasonably healthy people, regardless of age.
Skin Cancer
Mohs Surgery Removes Skin Cancer, Preserves Tissue
A basal cell carcinoma skin cancer on Carl Waldschmidt's lip was removed in three stages in just over three hours with Mohs surgery. Between stages, Waldschmidt rested in the dedicated Mohs waiting room where he was encouraged to relax and eat. "I thought the day would feel like an ordeal, but instead it was pleasant and I found interesting people to talk to," he said.
Stem Cell Transplant
Medical Campus Hosts Annual Reunion of Stem Cell Transplant Survivors (Video)
On April 10, 2010, dozens of stem cell transplant recipients and their families gathered at the University of Chicago to share their stories of survival. Hear stories from patients who have recovered from leukemia and other blood cancers thanks to stem cell transplants; the donors who provided stem cells to loved ones; and the medical staff that cared for them before, during, and after the procedure.
Stomach Cancer
After a Cancer Diagnosis, One Patient Dramatically Changed His Life
Ed Robinson doesn’t take what he calls his "second chance at life" lightly; he lives every moment of every day to the fullest. Diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer in 2005 with what many thought was a slim chance for survival, Robinson now leads an incredibly robust and productive life centered around Rita, his wife of 28 years; his family and friends; his full-time career; and his commitment to giving back through service to his community.
