Twenty years ago, I was 35 years old when I had a standard hysterectomy.
Thanks to the expertise of my Rush surgical oncologist, an abnormal lymph node was found during this routine procedure. It was biopsied on the table and determined to be stage four cervical cancer.
At the time, I had a baby, twins in kindergarten and a loving husband who traveled for work. So I told my doctors at Rush that “Cancer had found the wrong girl.” And they listened.
How collaboration shaped my care plan
My journey began before many of the advancements that shape today’s cancer therapies. Chemo was less targeted, radiation fields were broader and support services at hospitals were less developed.
Unfortunately, my first treatment plan did not result in remission. I was told I had a short life expectancy, as the cancer was on the move in my body.
My Rush team worked with MD Anderson Cancer Center for a second opinion. MD Anderson suggested an extremely aggressive outpatient chemotherapy plan, as well as radiation from my neck to my pelvis — treatment I could receive at Rush.
Rush and MD Anderson doctors worked closely together to ensure the care I received was coordinated and tailored to my individual progress.
After treatment, I received recommendations for diet, exercise and alternative therapies, which have been crucial to my survivorship and an element of cancer care that I want other patients with cancer to prioritize.
Rush and MD Anderson’s partnership
Rush and MD Anderson have been working toward my survivorship for 20 years to help keep me healthy for the long term.
Words truly cannot express my gratitude for these medical professionals from both hospitals. I will be forever grateful for their innovative thinking, experience and kindness.
They have given me my life, as I have now seen my children grow up, my husband and I have celebrated 30 years of marriage, and I am living life with perspective. Without Rush and MD Anderson’s collaboration so many years ago, I would not be here writing my story.
Jennifer Wild was a patient speaker at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Cancer Thriver’s Day event this year.
To learn more about cancer care at RUSH MD Anderson, or to make an appointment, visit us online or call (312) CANCER-1.
