Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Patient Stories

Courage Through Cancer: Stories of Strength, Hope, and Healing

From diagnosis to recovery, our patients share their journeys of resilience and determination. Patient experiences reflect the comprehensive care and expertise at the heart of our center. These stories inspire and offer hope, shedding light on the human side of cancer care and the transformative power of compassion and cutting-edge treatment.

A team effort in patient care

For Mark Feighner, it wasn't just one doctor or one nurse who made a difference in his care at UT Southwestern after he was diagnosed with two different cancers and underwent a bone marrow transplant. He had a whole team of experts involved. "I can tell you without exception they gave me the confidence that with their help, I was going to be able to make it through," Mr. Feighner says. Seven years after his transplant, he has his health back. "There's nothing that I can't do and enjoy. Every day is a blessing."

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Specialty clinic integrates care for cancer and heart disease

Julie Walsh could barely walk when she arrived at UT Southwestern in 2016. She had survived lymphoma nearly two decades earlier but sustained cardiovascular damage that had worsened over time. She found answers from Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of UTSW's Cardio-Oncology Program.

Bradley Cooke grateful for treatment at UTSW

Bradley Cooke was given six months to live after receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from a local ER. "I needed a second opinion, and that is how we got to UT Southwestern," Bradley says. After radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, Bradley is now enjoying his life again with his family on their farm. A second opinion saved his life.

Rare cancer led to lifesaving surgery and clinical trial

Alaine Hardesty knew something was wrong as she became progressively unwell, experiencing loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue, and debilitating fluid retention that left her legs swollen and abdomen distended.

Maria receives state-of-the-art treatment at UTSW

In 2014, Maria Hernandez of Fort Worth was diagnosed with carcinoid tumors. A few years later, when she developed a condition known as neuroendocrine tumor, she was referred to UT Southwestern. Her specialized treatment is known as theranostics, which uses precision medicine to detect where the cancer is and then treat it with a therapeutic isotope.

AJ has new sense of purpose with remission

AJ Aguirre went to the ED with lower back pain and found out he had a grapefruit-sized lymph node in his abdomen, resulting in a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After six rounds of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiation, he is now three years in remission and has a new outlook on life.

Darshana thankful for ‘entourage of care’ at UTSW

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38, Darshana Pattni followed a friend’s suggestion to come to UTSW where she felt “hope.” After chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and DIEP flap surgery, she is now 5 years cancer-free.

Dawn embraces future after tumors removed

From eastern Louisiana, Dawn Averett was told she only had 3 months to live when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019, two decades after her battle with breast cancer. She was referred to UT Southwestern and drove 5 hours each way to receive treatment. “UT Southwestern means everything to me,” Dawn says. “I’m 5 years out, and I was given 3 months.”

Building a Future Without Cancer

Cancer; Patient Stories

Frisco RoughRiders exec stares down thyroid cancer with help of his UT Southwestern 'team'

March 10, 2019

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Breast

‘A reason to live:’ DeLisa finds hope at UT Southwestern

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in Mississippi, DeLisa Johnigarn was told she would only have 2 years left to live. She then decided to come to UTSW to be near her children, and her care team and treatment at Simmons Cancer Center have led the road to her recovery.

Janeye's reclaiming her life after breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer survivor Janeye Pritchard was originally diagnosed after her first-ever mammogram at age 46. She encourages others to not wait to get their mammogram. Thankful for her care team at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, Janeye says they gave her a sense of “peace and calm, and I knew I was going to be okay.”

Catherine found a care team she could trust at UTSW

Catherine Spencer felt like a healthy 33 year old until she was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer. After a lumpectomy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, she is now getting back to doing the things she loves, thanks to her care at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center.

A second opinion becomes a second chance

Ryen Esquivel is all smiles and looking forward to life thanks to UT Southwestern and a second opinion that gave her a clean bill of health following a discouraging cancer diagnosis elsewhere that proved to be wrong.

Conquering triple-negative breast cancer: Brianna Hinojosa-Smith’s survivor story

Brianna Hinojosa-Smith was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a mass. She received 16 weeks of chemotherapy and had seven surgeries at UT Southwestern. Now an 8-year survivor, she encourages others to seek medical attention if something feels wrong with their body.

Fighting breast cancer twice: Stephanie Davis' inspiring battle

Stephanie Davis was diagnosed with stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer and received chemotherapy and radiation at UT Southwestern. After 5 years of remission, her cancer returned as metastatic breast cancer. She continues treatment and remains positive, urging others to get regular mammograms.

Angela Sells - breast cancer survivor

Angela Sells, a breast cancer survivor, chose UT Southwestern for its cutting-edge treatments and research. Diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, Angela received targeted antibody therapy that cleared her scans within months. Her treatment has added years to her life, allowing her to enjoy time with her grandchildren.

Finding joy after cancer: Taffie Lynn Butters’ triumph over breast cancer

Taffie Lynn Butters was diagnosed with stage 2b ductal carcinoma after a self-exam revealed irregularities. She underwent a mastectomy and received chemotherapy and radiation at UT Southwestern. Now cancer-free, Taffie has embraced a new outlook on life, focusing on joy and spending time with loved ones.

Roberto’s battle with rectal cancer: immunotherapy and support

At 30, Roberto was diagnosed with rectal cancer and enrolled in a clinical trial at UT Southwestern that combined immunotherapy with chemotherapy and radiation. With support from his medical team and a group of fellow young adult cancer patients, he remains optimistic about his treatment.

Roberto’s battle with rectal cancer: immunotherapy and support

A 'moonshot' surgery makes life whole again for Dallas couple

One morning in 2012, Ralph Cousins woke up and noticed blood on his pillow. Three hard bumps on his head, which he worried might be skin cancer, turned out to be something much more rare: angiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of blood vessels.

Cancer; Discovery; Patient Stories

Immunotherapy and the marathon against melanoma: Terry's story

May 21, 2020

AML

Targeted therapy success: Mrs. DeLee’s journey to beating AML

Mrs. DeLee, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), joined a research program focused on targeted therapy. Instead of traditional chemotherapy, she took a new pill developed through the Beat AML project and is now in remission, living a normal life.

Beating AML: Yanni’s journey from Greece to recovery

Yanni was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) while on vacation in Greece. After genomic testing at UT Southwestern, he received targeted therapy through the Beat AML trial. Now in recovery, Yanni is living a normal life without the need for hospitalization.

Adventure and advocacy years after historic stem cell transplant

Chuck Dandridge was thrust into the unknown in 2013 when routine cholesterol and blood work at his doctor’s office revealed low blood counts. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a form of leukemia that by 2014 had progressed to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common – and most deadly – form of leukemia in adults.

Annual checkup leads to prostate dancer diagnosis

Lonnie Freeman was feeling healthy when he went in for his 2017 checkup. He’d been having yearly physicals. He had a weekly practice of running and lifting weights. Other than an occasional hamburger, he ate a healthy diet of chicken, fish, and vegetables. He had no warning signs of prostate cancer.