Rare Cancer Led To Lifesaving Surgery and Clinical Trial
January 29, 2025
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Patient Stories
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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.
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.
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AJ has new sense of purpose with remission
AJ Aguirre went to the ER 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 6 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
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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 two 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 eight-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 five 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
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.
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.
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 Cancer 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.
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