Pancreatic, breast cancer survivor: MD Anderson managed two different diagnoses at the same time

When I was diagnosed with stage II triple-negative breast cancer in November 2022, I originally planned to seek treatment at the hospital system where my gynecologist works. The radiologist at her hospital had initially noticed the cancer on my annual screening mammogram. 

But when I was diagnosed with stage I pancreatic cancer a few weeks later, that changed everything. With two different cancers at the same time, you need specialists to coordinate your care. And I wanted the best. That’s why I came to MD Anderson. 

The shock of a double cancer diagnosis 

I’m a fairly positive person, so even after my first cancer diagnosis, I was pretty upbeat. The tumor was a very small spot in my left breast. We caught it early. So, I was like, “OK. Let’s go. What do we need to do first?” 

But a few days after the second diagnosis, my husband, Louis, and I looked at each other in disbelief. Neither of us had a feeling of dread about my prognosis, but we both knew there was a lot of work ahead of us — and it wasn’t going to be easy. Once we had a good cry, though, we were ready to face the future head-on.

MD Anderson care teams collaborate to treat two different cancers at once

At MD Anderson, I had two separate teams of experts. 

My breast cancer team included general oncologist Dr. Matthew Wright, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Susie Sun and breast radiation oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Bloom. Later, medical oncologist Dr. Madison Williams was added. My pancreatic cancer team was gastrointestinal medical oncologist Dr. Dan Zhao and surgical oncologist Dr. Rebecca Snyder.

What I found amazing was how they all worked together to determine the best possible treatment plan for me. They looked at my situation and discussed it as a committee so that they could resolve questions like, “What’s the sequence of Dana’s treatment going to be?” and “Which one should come first?”

Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive, fast-moving disease, and pancreatic cancer is also extremely serious. Eventually, they decided that treating the pancreatic cancer was the priority, so we started with that. 

My breast cancer and pancreatic cancer treatment protocols were highly orchestrated

I began my pancreatic cancer treatment in January 2023 with eight rounds of chemotherapy under Dr. Zhao. That was followed by a Whipple procedure under Dr. Snyder on May 30, 2023, and four more rounds of chemo. A few months after that, I had a lumpectomy and some lymph nodes removed by Dr. Sun.

I started radiation therapy for the breast cancer under Dr. Bloom in November 2023. I finished that up a few months later. Then, I started chemotherapy to treat the breast cancer under the care of Dr. Wright. I’ll finish that up in early August.

With two surgeries, 28 rounds of chemotherapy and 32 straight days of radiation under my belt, it’s been a wild ride. Nineteen months of non-stop cancer treatment required my care teams to perform a highly orchestrated dance. 

But the finish line is finally in sight. I’m doing really well now, and I only have to take some digestive enzymes whenever I eat because I had a part of my pancreas removed during the Whipple procedure. I consider that a very small price to pay since I show no evidence of either disease right now. So, when I ring that bell to mark the end of my cancer treatments, all of Houston is going to hear it.

MD Anderson exceeded even my high expectations

Before I came to MD Anderson, a few well-meaning friends warned me that I would be treated like a number here. They were wrong. Every single member of my team has been beyond phenomenal.

I always expected my doctors to be experts in their fields because of MD Anderson’s longstanding reputation for excellence. But I didn’t expect them to be so warm and receptive. Beyond their care and support, I felt their love. They really are the most caring people. It’s unbelievable. And more than I ever could have imagined. 

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