In November 2022, I was diagnosed with stage II triple negative breast cancer and was originally planned to receive treatment in the local hospital. However, a few weeks later, another thunderbolt came: I also have stage I pancreatic cancer. Faced with two completely different and highly challenging cancers, I realized that I needed a highly specialized team to coordinate complex treatment plans. In order to find a good treatment, I chose MD Anderson Cancer Center.

I am an optimist. Even when I first diagnosed breast cancer, I was not scared. After all, it was just a small lump on the left breast. However, the moment I learned that I still had pancreatic cancer, it seemed that time had stopped. My husband and I could not believe it. We didn't let fear occupy our hearts, but quickly adjusted our mentality, knowing that there were many difficulties to face next. We support each other, and after a bitter cry, we are ready to face every challenge that comes next.

At Anderson Cancer Center, I received support from two independent expert teams. My breast cancer team includes oncologist Dr. Matthew Wright, breast surgery expert Dr. Susie Sun and breast radiotherapy expert Dr. Elizabeth Bloom, and then oncologist Dr. Madison Williams joined the team. In terms of pancreatic cancer, my team is composed of Dr. Dan Zhao, a medical expert in gastrointestinal cancer, and Dr. Rebecca Snyder, a surgical oncologist.

What surprised me was that these experts not only performed their respective duties, but also formed a collaborative team to discuss my treatment plan together. They collectively studied my condition to ensure that every step of the treatment sequence was carefully considered. The key questions of "which type of cancer should be treated first?" and "what is the treatment sequence?" were all resolved in the team's discussions.

Develop a dual treatment plan: tackle pancreatic cancer first

Three negative breast cancer and pancreatic cancer are both diseases that are progressing rapidly and difficult to treat. The team unanimously decided to prioritize the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In January 2023, I started the treatment of pancreatic cancer, received eight rounds of chemotherapy, followed by the Whipple operation on May 30, and completed four rounds of chemotherapy after the operation. Later, the team started the treatment of breast cancer, including breast tumor resection, lymph node dissection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The entire treatment plan lasted for 19 months and was not fully completed until August 2024.

This treatment journey can be described as crazy - two surgeries, 28 rounds of chemotherapy, and 32 days of continuous radiation therapy. This long-term treatment requires a high degree of collaboration and cooperation between teams, and they have achieved it. I am now recovering well and only need to take some digestive enzymes with each meal, as part of my pancreas was removed during the Whipple surgery. Compared to the hope of survival, this is just a small price to pay. At present, I have no signs of cancer recurrence. When I ring the bell symbolizing recovery, it seems that the whole of Houston can hear my joy.

Warm care at Anderson Cancer Center

Before coming to Anderson Cancer Center, some kind friends reminded me that in such a large hospital, patients may feel like they are just numbers. However, this is completely not my experience. Each of my doctors is not only impeccable in their profession, but also the caring and considerate doctors I imagine. Their enthusiasm, patience, and support during the treatment process made me feel warm, far exceeding my expectations.

Anderson Cancer Center not only provides top-notch medical technology, but also makes me feel the sincere care of medical staff. Here, I am not only a patient, but also a respected and cared for person. Feeling their support and professionalism, I am filled with gratitude and have strengthened my confidence in overcoming the disease.