A self-proclaimed outlier in the world of metastatic ovarian cancer, Janice Aull had five “delightful, healthy and productive” years after her initial rounds of treatment before a recurrence sent her back to the Endeavor Health team of caregivers she credits with working miracles.
Unfortunately for patients who carry the BRCA genetic mutation, late recurrences (after 5 years) are not uncommon, explained Aull’s gynecologic oncologist Elena Moore, MD. But the good news is she is responding very well and her tumor markers have plummeted, said Dr. Moore.
Aull was extremely symptomatic with excessive fluid buildup in her abdomen know as ascites. When she arrived for her first chemotherapy treatment, she was in severe pain and feeling terrible physically and mentally.
“I will never forget arriving at the hospital and seeing four of the same caregivers from my 2019 journey; it was so reassuring they looked at me and immediately knew I was in a dire state,” said Aull.
The team sprung went into action, and hours later after having fluids drained and chemotherapy, Aull left feeling “1,000% better!”
During her latest cancer journey, Aull developed a great admiration for an often-overlooked part of her clinical team — interventional radiology (IR).
“The miracles they perform are amazing,” said Aull in praise of the entire IR department. From inserting ports for chemo treatments, to removing fluid through paracentesis, to obtaining biopsies to secure a diagnosis, and even to performing tumor-ablative procedures, the IR team plays a significant role in patient care.
“Every time I visit the IR department, the teamwork is optimal and I witness strong collaboration, communication and a sense that they enjoy working with each other and prioritize patient care,” said Aull, whose professional career encompasses teaching high-performing team work.
“The IR team is extremely critical to running a good cancer program,” said Dr. Moore. “Our IR physicians and physician assistants (PAs) develop a great rapport with patients and they are able to do so many things well.”
Aull’s positivity is her trademark, and she felt compelled to shout out the IR caregivers who are typically more behind-the-scenes. “It’s a real partnership with the IR team and they made it clear immediately that they were there to help me feel better. I knew I could trust them to take care of me.”
Thorough communication with each other and with patients is part of the team’s success, explained Marc Alonzo, MD, an interventional radiology specialist with Endeavor Health. “Getting patients ready for a procedure and explaining everything step by step to put them at ease is very important,” said Dr. Alonzo. “Our PAs are very in touch with patients and their empathy is apparent.”
IR procedures, like paracentesis, typically provide instantaneous relief, and are often performed in urgent or unexpected situations, so the team does its best to accommodate patients as quickly as possible despite busy schedules.
“Since dealing with cancer in 2019, I have come out a better person mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally,” said Aull. “The lesson I am really learning is to slow down and enjoy life. I refuse to be a victim.”
“Her hopeful, upbeat attitude has been unwavering throughout this whole process,” said Dr. Moore. “I do believe there is power in positive thinking.”
“Life is a journey, and I am grateful and blessed to have the Endeavor [Health] team supporting my journey,” said Aull.
Related Articles
