Chicago Woman is 'Poster Child' for Successful Breast Cancer Treatment
Betty Jones of Chicago is proud to be called a "poster girl" . . . especially when the term is used by her oncologist - Alexander Starr, M.D. - to describe her remarkable victory over breast cancer.
"'Betty,' he told me, 'You're my poster girl,'" she remembers with a smile.
Jones, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2006, did a lot of research not only about her disease, but where she would get the best treatment. That led her to Ingalls.
"I could have gone to any hospital in Chicago if I wanted to, but I chose Ingalls," she recalls.
Jones is thrilled with her decision.
That's where she met Dr. Starr and the Ingalls cancer research team.
"This was my second bout with breast cancer," she explained. "I had a lumpectomy in my right breast the first time. That was in 2002."
Instead of an immediate mastectomy, Dr. Starr recommended Jones participate in a clinical trial involving the powerful, FDA-approved anticancer drug Sutent, in combination with Taxol. Sutent has successfully treated kidney and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and Taxol has beenused for nearly a decade to treat breast cancer. In clinical trials, the two drugs together have shown promise in treating advanced breast cancer.
<"The combination of therapies literally melted away the tumor," Dr. Starr said. "Mrs. Jones had an excellent response to the clinical trial. When she had her mastectomy several months later, the tumor was gone."
Today, the busy wife, mother and grandmother enjoys dancing, walking, playing cards and staying active in her church.
Clinical Trials Offer Newest Cancer Treatments
Access to clinical trials is an opportunity to receive new, potentially more effective cancer therapies, including medications not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. What's more, Ingalls now offers Phase I clinical trials in addition to Phase II and III trials.
"Typically, Phase I and II studies are available only at academic medical centers," Dr. Starr explained.
Though the experimental treatment temporarily lightened her skin (Jones is African American), and caused an acne-like rash and painful sores in her mouth and on other parts of her body, Jones had done her homework beforehand and was able to stay the course.
"I did quite a bit of internet research. I read all the clinical trial literature; I prayed, talked to my doctors, my family, friends and the nurses within the health ministry at my church. And if it weren't for my husband, I don't know what I would have done. He was with me through it all."
For individuals who may not have a computer, Jones recommends using a friend's or visiting a local library.
"Ask a lot of questions," she added, "and rely on your faith to see you through. I'm grateful to Dr. Starr, to Ingalls, to my husband, who never missed an appointment with me, and to my family and friends for their support."
Ingalls is affiliated with more cancer research programs and clinical trials than any other cancer program in the South Suburbs. At any given time, Ingalls has more than 60 studies open for enrollment - covering most cancer sites in the body. Ingalls' Clinical Trials program is also a recipient of the prestigious "Pacesetter" award from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.
For more information about cancer clinical trials at Ingalls, call the dedicated cancer research hotline at 708.915.HOPE (4673).
Success Stories
Advanced Orthopedic Institute
Organ Repairman Back in Tune with Anterior Hip Surgery
State Wrestling Champ Grapples with Torn ACL and Triumphs!
Back Pain a Thing of the Past Following Disc Replacement
Ingalls Making an Impact on Concussion
South Holland Man Touts Convenience of Ingalls Same Day Surgery
Flossmoor Woman Walking Tall Again After Anterior Hip Replacement
Anterior Hip Surgery Helps Busy Olympia Fields Woman Stay Independent
No Distance Too Great to Travel for Anterior Hip Replacement
Titanium Ankle Implant Gets Gift Shop Manager Back on Her Feet
Deuce Partial Knee Offers High-performance Option for Active Patients
Revolutionary Technique Restores Damaged Knee Cartilage
New Custom-Fit Knee Implant Means Better, Longer-Lasting Wear
Shoulder Repair: When Conventional Isn't An Option
Partial Knee Offers Permanent Fix
'A Complete Turnabout' Spine Procedure Relieves Indiana Man's Neck Pain
Behavioral Health
Ingalls Behavioral Health Expands Adolescent Services
Chicago Man Celebrates One Year of Sobriety
Cancer Center
Unique Liver Tumor Treatment Provides Hope for South Side Native
'Accidental Find' of Melanoma Saves Park Forest Woman
Proper Nutrition is a Must for Cancer Patients
Ingalls Honored for Outstanding Cancer Achievement
Our Experts Take Cancer Care Personally
Dolton Man Faces Lung Cancer with a Positive Attitude
Ingalls Doctors Put the 'Deep Freeze' on Tumors and Save Patient's Kidneys
Ingalls Introduces Ambassadors for Cancer Research
Ingalls Enrolling Patients in National Pancreatic Cancer Study
Chicago Woman is 'Poster Child' for Successful Breast Cancer Treatment
Helping Cancer Survivors Triumph Over Stress and Depression
Dialysis
Dialysis Access Experts at Ingalls Create Lifeline for Alsip Man
Complementary Medicine
Botox an Unexpected Treatment for Migraine Sufferers
Heart and Vascular
Lansing Man Speaks Clearly Again Following Stroke Rehab
Quick Response Saves 38-Year-Old Man
Big 10 College Official Scores with Leg Vein Procedure
Ingalls Stroke Care Helps Indiana Man Regain Independence
Ingalls/Rotary Fair is a Lifesaver for Hazel Crest Village Clerk
South Holland Woman Treated for Rare Heart Tumor
Team Effort - Ingalls Doctors Work Together to Save Lynwood Woman's Life
Home Care and Hospice
Tele-Monitoring Helps Reduce CHF Hospitalizations
Palliative Care Comforts and Improves Quality of Life
Expert Wound Care Heals South Holland Man's Foot
Ingalls Hospice Offers Comfort, Care and Support
Interventional Radiology
Unique Liver Tumor Treatment Provides Hope for South Side Native
Big 10 College Official Scores with Leg Vein Procedure
Treating Uterine Fibroids Without Hysterectomy
Vein Treatment at Ingalls Takes the Ache Out of Frankfort Man's Legs
Minimally Invasive Aneurysm Repair Saves Life of Country Club Hills Man
Team Effort - Ingalls Doctors Work Together to Save Lynwood Woman's Life
New Therapy for Patients with Inoperable Liver Cancer
Irwin Retina Center
Irwin Retina Center: Landmark Macular Degenration Study Shows Two Drugs Equally Effective
National Study At Ingalls Compares Treatments for 'Wet' Macular Degeneration
Neurosciences
Lansing Man Speaks Clearly Again Following Stroke Rehab
Ingalls Stroke Care Helps Indiana Man Regain Independence
Disturbing the Peace Sleep Disorders Steal the Winks
Occupational Health
Occupational Therapy: Fine-Tuning Children's Motor Skills
Workplace wellness initiatives pay off
Outpatient Services
Ingalls Same Say Surgery: 25 Years of Exceptional Service
South Holland Man Touts Convenience of Ingalls Same Day Surgery
Rehabilitative Services
Lansing Man Speaks Clearly Again Following Stroke Rehab
Ingalls Stroke Care Helps Indiana Man Regain Independence
Munster Woman Achieves 'Medical Miracles'
Ingalls Physical Therapy Helps Oak Forest Man Overcome Dizzy Spells
Breathe Easier with Ingalls Asthma Education
It Matters Where You Go For Stroke Care
Ingalls Rehab 'Home Away from Home' for Orland Hills Man
Occupational Therapy: Fine-Tuning Children's Motor Skills
Rheumatology Treatment
Newer Treatments Encouraging for Patients woth Psoriatic Arthritis
Urinary Incontinence
From Therapy to Surgery: Incontinence Program Offers Range of Options
Wellness
Botox an Unexpected Treatment for Migraine Sufferers
Walking Can Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Womens Services
Treating Uterine Fibroids Without Hysterectomy
Simple Surgical Repair Fixes Bladder Prolapse for Midlothian Woman
Healthy Baby Network Invaluable for Expectant Women and Adolescents
Ingalls Designated as Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
A Full Range of Care Designed Just for Women
Minimally Invasive Alternative to Hysterectomy
Wound Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Heal Foot Ulcer
