Patient Profile: Rocio Made Some Changes
In 2021, Rocio had a routine medical checkup at age 48. Her doctor recommended a colonoscopy, as there was a history of colon cancer among Rocio’s family members. At that point, Rocio was symptom free, outside of experiencing what felt like acid reflux after drinking coffee.
The colonoscopy found something concerning, so another test was ordered, an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure similar to the colonoscopy, but within the digestive tract. The results indicated abdominal cancer, and Rocio was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma.
Rocio was paired with an oncologist and was given a protocol of four cycles of chemotherapy followed by abdominal surgery. After the surgery, Rocio’s oncologist told her that the chemotherapy had made “no impact,” but that four more cycles would be ordered “just in case.” After those four cycles of chemo, the oncologist referred Rocio to a local hospital for immunotherapy, as she did not know how to proceed.
All of this seemed curious to Rocio, but, like many patients, she did what her trusted doctors told her to do. After a year of immunotherapy treatments, something was detected on a scheduled scan to monitor her treatment and the hospital recommended she return to her original oncologist.
It was time for a change.
Not wanting to return to a doctor who did not seem to know how to help her meant that Rocio was ’in the market’ for a new oncologist. A friend who spoke very highly of their own oncologist was all Rocio needed to make the change, “I did not hesitate due to the referral of my family friend. The move was an easy decision for me to make,” says Rocio.
The move Rocio made was to see Dr. Srilata Gundala at Hope & Healing Cancer Services in Hinsdale, Illinois in November 2023, exactly two years after her initial diagnosis. “Dr. Gundala was very confident, very knowledgeable. My other doctor doubted everything. To be treated by someone who is confident in their approach made a huge difference to me,” says Rocio about the decision to transition her care to Dr. Gundala.
“I was so happy Rocio came in to see me,” says Dr. Gundala, “The hospital had her on the right path, they just needed to continue further along with the immunotherapy. I had trust in the process, but it needed more time to do its work.”
Rocio has received the same type of immunotherapy she received at the larger hospital that was further from her home. Dr. Gundala initially used the treatment more frequently, but that created extreme weakness for Rocio. The immunotherapy was moved back to a monthly schedule, allowing time for Rocio to recover between infusions.
“My kids are all grown now, I have my first grandchild,” says Rocio, “I have worked hard not to take on extra duties or feel too stressed.” After over a year of those monthly infusions, Rocio has recently had her final day of treatment. Quarterly scans will remain in place to ensure there is no disease growth or spread.
How is Rocio feeling after three years of treatment with two different oncologists? “There are doubts,” says Rocio, “but I feel good overall. I am nervous, of course, but I try to keep a positive attitude. I don’t dwell on the negative. There are better treatments now. I like to educate others and encourage them to do their research.”
And are there any regrets about switching her treatment to Hope & Healing, “NO!” exclaims Rocio, “It is so tranquil there. Much calmer than the hospital. It is closer to my home, so there is less travel, making my treatment easier. It was the best decision I could have made.”
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
