Meet Victoria S., a dedicated member of the NAPT Patient Advocate Community. Her journey with proton therapy exemplifies the transformative power of this advanced treatment. Diagnosed with Chordoma, Victoria’s path to healing was guided by the expertise of specialists who recommended proton therapy as the best treatment option.
Diagnosis and Decision:
When a doctor at a walk-in clinic told Victoria there was a mass on her CT scan, she felt like “game on, what do I have to do to beat this?” Initially, the hospital thought she had a pituitary tumor but after her first surgery, she learned she had Chordoma. This revelation was frightening but Victoria mostly maintained a “game on” mentality, bolstered by the mantra, “this will not define me.”
Extensive research led Victoria and Jason to specialists in Chordoma who recommended proton therapy as the optimal treatment. The precision of proton therapy, which targets cancerous cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, was crucial in their decision.
Treatment Experience:
Victoria’s treatment spanned a few months at Mass General. Reflecting on her experience, Victoria describes it as “uneventful” in the best possible way, thanks to the exceptional care provided by her medical team. The competence and compassion of her doctors and technicians stood out, making her journey smoother and more bearable.
Care Team Excellence:
Victoria’s praise for her care team is heartfelt. She credits their expertise and genuine care for making her treatment journey successful. The team’s dedication ensured that she never felt alone in her fight against cancer.
“My techs and doctor were epically incredible during my treatment. Their support and professionalism made all the difference.”
Victoria’s journey underscores the life-saving potential of proton therapy and the profound impact of compassionate care. Her story is a powerful addition to the NAPT Patient Advocate Community, offering hope and guidance to those navigating their own cancer treatment paths.