Keelin McGee’s journey through Stage 2A Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 27 was marked by her deliberate choice of proton therapy as a crucial component of her treatment plan. This choice was born out of a desire to preserve her quality of life and long-term health, especially given her youth and the tumor’s location.
However, what sets Keelin’s story apart is not just her choice of treatment but the extraordinary care she received from her medical team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. They were more than healthcare providers; they became like a second family offering her comprehensive care that went far beyond proton therapy. Keelin met regularly with medical oncologists to ensure her recovery from chemotherapy was on track. They referred her to a fertility specialist, recognizing the importance of preserving her options for a family after treatment, and facilitated access to psychosocial services when the weight of returning to “normal life” felt overwhelming.
Proton therapy, a cutting-edge treatment modality, allowed Keelin to maintain a semblance of normalcy during her cancer journey. She continued working and engaging in daily activities, a lifeline of normalcy amidst her diagnosis. Most importantly, it gave her the reassurance of a bright future and alleviated her post-treatment anxieties.
The most remarkable chapter of Keelin’s journey unfolded five years after completing her proton therapy treatment she welcomed what she calls her ‘miracle baby’. This momentous event stands as a shining example of post-cancer survivorship and the profound benefits that proton therapy offers.
Keelin McGee’s story is a beacon of hope and resilience for those confronting cancer. It underscores the transformative power of advanced medical treatments and the profound impact of compassionate care. Her journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and access to cutting-edge therapies, there is a future full of promise beyond a cancer diagnosis.