Recently, I saw a patient with metastatic melanoma who is now more than five years out in complete remission. Her scans were clean, and she has been doing well off all therapy for several years. Now, I see her every six months and she is now coming off protocol for a treatment she did on a clinical trial using cellular therapy more than five years ago. When I look back at the journey, the ups and downs of her care, I am in awe of all the healthcare team members that were involved in her care, and I have a sincere appreciation for what all the team members do for our patients. None of us really know how this will all work out over time, especially with more experimental treatments. We didn’t know at the time that she would do so well and respond so nicely to therapy. There is a saying that it takes a village to care for a patient, and nothing says it better than the care of a patient and family dealing with cancer.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like their whole world has been turned upside down. The journey ahead is often long, complicated, and emotionally challenging. Throughout her cancer journey, the patient was supported by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, fellows, clinical research coordinators, pathologists, and more. Behind the scenes, these professionals collaborated at tumor boards and research meetings to review her case and coordinate her care. When she was initially seen as a new patient, she was guided by the medical assistant, navigator, nurse practitioner. When she needed inpatient treatment for lymphodepletion and IL2, she was admitted to the hospital, where she was cared for by inpatient oncology nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and hospitalists. When her inpatient course became complicated and she required a short stay in the intensive care unit, she met with a team of critical care physicians, respiratory therapists, and nurses. But despite the challenges, she ultimately recovered and achieved a complete remission that has lasted more than five years.
As her oncologist, I see her every six months for a CT scan. Our visits are brief now, as she is doing well, but when I look back at the journey we took together, I am struck by the importance of the village that cared for her. From the medical assistant who took her initial vitals to the critical care physician who helped save her life after multiple IL2 treatments, every person who contributed to her care was an integral part of the team that helped her overcome cancer.
To all the healthcare team members who worked tirelessly to support our patients, I am forever grateful and humbled to work side by side with you. Your dedication and expertise saved a life, and you will always have a special place in the heart of this patient and her family. It is a privilege to work alongside such an exceptional team, and it is a testament to the incredible work and compassion that healthcare professionals do every day. I am sincerely thankful for being a part of this village!
This post is dedicated to my team that care for all our patients day in and day out! My sincerest appreciation to you all! Susan Shephard outpatient nurse, Ashlee Jones Navigator, Luisa Pimental medical assistant, Jarelis “Miss J.” clinical assistant, Allison Mansingh outpatient nurse, Karin Donaldson senior research coordinator, Marie Frankos senior research coordinator, Kiera Grofsik cellular therapy/early phase research coordinator, Chloe Caldwell melanoma/sarcoma research coordinator, Seth/Molly regulatory coordinator, Thomas Melendez data manager, 5LP/8LP nurses, BJ Broome Director of Clinical Trials, Cassie/Joseph/Rosemary outpatient oral pharmacist, Tom Rogers/Courtney Black/inpatient pharmacist, Renea Touma nurse practitioner, Dena/Gina inpatient TIL pharmacists, Dana/clinic NPs ESM clinic, Danielle Batista clinic supervisors, fellows, front desk staff, all outpatient clinic nurses, nutritionist, counselors, geneticist, healthcare colleagues!
About the author
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. Currently practicing at the renowned Orlando Health Cancer Institute, he brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.