ONCO Cancer Survivor Story

ONCO > ONCO Cancer Survivor Story

ONCO Cancer Survivor Story

Heidi Hendrickson – Co-CEO of ONCO – picture of her mom with all her grandchildren at the time

Over the past 3 days, we’ve shared stories from 3 different employees that summarize their experience and how it has driven them to continue their fight against cancer. One thing that’s evident is that everyone has been affected in some way and everyone’s story is different. To close out National Cancer Survivor’s Month, we wanted to share the story of our co-CEO Heidi Hendrickson whose story is sad, but highlights the advances that are being made in cancer care and how important they are to get more time with a loved one.

My cancer experience:

I wish that I had a cancer survivor story to tell, but unfortunately several people close to me have had cancer and not survived. Today I would like to tell you a story about my mom who was a survivor for almost 12 months longer than expected because of advances in the treatment of cancer.

Originally the cancer was found completely by accident. She had tripped in a parking lot leaving work one day and the hospital took x-rays of her chest to make sure there were no broken ribs. That is when they saw the spot. The original diagnosis was a Stage 1B single tumor in her left lung. A smoker all her life we were not surprised. She underwent an upper lobectomy and came out of surgery with flying colors. They said no further treatment was necessary and that they would monitor every 6 months. At the first 6-month checkup she was still cancer free and doing well, but at the 1 year check we did not get good news. The cancer had returned. This time several spots were showing in both lungs. How could it have returned and multiplied so quickly? We were all in shock. Further tests showed a tumor in her breast now as well as one on a bone in her rib cage. Diagnosis mNSCLC Stage 4. Her oncologist said “Sorry, there is nothing we can do but provide radiation treatment to help with the pain unless…..we want to try a clinical trial?” My sister did some research and found one that my mom was eligible for and filled out the paperwork with the help of my mom’s doctor. She was accepted into an immunotherapy trial for Keytruda. It was quite the year. While it was difficult to bring her into the city every couple of weeks for tests and infusion, my sisters and I took turns, and it was so worth it of course. Not just because the tumors were shrinking, some completely disappearing, but because of the extra time we were able to spend with her. We were able to have one of each last holiday with her and a family vacation that summer that we will all never forget. Unfortunately, this was all before we got the bad news again. The Keytruda was no longer working.

How has this affected my life and career?

Jim and I were already running ONCO at this time, so we certainly knew the importance of the cancer registry and the software we were providing CTR’s with to do the data abstraction and reporting necessary to further cancer research. However, having this experience with my mom really drove it home. I am so grateful for the work that you all do.

What do I have to say to other cancer survivors on National Cancer Survivors Month:

I am so glad that you are a cancer survivor! Please stay vigilant with your check-ups, take care of yourself, and enjoy time with family and friends.