Relief and Confidence After Biology-Guided Radiation for Breast Cancer

Hideko Warner, a nurse diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, shared her initial reaction to a new treatment option of biology-guided radiation therapy. She appreciated that the treatment was specialized and effective for her slow-growing squamous cell cancer.

Warner expressed confidence in the care team, praising Dr. Hirsch Sudhir Matani and staff for their kindness, thorough explanations, and thoughtful accommodations — like providing steps to help her get on the X-ray table. By her third or fourth session, she felt so comfortable she could even rest during the hour-long treatment, reflecting a very positive overall experience.

Matani is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He is affiliated with Keck Medicine of USC and practices at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC.

Transcript:

What was your initial reaction when this treatment option was introduced?

Probably, thank God. There was something that would really take care of what was happening. It was explained to me that it was a very specialized treatment and worked very, very well in squamous cell. And of course, knowing squamous cell was slow growing, I felt really confident they would take care of it, which I presume they did because I feel great.

I must say, I was very impressed with the staff and Dr. Hirsch Sudhir Matani. They explained everything that was going on, including where they took their training, which was at Stanford, apparently. They were really good and kind to me. I’m a little bit short, so they brought steps for me to get on the X-ray table. By the third or fourth treatment, I think I was kind of sleeping in the X-ray machine because I was laying there for about an hour each time. So, I have to say I couldn’t have had a better experience.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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