Published:
December 16, 2022
Jane Janeczek was re-thinking her treatment plan for triple negative breast cancer.
Just days before the Hershey, PA woman was to begin chemotherapy—followed by surgery and radiation—the FDA approved Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug that uses a patient’s own immune system to destroy cancer cells.
A Candidate for Immunotherapy
Dr. Matthew Brennan, Jane’s oncologist at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, let her know she was a candidate for this breakthrough treatment. He felt it could be game changer, but emphasized the decision was hers.
Jane’s first inclination was to stay with the traditional, tried and true protocol. As she grappled with the choice now in front of her, she asked her nurse navigator what she would do.
“That depends,” she said. “Do you want to live years or decades?”
“Those words really hit me,” recalled Jane. “I wanted to give myself every opportunity to cure this thing.”
A New Course of Treatment
And with that, Jane committed to a path of treatment that would include both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation.
In less than a year, Jane was feeling great—back to exercising, walking her dogs, and enjoying her two grandchildren.
“Having the opportunity to see their grandchildren grow up is one wish I think every grandparent has. To know that as a result of my treatment at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health I now have this opportunity, is just priceless.”
Grateful for Local Care
Jane is grateful for every aspect of her care experience.
“I feel so fortunate to have access to cutting-edge resources in central Pennsylvania. And the environment at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute is like a warm hug—filled with acceptance, optimism, and hope.”