When Linda Sherman was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2021, she placed her trust in the Mass General Cancer Center team. Enrolled in a novel clinical trial for localized pancreatic cancer, Linda underwent a treatment regimen that aimed to combat as much of the cancer as possible before surgery. By October 2022, she completed her treatment and has been living cancer-free since.
Linda's treatment involved a multidisciplinary team including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and nurses, among others. She credits her recovery to the exceptional care provided by Drs. David Ryan, Ted Hong, and Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo, along with the support from her infusion nurse, Kristin Copenheaver-Smith, RN, and Melissa Woolwine, NP.
After her successful treatment, Linda and her husband sought to express their gratitude and support for the clinical trial that played a crucial role in her recovery. They made a philanthropic gift to fund the trial for an additional three years, ensuring that the research and analysis of the trial's results could continue. This gesture not only serves as a thank you to her care team but also as a beacon of hope for future patients facing a similar diagnosis.
Dr. Hong emphasized the importance of the trial, stating, "The research we’re doing in this area is extremely promising." Linda's story is a testament to the impact of high-quality, compassionate care and the difference it can make in the lives of patients battling cancer.