It was January 2023, and Castaneda, 59, had recently been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She had just had surgery earlier in the month to remove benign uterine fibroids. The surgery was a success. Her only current symptoms were those that had led to the discovery of the uterine fibroids. Maybe it was just the fibroids coming back in a way that resembled cancer, she thought.
Determined to find cancer-focused experts to evaluate her diagnosis, Castaneda’s research led her from her Las Vegas home to City of Hope Orange County’s advanced cancer campus in Irvine, California. She knew City of Hope was renowned for its specialized cancer expertise and dedication to patients. And the location was close to where her brother’s family lived, so she could stay with them while getting the care she needed.
Answers and advanced treatment
Castaneda requested further testing in Las Vegas and had the results sent to Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and the medical director of the gynecologic cancer program at City of Hope Orange County. He practices at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Center — Orange County’s most advanced comprehensive center. Castaneda chose Dr. Cohen, she says, for his clinical excellence and compassionate approach, and because of City of Hope’s national reputation for superior cancer care that is hard to find elsewhere.
Also see: Talking Hope: What every woman should know about gynecologic cancers
Dr. Cohen spoke with his new patient soon after and shared the diagnosis. It was confirmed as endometrial cancer, which develops in the uterus and is one of the most common cancers of the reproductive system in women.
“He said, ‘Ms. Castaneda, I'm optimistic that the cancer has not spread, but we need to act right away and schedule you for surgery to address it,’” Castaneda recalled. Endometrial cancers can be aggressive and need stronger treatment if they spread to other tissue.
Castaneda was anxious at first about having surgery, but Dr. Cohen and the clinical team cared for her with compassion and brought her confidence. The procedure was successfully performed five weeks later. Castaneda was especially grateful that Dr. Cohen made sure to follow the line of a previous C-section so she didn’t have additional scarring.
“Everyone at City of Hope helped me feel at ease throughout my experience,” Castaneda said. “There is no place like City of Hope when it comes to treating and curing cancer.”
Castenda healed quickly after her surgery and returned to Las Vegas. She coordinates closely with Dr. Cohen and City of Hope Orange County on her follow-up care, including regularly scheduled testing and checkups.
Know your body and take action
Castaneda reflects on how important it was to talk to her physician as soon as she showed concerning symptoms. Given what she considers a second chance, Castaneda is passionate about urging others to act promptly to prevent or treat cancer.
“There are millions of cancer survivors who are here today thanks to the advances that have been made in cancer research and treatment,” Castaneda said. “Don't doubt yourself if you feel something is happening with your body. Get screened, get it detected early; and if it’s cancer, bring your diagnosis to a specialist in your specific type of cancer.”
Also see: Grateful mother finds her healing place: City of Hope Orange County’s Gynecologic Cancer Program
Castaneda looks forward to new life adventures with her husband Jack. The couple recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. “I’m enjoying every moment with my husband, my daughter and my six-month old nephew,” she said. “For me, family is what life’s all about, and I’m grateful to City of Hope Orange County for turning my uncertainty into peace of mind. I hope my experience might help inspire others with cancer to reach the survivorship goals they’ve set for themselves.”
City of Hope is where cancer loses and life wins. To make an appointment at any of City of Hope’s Orange County locations, call 888-333-HOPE (4673).