Lithia Whitenhill, of Eastvale, California, has learned to trust her body. “When something feels wrong, or you think you need treatment or testing, go after it, because you know your body better than anyone else,” she says. “You have to let your doctors know and be proactive about your health.”
Lithia, age 70, had gone for her annual physical in 2024 and insisted on a cervical screening on account of symptoms she was experiencing. The test results led to a diagnosis of cancer; and if Lithia had not had the screening, the cancer would not have been detected as early.
Lithia’s gynecologist recommended she see Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., a renowned gynecologic oncologist and the medical director of the gynecologic cancer program at City of Hope Orange County. Dr. Cohen practices at City of Hope Seacliff, City of Hope Newport Beach, and City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in the county. Lithia readily agreed — a family friend had been treated for cancer at City of Hope and had spoken highly of it.
Dr. Cohen confirmed that Lithia had Stage 1a cancer of the uterine lining and recommended surgery. “I’m no stranger to surgery, and I thought I needed to arrange a separate procedure for my pelvic disorder,” says Lithia. “But to my surprise, Dr. Cohen advised me I didn’t need to do that.” Dr. Joshua Cohen works alongside his twin brother, Seth A. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.S., a urologic surgeon, urogynecologist, and program director of the reconstructive urology and cancer survivorship fellowship at City of Hope. Dr. Seth Cohen works to improve quality of life for patients with pelvic floor conditions. He manages the side effects related to gynecologic cancers and cancer treatments such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Lithia was thrilled to learn that Dr. Joshua Cohen and Dr. Seth Cohen could perform the two procedures she needed on the same day, in a single combined surgery, at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. “I couldn’t believe it. There were not enough words for me to say how happy I was about the combined surgeries, and I didn't have to wait any longer,” Lithia says.
“We liked Dr. Seth Cohen as much as his brother; and I’m a twin as well, so that was a great connection,” adds Roger. “To have two doctors with that level of expertise caring for my wife confirmed for me how exceptional City of Hope is and how focused they are on working together for the benefit of patients and their families,” he says.
Lithia’s surgery was both integrated and minimally invasive, utilizing the cancer center’s leading-edge, robotic-assisted technology. She went home the next day and recovered rapidly and without complications. “I required almost no pain medication, and I did not need follow-up chemotherapy or radiation therapy,” Lithia says with a smile.
“We told each other we will get through this.”
Reflecting on their arrival at City of Hope Orange County, one aspect that stands out to the Whitenhills is that they immediately felt comfortable with Dr. Cohen when they first sat down with him. “He understood what we were going through, and he took great care to answer our questions about what was happening and what needed to be done,” Lithia says. Roger also felt at ease with Dr. Cohen. “We were nervous and uncomfortable, and Dr. Cohen explained everything simply,” Roger says. “He was also very thorough. He’d already prepared charts and diagrams in anticipation of what we were going to ask. As a semi-retired public defender, I can appreciate that level of commitment and preparation.”
In addition, “I was hopeful I could get all the care I needed with a minimum of travel, and that’s what City of Hope Orange County brought me – all the specialists, all the nurses and staff, all the imaging and labs and services – in one location, so I could focus my energy on treatment and healing,” says Lithia.
City of Hope has developed Orange County’s most advanced and comprehensive for gynecologic oncology and urogynecology care, with multidisciplinary teams bringing patients a broad range of expertise in gynecologic cancer prevention, urogynecology and gynecologic specialty services.
Lithia is grateful “for the doctors and everyone involved in my treatment, and for the way they go above and beyond for patients,” she says. The Whitenhills’ gratitude extends to the staff as well. “At City of Hope Orange County, the service, the care and the environment create a sense of calm and healing,” says Lithia. “Everyone we met at City of Hope Orange County was kind, considerate and made us feel welcomed. They are not just doing a job. They want to be there, and they are trying to make you feel more comfortable,” says Roger.
When asked for advice on navigating a cancer diagnosis, Lithia emphasizes the value of bringing someone to doctor appointments, such as a spouse or loved one. “With cancer, there are a lot of emotions and information to process,” she says. “Especially for the first visits, you may not hear everything that's being said, or you may not remember everything that's being said. Roger took notes and asked questions for me. If he hadn’t been there, a lot of information would have been missed,” she says.
“Lithia and I have known each other since she was 11 and I was 12, living on the south side of Chicago. The people in your life who know you like that are the ones you want with you on a journey with cancer,” says Roger.
“We told each other we will get through this diagnosis with the Lord’s help and finish our life together,” says Lithia. “We love our kids and grandchildren, and I need to be here for them too. I thank God for my gynecologist, for her referral to Dr. Joshua Cohen, and for City of Hope Orange County and staff for bringing excellent care, expertise, and compassion to patients with cancer so we can continue to enjoy our lives and families.”
Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. CityofHope.org/OC | 888-333-HOPE (4673)
Also read:
Talking Hope: What every woman should know about gynecologic cancers
Talking Hope: Hope for pelvic health disorders related to gynecologic cancer
City of Hope Orange County physician-scientists advance clinical research in gynecologic oncology