Lynn’s story: From stage 4 cancer to cancer-free
Lynn Elliott of Alpharetta, Georgia, learned she had stage 4 melanoma in September 2023. Lynn said her disease did not follow the typical progression of most melanoma cases. Here, she describes her cancer journey and the expert care she received from Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
I did not find any suspicious growth on my body. Instead, I went to a neurosurgeon for back pain. An MRI was ordered. Carter Cooper, PAC called to inform me that my spine was fine, but my liver needed further attention. After a second MRI, he suggested I go to the hospital for more testing. I spent one week at Northside Hospital Forsyth, undergoing MRI scans, a PET scan, a mammogram, a breast ultrasound, a colonoscopy and multiple biopsies. The results: I had melanoma in my colon, liver, spleen and throughout my lymph nodes. The originating source was never determined, as melanoma can begin on an internal organ or I may have had a melanoma mole that disappeared from my skin.
I was obviously shocked and immediately began to organize my life. I had just moved to Georgia the previous year and needed to update my estate plans. I also began to navigate disability benefits from my employer. I listed my banking information, credit cards, etc. for my children. I made the decision to enlist in Medicare medical benefits, as I didn't know when, or if, I would return to work. Making lists and checking off results has always helped me deal with difficult situations. I was preparing for what was to come.
My original oncologist, Dr. Chunzhi Xia, prescribed typical immunotherapy treatment for melanoma. The results from a December 2023 PET scan looked good, but my March 2024 scan was not encouraging. I had a mass in my nasal passage and in an iliac lymph node, indicating my immunotherapy was failing. Dr. Xia mentioned a new therapy: tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for resistant melanoma. I began researching this therapy and became very hopeful.
My consultation appointment with Dr. Melhem Solh at the Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program at Northside Hospital was arranged. It was amazing! His staff was kind and supportive, especially the clinical transplant coordinator, Debby Leavenworth. The entire process and timeline were explained and I felt secure I would receive the best care available. I made the decision to change my oncologist to Dr. Harpaul Gill, since he works more closely with Northside’s interdisciplinary melanoma, BMT and immunotherapy programs. He also had other patients undergoing TIL. Dr. Gill and his staff were professional and caring. Everything was falling into place.
Dr. Scott Davidson, a melanoma surgical oncologist with Northside’s Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program, performed the TIL procurement surgery in June 2024 to “harvest” the melanoma tumor, which would become the source of my lymphocytes. The sample was sent to some magical lab (as I like to picture it) to grow the T-cells that were specific for my melanoma. I had seven days of chemotherapy to prepare my body to accept my new super T-cells. Finally, infusion day arrived. I was very excited, as was the staff on the Northside inpatient BMT unit. The next three days were more difficult, as I had twice daily IL2 treatments through a catheter in my chest. It was not fun, but definitely worth the process. I had a wonderful support system, which included my two daughters and an amazing staff at the infusion clinic and BMT unit.
I felt certain the treatment was a success while I was still an inpatient. I had a tumor in my nasal passage that wouldn’t allow me to breathe through my left nostril for six months. As I lay in my hospital bed, I realized I could finally breathe normally! I was shocked to experience such rapid results. After several recovery days, I was discharged and happily headed home. I came home with a walker, as I felt unsteady on my feet. My daughter and I returned to the hospital daily till day +21 after TIL infusion, getting labs drawn and fluids when needed. I slowly felt stronger as the days passed.
I was excited to have my three-month post-TIL infusion PET scan, and anxious to receive good news. Dr. Gill gave me the cancer-free update on a beautiful, sunny day. I left the office and headed to downtown Alpharetta to enjoy the weather. I shopped, bought an ice cream and sat by the fountain watching the children play in the water. I can’t begin to explain the joy I felt. From stage 4 cancer to cancer-free!
I believe having a positive attitude is helpful when facing any adversity. Visualization also helps and can be entertaining. I envisioned my new T-cells as little muscle-bound superheroes, wearing bright red capes! I cheered them on as they attacked the cancer cells.
I highly recommend celebrating each step along the way. My daughters and I went to the same Italian restaurant when I had my first immunotherapy infusion, when I completed day +21 after my TIL infusion care, and finally, when I received the good news. We all loved raising a glass of wine that day, celebrating life.