Josephine Conowall was a hard worker. She operated a machine for Vicks VapoRub in Philadelphia for many years. Married since 1962, Josephine and her husband were coming up on their 25th wedding anniversary in 1987. You can imagine her excitement when she learned that her kids were sending the couple on a cruise to celebrate the milestone.

"I couldn’t wait to go on the cruise. Then, just before we left, I began experiencing lower back pain that was awful. I had to be medicated for the entire cruise," said Josephine. Upon her return, Josephine sought medical attention. She was diagnosed as having a gallbladder attack and had her gallbladder removed. However, a pancreatic cancer was found. It was said to be inoperable because it was sitting on her mesenteric artery and vein.

Her next stop was Fox Chase Cancer Center. Due to the location of the tumor, surgery was not an option at first. Josephine underwent a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. That allowed Dr. John Hoffman, a surgical oncologist at Fox Chase, the ability to remove the tumor in the body and tail of the pancreas, and with it a portion of the superior mesenteric vein.

"I owe my life to Dr. Hoffman."

"I owe my life to Dr. Hoffman. He is truly a wonderful doctor," said Josephine. She continued, "I was terrified when I heard I had pancreatic cancer. When Dr. Hoffman told me I would make it, I couldn’t believe my ears. More than 20 years later, I see he was right!"

Following her cancer treatment, Josephine became a grandmother of three girls and a boy. "I am so grateful to be alive. I live for my grandchildren! They make me so happy," said Josephine.

No More Check-Ups

For 20 years, Josephine got routinely checked for cancer. After so many clean check-ups, her doctors decided that regular screening was no longer necessary -- allowing her to "graduate" from cancer check-ups.

This year, Josephine and her husband will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary -- and 25 years since her diagnosis. She still thinks of Dr. Hoffman often and keeps a photograph of the two of them in her room. "I am so lucky and have so much to be thankful for. I owe it all to him," said Josephine.

To make an appointment for treatment at Fox Chase, or if you have questions about cancer, call 1-888-FOX-CHASE (1-888-369-2427).

Fox Chase Cancer Center is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers

An NCI-designated
Comprehensive
Cancer Center

The Scientist names Fox Chase Cancer Center one of the Best Places to Work for PostDocs

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