Sarcoma
Survivor Spotlight: Denise Hawks
Denise was diagnosed with a spinal chordoma in 2017. Chordomas are an extremely rare type of sarcoma (cancer) that occurs in the bone, with fewer than 300 people diagnosed annually in the United States. Despite being diagnosed with such a rare cancer, Denise found a community of support through her research for the best treatment option and is committed to sharing her story as a chordoma survivor of eight years.
Having undergone traditional photon radiation treatment for breast cancer in the 1990s, she was aware of its side effects and sought alternatives to traditional radiation. She discovered proton therapy, a more precise form of radiation therapy that targets cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. After dealing with lymphedema from her breast cancer radiation, Denise felt it was important to avoid excessive radiation to the colon and bladder which were close to her chordoma treatment area. With extensive research and after receiving reassuring accounts from friends who underwent proton therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Denise chose proton therapy, affirming, “I truly believe this is the right decision for me.”
What helped Denise so much during treatment was the connections she made with other patients during the activities organized by the Institute. She was impressed with the activities offered to patients, especially the art table in the lobby and the musical entertainment some evenings. Having access to deals just for proton patients like free entry to local museums and discounts at restaurants and activities were helpful. “It takes your mind off what you are going through for a moment in time,” reminisced Denise. She also gave back to the Institute by donating a weaving she created at the art table for an auction to raise funds to support the patient support programs.
Today, Denise is committed to sharing her story so that others diagnosed with a rare cancer, or any cancer, can have the information they need to find the treatments that allow them to have a high quality of life. “I hope people can learn from what I have been through and adapt it for their own cancer diagnosis. You never know who will have the info you need,” she said. She volunteers to speak at community events with the Institute and at other events, like a recent Chordoma Foundation Community Day in Jacksonville. The Chordoma Foundation was one of her trusted sources of information about this rare cancer, and it meant a lot to her to connect with other chordoma survivors and share her story. You can watch her survivor story now.
In addition to helping to educate others from her own experience, Denise is living life to the fullest! She traveled to the West Coast to attend a gardening tour last year and recently returned from a trip to England with her best friend.
Find out more about proton therapy for treating chordomas and all types of sarcomas.