Biology-Guided Radiation Brings Hope After Three Cancer Diagnoses

Hideko Warner shared how she faced three cancers at once and became the first in Orange County to receive biology-guided radiation therapy.

Hideko Warner reflected on her rare experience of being diagnosed with three cancers at once: ductal breast cancer in situ, lung cancer in situ and another early-stage diagnosis. She goes on to share how she became the first patient in Orange County to receive biology-guided radiation therapy for her disease.

When introduced to the treatment, Warner felt reassured that it could effectively target her squamous cell lung cancer. Confident in her care team, she recalled how they explained the process thoroughly and even made small accommodations to ensure her comfort during each session.

As a retired nurse, Warner said her medical background helped ease anxiety. Knowing her cancers were localized, she approached treatment calmly and with positivity. She emphasized that she experienced no side effects, felt physically comfortable throughout the process, and remained emotionally grounded.

CURE: You are the first patient in Orange County to receive biology-guided radiation therapy. What was your initial reaction when this treatment option was introduced?

Warner: Probably, thank God. There was something that would really take care of what was happening. It was explained to me that it was very specialized and worked very well in squamous cell. And of course, knowing squamous cell was slow growing, I felt really confident that they would take care of it, which I presume they did, because I feel great.

How was it explained to you by your care team?

They were really good. I must say, I was very impressed with the staff and also the doctor. They explained everything that was going on, even where they took their training, which was at Stanford, apparently. They were kind to me. I’m a little bit short, so they brought stools for me to get on the X-ray table. By the third or fourth treatment, I think I was kind of sleeping in the machine, because I was laying there about an hour each time. I have to say I couldn’t have had a better experience.

As a retired nurse, how did your medical background shape your understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options?

I think, number one, I was not frightened like I think a layperson would be, because I already knew things were pretty well localized, which helped me a lot. I had no anxiety. I felt really great. That was the biggest thing about my nursing background that helped me. The diagnosis was scary, but I didn’t feel afraid.

Can you describe what the treatment felt like physically and emotionally, and how it compared to your expectations of traditional radiation therapy?

Well, I don’t know what traditional radiation therapy is, but I was very comfortable. I had absolutely no side effects. I was really hoping it would take away my appetite a little bit so I could lose a couple of pounds, but that didn’t happen. No, I felt 100%. I felt nothing. I had no idea what to expect, but I did not feel anything.

How did your care team coordinate across specialties to support you through these phases?

Mine were all separate cancers, so I had nothing to worry about. Like I say, I figured they would do as much as they could, and I had a good life. If it wasn’t enough, that was too bad.

What would you say to other women about the importance of early detection and listening to their bodies?

Oh, 100%. It’s very important. We have to take responsibility for our own health, no matter who we are. And if you don’t know anything, look it up, do some research, and be proactive. That is so important in any health care.

Now that you’ve completed biology-guided radiation therapy and are feeling well, what message do you hope your story sends to other patients who may be facing difficult treatment decisions?

Just go along with it and be very positive. I think positivity is really 50% of a good prognosis. People who become depressed or question everything are detrimental to their own health. Your body reacts to your moods. If you’re negative, it’s going to be negative. If you’re positive, I think your body feels that.

Can you share a moment when your oncologist made a decision that had a major impact on your cancer journey?

I really, really appreciate my oncologist, who after my breast diagnosis said, “I think we should do a scan on the rest of your body.” I thought, oh no, here we go again, more tests. Everything was localized, so why was he doing this? Then of course, he found a lung cancer. It was great that he did that. Thanks to him, he caught it. Otherwise, it would have eventually become metastatic.

What questions do you advise patients to ask their care professionals?

Number one, ask about their experience. Listen to what they’re saying and see if it’s a positive or negative reaction. I think doctors give that away whether they want to or not — their gut feeling comes through. Listen carefully to what they’re telling you and be proactive.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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