“I was beyond stressed – it’s hard to explain unless you go through it,” says Jean, age 63. “But that recommendation was the best one I’ve ever received in my life.”
Jean Sherwood has always been faithful in getting her annual mammograms, especially since she lost her mom to breast cancer two decades ago. Then in August 2024, the former South Plainfield resident received what she describes as the worst news ever: a suspicious finding.
Her first call was to her brother-in-law, a radiologist. He recommended the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset – and despite her recent move three hours away to Tower City, PA, she took his advice. RWJUH Somerset together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials.
“I was beyond stressed – it’s hard to explain unless you go through it,” says Jean, age 63. “But that recommendation was the best one I’ve ever received in my life.”
An MRI and a biopsy showed additional suspicious areas and confirmed stage 2 HER2+ breast cancer. Jean and her husband, Daniel, met with Deborah Lue, MD, medical director of breast cancer services at the Steeplechase Cancer Center, and together they formulated a path forward.
Three-Hour Treks
In late November, Jean and Daniel began weekly three-hour trips to the Steeplechase Cancer Center, where Jean received chemotherapy under the care of medical oncologist Eshan Patel, MD, medical director of oncology services at RWJUH Somerset. She was thankful for the support of Oncology Nurse Navigator Kimberly Cromwell-Piniella, RN, as well as the opportunity to use Paxman Scalp Cooling technology so she didn’t lose her hair.
“The team was really helpful with stacking my appointments so we could fit everything into the same day each week – they even had breakfast and lunch available for us, which was a lifesaver,” she adds. “Having the hospital right next to the cancer center was also convenient.”
With the support of the RWJUH Somerset clinical trial team, Jean enrolled in a phase 2 research study that is evaluating whether statin medications confer cardiovascular protection in patients receiving HER2 targeted therapy. Clinical trials are designed to advance medical knowledge and patient care, and the long-term goal of this study is to improve outcomes and quality of life in patients with HER2+ breast cancer.
Once Jean completed chemotherapy, she underwent a double mastectomy performed by Dr. Lue and recently completed reconstructive surgery with Colin Failey, MD. She and Daniel now travel to New Jersey every three weeks for immunotherapy infusions to help her body’s immune system destroy any remaining cancer cells, reducing the risk of recurrence.
“I really lucked out,” says Jean. “Early detection is the way to go. I tell my daughters to never skip a year in getting a mammogram.”
When asked about those three-hour trips, Jean and Daniel are glad most of them are in the rear-view mirror.
“You can replace my vehicle and the gas, but you can’t replace me,” she says, laughing. “All in all, everything turned out just awesome.”