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In October 2013, I underwent surgery in Arizona to remove a tumor in my left eye. Waking up after surgery, I vividly remember asking my surgeon if he¡¯d been able to remove the entire tumor.

I immediately understood what his ¡°no¡± meant, and a biopsy confirmed what we all feared: I had adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer.

My doctor hadn¡¯t treated many adenoid cystic carcinoma patients, but he gave me a grim prognosis. To save my life, I needed to have my left eye removed. 

Finding hope at MD Anderson

As a last effort, I did some online research. As I learned, there aren¡¯t many doctors with the experience and knowledge needed to treat my rare eye cancer effectively. Through my research I found ., an ophthalmologist at MD Anderson who is renowned for remarkable advances in lacrimal gland cancer treatment. My husband and I traveled to see her ¨C a decision that saved my life.

When I first met Dr. Esmaeli, I knew I had been led to an angel. There are no words to express the love I feel for her. She informed me that I was a candidate for globe-sparing surgery, which would save my eye. In addition to the surgery, she recommended that I receive proton therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Suddenly, there was hope where none had been before. 

I was the ninth person in the world to receive this treatment, and Dr. Esmaeli worked closely with , and , to personalize it for me.  My care team worked together extensively, and their compassion for me made a huge difference in my recovery.  On April 2, 2014, I rang the gong at the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center and was declared cancer-free.

Small prices to pay

My land of healing and hope, that¡¯s how I will always refer to MD Anderson. Each time I¡¯m there for follow-up appointments, I¡¯m renewed with inspiration and a sense of peace.

My journey at MD Anderson was difficult at times, but it also was such a blessing. I look a little different these days. My left eye is not exactly what it used to be, I¡¯m minus an eyebrow, I have some double vision and a few other issues. But these are small prices to pay for hope and life. 

I¡¯ve been cancer-free for two years, and I still celebrate because I now know just how precious life is. A few things I learned along the way and believe with all my heart bear repeating:

• Don¡¯t look back. Focus your energy on the battle ahead.
• A positive attitude is everything.
• Celebrate your caregivers who unselfishly fight alongside you ¨C and draw your strength from them.

Finally, always remember that there is life after cancer. I¡¯m living proof.