Author: Leslie Toldo
In 2018, Mary Jo Dorotinsky learned she had cancer in her right breast.
“I actually went in for a mammogram a few months late when they discovered a very small tumor,” Mary Jo said. “It felt like fate. The doctor told me that if I had gone in on schedule, they might have missed the lump because it was so small.”
Mary Jo had a lumpectomy and traditional photon radiation to treat the stage one cancer. When her treatments were over, her doctor recommended Mary Jo alternate between a mammogram and MRI every six months.
“In September of 2023 I had a mammogram, and it came back clear,” Mary Jo said. “But, when I went for an annual exam with my breast surgeon, not long after that, the physician’s assistant felt a lump in my left breast.”
Once again, the lump was small, and the cancer did not appear to have spread. Mary Jo’s medical oncologist recommended the same course of treatment- a lumpectomy, followed by radiation.
“When I had radiation the first time, I had scarring on my lung. This time, the cancer was in my left breast which is close to my heart. I was worried about possible damage to my heart,” Mary Jo said.
Searching the internet for other potential treatments, Mary Jo and her husband came across information about proton therapy. Photons used in traditional therapy, target the tumor but leave an exit dose of radiation behind the tumor, exposing healthy tissue. However, protons deliver targeted radiation and stop at the tumor, meaning there is less risk of exposure to healthy tissue behind it.
“I talked with my surgeon about it, and she thought proton therapy would be a good option for me,” Mary Jo said.
Mary Jo’s surgeon referred her to Dr. Hesham Gayar at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center.
“With left-sided breast cancers, avoiding damage to healthy tissue becomes critical, because these tumors are so close to the heart,” Dr. Gayar said. “We know that long-term damage to the heart is a risk that comes with radiation exposure.”
Talking with Dr. Gayar confirmed for Mary that she was making the best possible choice for her future heart health.
“It’s huge. I mean, that was my main concern with the radiation was it damaging my heart muscle. That’s why we looked up proton to begin with,” Mary Jo said. “Dr. Gayar is fantastic. He walked in, without notes, and knew my whole history. I was so impressed.”
Mary Jo had 10 proton sessions, versus five weeks of daily treatments with her first radiation experience. While less visits were a bonus, what Mary Jo really appreciated about proton therapy was that she experienced fewer side effects.
“The side effects were almost nonexistent,” Mary Jo said. “Last time it was like a sunburn. Afterwards, I had a lot of nerve pain- shooting pains in my breast. This time there was really no burning whatsoever. No nerve pain.”
Mary Jo will still have to get screenings, alternating mammogram with MRI, every six months. If cancer crosses her path again, she knows her best weapon against it will be her attitude.
“It’s tough. It’s very tough. It’s scary and you can’t help but think the worst,” Mary Jo said. “But no matter the stage or what your treatment is going to be- always maintain a positive attitude. I have a great husband and family that supported me. Your mental attitude is huge. You get down and scared, but you have to stay positive. “
To learn more about proton therapy, or to schedule a consultation you can call (855) MY PROTON, or (855) 697-7686. You can also visit mclaren.org/protontherapy.