A breast cancer patient who was given 24 months to live has experienced a "miraculous" recovery, according to her belief that God led her to the cure.
A Florida mother of five underwent immunotherapy and successfully eliminated her aggressive tumors.
Tina Willits, now 53, believed she had only two years left to live less than three years ago.
She is cancer-free today and wants to share the treatment that saved her with the world.
A lump was discovered by a Florida mother and grandmother in late 2021, following a routine mammogram.
In March 2022, she discovered that she had breast cancer with an abnormally high level of HER2 protein.
During an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Willits stated that he still recalls the doctor informing them that it was found in his lymph nodes, ribs, spine, sternum, and bones.
Willits was informed that she had tumors the size of golf balls and that the disease was beyond the point of a mastectomy. She was put on palliative chemotherapy and advised to cherish the remaining time.
"The doctor informed me that we will attempt to halt the advancement, but she stated that the most we can likely provide you with is approximately 24 months."
‘I wanted it gone’
Willits wasn’t satisfied with just stopping the progression of her cancer.
At the time, she had five biological children, two bonus babies, and four grandkids.
"My goal was to get rid of it, but my oncologist informed me that it would never disappear."
"The doctor told me … the best we can offer you is about 24 months."
Willits discovered an alternative treatment called immunotherapy, which utilizes the body's immune system to identify and eliminate cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is being referred to as the "fourth pillar" of cancer treatments by some experts, in addition to the traditional treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Dr. Jason R. Williams of The Williams Cancer Institute in California discovered a new cancer therapy that utilizes cold gases and the body's own cells to combat tumors.
"According to Williams, immunotherapy instructs the immune system to combat cancer, similar to a vaccine, resulting in a long-term, enduring reaction, which is crucial for achieving cures."
The doctor was contacted by Willits and her husband, prompting an immediate investigation into her case.
"Despite her advanced and metastatic cancer, she remained in very good health while undergoing chemo, according to Williams."
"Although I was confident, I remained cautious, understanding that cancer is a formidable enemy."
Williams offered Willits something she hadn't had until then — hope.
"She was astonished by his claim. After examining her test results, he declared, 'I can cure you,' which she found particularly surprising as a stage 4 patient."
A PET scan six weeks after Willits received immunotherapy treatments, supplements, and cryoablation showed that his cancer had disappeared.
Today, Willits said, she is stable and healthy.
"I exercise daily and am an integral part of my family's life. Cancer, we believe, is now a distant memory, a feat that seemed unattainable," she stated.
"I am frequently asked how I cured my cancer, to which I respond, "God guided me to Dr. Williams.""
Williams believes that immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatments.
He stated that we must first target the tumor directly by injecting immunotherapy into it.
"At the time of initial biopsy, the patient will be diagnosed with a suspicious lesion and will begin treatment with immunotherapy."
Balancing risks and benefits
Immunotherapy has shown potential as an alternative treatment, but it also has risks and limitations for specific patient populations.
Williams warned that patients with autoimmune diseases have a heightened risk because their immune systems are more likely to attack healthy tissues.
"Despite the increased risks, we possess strategies to surmount them, and as a result, the advantages outweigh the dangers."
"As oncologists, we don’t want to expose a patient to a medication that can increase the risk of side effects without a clinical benefit."
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but it doesn't work in every case, according to Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Florida.
Slomovitz, who was not involved in Willits' care, stated that it is not useful in all patients.
"We, as oncologists, aim to avoid exposing patients to medications that may increase the likelihood of side effects without providing any clinical benefits."
Slomovitz believes that immunotherapy can prolong both the time to cancer recurrence and overall survival rates in properly selected patients.
"The field of immuno-oncology is undergoing rapid changes, and I am thrilled to witness it."
Willits aims to inform women that chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are not the only options for treatment.
""If we can spread awareness, we could potentially save hundreds of women who are unaware of its existence," she stated."
"If I had followed the traditional treatment and tried to halt the progression, I would not have been able to imagine the current state of my life," she stated. "It's as if it never happened. I am back to living a normal life. And I am so thankful."
Although Willits predicts an "excellent" outcome, Williams advises caution and ongoing monitoring.
"Individuals who have previously had cancer are at a higher-than-normal risk for developing another cancer or experiencing a recurrence."
For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health
It is crucial for patients beginning their cancer journey to thoroughly research their options, advises Williams.
"Exploring immunotherapy should always be a priority, and many off-label medications and supplements can enhance treatment outcomes," he stated.
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