FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH CLINICAL TRIALS
It ’ s scary for anyone to be diagnosed with cancer . Darla Mariboho had the unfor tunate experience to be faced with cancer twice in 12 years . Both times the discovery of her cancers were incidental fndings while being medically examined for other physical complaints .
MARIBOHO BELIEVES THAT HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND TAKING CARE OF ONE ’ S SELF IS IMPORTANT TO STAYING HEALTHY . SHE BEGINS EACH DAY WITH AN INSPIRATIONAL NEW QUOTE THAT SHE SHARES ON SOCIAL MEDIA .
In 2005 , Mariboho star ted having diffculty walking , explaining that it felt as though her leg would readily pop out of her hip joint . While undergoing neurological evaluation for her leg , a cancerous lump was found in her right breast . She was treated frst with a mastectomy , and then participated in a UH Cancer Center coordinated clinical trial to be further treated with chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells .
Mariboho stated , “ I felt honored to be asked to participate . I believe that not only would I beneft , but it would also help in providing the best possible treatment options for future patients facing the same battle that I was determined to win .”
Early in 2017 , Mariboho had an unrelenting dry coughing spell that resulted in pain , and what she thought might be a fractured rib . A scan revealed a mass in her right lung that turned out to be Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer , a common type found among tobacco users . Af ter completing treatment , Mariboho participated in a clinical trial with immunotherapy through the UH Cancer Center .
“ I would highly recommend that other patients choose to participate in a clinical trial . There are many reasons , but most importantly , you are carefully monitored by your oncologist , and participation means improving treatment and cancer prevention for the future ,” said Mariboho .
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