Courage Beats Cancer:
A Story of a Mom’s Courage
“There is nothing more important to me
as a physician than your cancer treatment.
I’ve been in practice for nearly two
decades and have had the privilege of
telling many patients that there is life
beyond cancer. As president of The Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I want to
lead by example, practicing a firm belief
that all patients should receive the finest
medical care available, with the same
concern and compassion as a cherished
member of the family.”
Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D.
President and Medical Oncologist
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Brandi Duran, a vibrant 26 year old mother of a little boy was
celebrating with her husband a new pregnancy when she noticed
an enlarging mass in her neck. She brought this to the attention
of her OB and she had a surgical biopsy that revealed
Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Brandi had a new cancer diagnosis and was only 14 weeks into
her pregnancy! Her baby was only 3 ½ inches and 1 ½ ounces.
She had to make the critical decision of terminating her preg-
nancy or exposing her baby to very toxic and potentially deadly
chemotherapy drugs.
She and her husband elected to accept the risks of preserving life
and she took chemotherapy during her pregnancy. As her oncol-
ogist, I anxiously watched a large mass grow in her neck week by
week while we waited for the vital organs of the baby to mature
as much as possible before starting chemo.
To complicate things, in the middle of her chemotherapy, we
ran into a national drug shortage of one of the vital drugs that
could cure her cancer. There was no drug to be found anywhere
during the shortage. I had to choose an alternative drug in which
there were uncertainties whether her probability of cure would
be compromised or whether her baby could be harmed or even
terminated in pregnancy. Courageous decisions she had to make
to accept the unknown.
I can attest that towards the end of chemo she delivered a healthy
baby boy, Isaac! Chemo was followed by radiation therapy, and
she is now 5 years later and considered CURED of her lympho-
ma! She was able to get pregnant again and now has 3 kiddos.
However, her story does not end here!
At the age of 3, her son, Isaac, developed a rare tumor behind his
eye. My heart sank deep into my gut. Did I cause this? The pedi-
atric oncologists at Cook’s assured me this type of tumor is not
associated with chemo exposure. Isaac went through numerous
chemotherapy treatments and he is now 6 years old and
free of cancer.
Schedule appointments by calling
817-596-0637 or online at
www.thecentertx.com
Support services provided by:
To learn more about cancer care issues or to consult with a physician
about a cancer diagnosis, contact us at 817.596.0637.
Brandi is the most courageous young mom I know. Isaac will
make us all laugh at fear.
What a tragedy for any child to have to deal with a cancer. But
what a blessing for Isaac to have Brandi as a mom that chose to
give him life, and nurtured him through his fight with cancer.
Being a cancer survivor who conquered cancer herself she was
able to offer the insight and empathy to her son that few can give.
She had been there and done that. She knew Isaac could
do the same.
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