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Josephine Conowall
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Pancreatic Cancer
Josephine Conowall
Josephine Conowall was a hard worker. She operated a machine for Vicks VapoRub in Philadelphia for many years. You can imagine her excitement when she learned that her kids were sending her and her husband on a cruise to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
"I couldn’t wait to go on the cruise. Then, just before we left, I began experiencing lower back pain that was awful. I had to be medicated for the entire cruise," said Josephine. Upon her return, Josephine sought medical attention. She was diagnosed as having a gallbladder attack and had her gallbladder removed. However, a pancreatic cancer was found. It was said to be inoperable because it was sitting on her mesenteric artery and vein.
Her next stop was Fox Chase Cancer Center. Due to the location of the tumor, surgery was not an option at first. Josephine underwent a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. That allowed Dr. John Hoffman, a surgical oncologist at Fox Chase, the ability to remove the tumor in the body and tail of the pancreas, and with it a portion of the superior mesenteric vein.
"I owe my life to Dr. Hoffman."
"I owe my life to Dr. Hoffman. He is truly a wonderful doctor," said Josephine. She continued, "I was terrified when I heard I had pancreatic cancer. When Dr. Hoffman told me I would make it, I couldn’t believe my ears. 20 years later, I see he was right!"
Following her cancer treatment, Josephine became a grandmother of three girls and a boy. "I am so grateful to be alive. I live for my grandchildren! They make me so happy," said Josephine.
20 Years Later
"For the past 20 years, I get checked each year for cancer, and so far, I'm clear," she explained. Josephine and her husband will celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary this year. She still thinks of Dr. Hoffman often and keeps a photograph of the two of them in her room. "I am so lucky and have so much to be thankful for. I owe it all to him," said Josephine.
Learn more about pancreatic cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.