Dara Barr

Gynecologic Malignancies

If living with cancer is akin to running a race, Dara Barr is a long distance champion.

After losing both parents to cancer, Dara Barr had anticipated that she would be diagnosed with cancer some day. In September 2006 her journey began after she received a diagnosis of Stage 2 C fallopian tube cancer.

"I guess I didn't expect to get this kind of cancer at the age of 40," shared this mother of 3. She underwent a hysterectomy in January 2007, which revealed a tumor in her right fallopian tube, a spot in her uterus and pre-cancerous cells in both ovaries. While she was still receiving post-surgical chemotherapy, Dara and her sister decided to undergo genetic testing to learn if they carried a gene that would increase their risk of developing breast cancer. Her sister tested negative, while Dara was positive.

Once her cancer was in remission, Dara opted for a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in August 2008 to eliminate the risk of developing breast cancer. Her recovery process was bolstered by an outpouring of support for her family from friends and community. "We got through it with incredible help," she said.

In January 2009, after 2 years in remission, she had a feeling, a "sixth sense," that something wasn't right. Her doctor ordered a CAT scan, which revealed suspicious spots in her pelvic area. Although she underwent another course of chemotherapy, the cancer recurred within 6 months, an indication that Dara was "carboplatin sensitive," and not responding to traditional treatment.

Dara researched clinical trials, which opened up new treatment options not otherwise available.

"I'd read about clinical trials involving PARP inhibitors, so I started doing my research," she said. Dara was accepted into a New York trial, but was disappointed to learn she was in the placebo group (non-active medication). She heard about another drug, Doxil, and a PARP inhibitor trial at Fox Chase. The trial is being run by Dr. Lainie Martin, and fortunately for Dara, she qualified to enroll. Dr. Martin is deputy director of Fox Chase Cancer Center's Protocol Management Facility.

"I got along well with her from the first moment I met her," she recalled. "Clearly I'd done my research, and she spoke to me in a very straightforward way. Many options and probabilities were discussed. Dr. Martin was optimistic and hopeful." Dara started taking Doxil once a month in June 2010 and her cancer is responding well to the drug. "There is only one visible spot now. I'm stable. Being stable is wonderful." She'll move to the PARP inhibitor if the cancer reasserts itself. Although Dara was proactive in enrolling in a clinical trial, she manages some side effects of the medication. "It's definitely worth it," she admits.

"I can't say enough to thank Dr. Martin and her incredible crew of nurses."

"I can't say enough to thank Dr. Martin and her incredible crew of nurses," said Dara. "Dr. Martin always gives me as much time as I need - even if my chemo-brain makes me forgetful and I repeat my questions. She never rushes me through the process. She listens well."

Dara is especially fond of her oncology nurse Chris and all the nurses in the Clinical Research Unit (CRU). The compassion that she and her family have received from the health professionals have provided immeasurable support. "Fox Chase also has an amazing social work department that offers tremendous support to patients and their children."

"I'm not the type to sit and wait to see what happens," said the Mt. Airy resident, a pre-school teacher. "I want to be around for my children as long as possible." Her realistic attitude is difficult for some to understand. "I'm not in denial. My cancer is not curable, but it is treatable." Dara was one of the featured speakers during the December, 2010 Tree of Life Ceremony at Fox Chase and provided inspiriation to everyone in attendance.

"It's fantastic what Fox Chase does for the advancement of medicine."

For Dara, living with cancer is a rollercoaster ride, a process during which she expects anything to happen. "I have to mentally be prepared for anything." But as long as there is a clinical trial available, she's going to push forward. "I'm doing this for my family. But I strongly believe in research and helping to find a cure. It's fantastic what Fox Chase does for the advancement of medicine. It's that kind of commitment to research and to testing new drugs that is needed to find a cure."