“The Medical Team treated me with such compassion and gave me hope — I choose joy every day.”‐Christine Olszanski
Finding the Right Care
Between late 2022 and mid-2025, I underwent multiple surgeries, immunotherapies, radiation treatments, and ultimately tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)—a type of immune cell therapy. Bleeding from a tiny skin spot on my shoulder led me to Dr. Santoro, my dermatologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The team moved quickly after my 2022 diagnosis; the melanoma had spread to lymph nodes under my left arm. Surgery was done in November 2022 and then again in April 2023 following recurrence of my disease and lack of success with immunotherapy and targeted therapy directed by Dr. Lee. I’m a lifelong athlete — a 31x Ironman triathlete — so when I felt off in April 2025, I blamed age and fatigue. I never considered that disease had metastasized to my abdomen, rib, and brain.
A Life Saving Surgery
I underwent five sessions of radiation therapy to my brain and additional radiation to my rib in late May 2025 as prescribed by Dr. Weiss and Dr. Hayes prior to Dr. Farma removing two large tumors from my colon, in June 2025. After radiation and surgery eradicated most of the disease in my body, I was faced with the biggest challenge, the Mount Everest of cancer care, TIL therapy as guided by Dr. Khanal and the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) team. My white blood cells (the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) were harvested from the abdominal tumors that Dr. Farma removed. The cells were grown to the billions in the lab. After a week of chemotherapy, the white blood cells were reinfused, followed by intensive IL-2 treatments. The symptoms from the infusions were at times dramatic. I had multiple long fevers, shaking, and days when I felt completely wiped out. The BMT staff stayed with me through every frightening moment, providing careful monitoring and small comforts. I walked on my treadmill in my room or in the hallways whenever I could. Movement kept me mentally strong even when my body was weak.
Living With Gratitude
Recovery hasn’t been easy. Multiple surgeries, lymphedema, fatigue and sensitivity along suture lines were challenges I did not anticipate but I started training again only a few months post-TIL. Dr. Walchak was able to reverse the lymphedema in my left arm by microscopically reconnecting lymph channels into my veins. Without his skilled surgery, I would not be swimming or doing many sports. My daughter and I finished 11 hikes during September and October to complete our goal of hiking the 48 New Hampshire 4,000 foot mountains. Daily swims, indoor cycling & running as well as hiking and skiing fill my free time. I ran a half marathon in January, and I am hopeful to race more during 2026. I am immensely thankful to my medical team and excited that recent scans show no evidence of disease.
Finding Purpose After Cancer
Each day with my family is a gift. My husband, my daughters, prayer warriors and a community of friends carried me through the darkest days. My faith, fierce determination and the medical team’s skill extended my life. I want other patients to know what helped me: be prepared (wigs, soft caps, front button shirts, favorite snacks), ask questions (understanding the steps and purpose helps), and bring the comforts of home (towels & linens, blanket and portraits) to your hospital room. For those facing similar choices in their cancer diagnosis, I hope my testimonial eases your fear. For me, TIL was worth it.
Looking Forward
Fox Chase gave me options when time felt short. I’m training again, enjoying trips with family, planning races, and living intentionally. My advice: get care early, lean on your team, and choose joy. Melanoma is a serious diagnosis, but it doesn’t need to be the end. My experience shows what is possible with skilled care, faith and hope. I am living fully the life I love.