“Thanks to Dr. Greco and Fox Chase, I am alive and healthy, and I took my three grandchildren on a cruise on the Disney Wish to celebrate my retirement.”‐Diane Ciccoli
Toward the end of 2019, I started having pain on my right side. I finally went to my primary care doctor in January of 2020, and she sent me to get a CT scan. It didn’t show anything, but the pain wasn’t going away, so she sent me to get an MRI with contrast. I was out to lunch with a girlfriend when my doctor called and told me, “Diane, I’m so sorry, but you have a tumor.”
Meeting My Surgeon
I was incredibly upset when I got the news; no one wants to hear they have cancer. But my doctor got things going right away and referred me to Fox Chase Cancer Center. Amazingly, I got an appointment within five days.
It was February 2020, still pre-COVID, so my whole family came with me—my daughter, my son, my son-in-law, and my husband. At that appointment, we met Dr. Stephanie Greco, the surgical oncologist who saved my life.
Dr. Greco was just amazing. She showed us images of my tumor, a relatively uncommon type of sarcoma called a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, also known as GIST. She took her time explaining what it was and what would happen next. She was patient and kind and answered every question we had.
I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Greco. Not only does she have golden hands, but she asks about my grandson Luca every time I see her, and she tells me about her twins. My whole family loves her.
Successful Surgery
While Dr. Greco told us about different chemo possibilities, I was lucky; my cancer wasn’t aggressive, so after she operated to remove my tumor, I didn’t need chemo at all. The surgery went smoothly, and I spent four days in the hospital recovering.
My experience was outstanding. The nurses, the staff—everyone Fox Chase hires is compassionate, caring, and really the best at what they do. I go back for checkups once a year, and while it might sound odd, I actually look forward to them!
My daughter and I have both referred several people to Dr. Greco for treatment. Plus, when I was diagnosed with melanoma last year, I went back to Dr. Greco for the surgery. She’s my number-one choice. I trust her completely.
A Full, Grateful Life
Life isn’t always easy. Ten months after my surgery, my husband passed away, and I eventually went through the tiring process of downsizing my house. But life is good, and I have a lot to live for. I’ve adopted my 7-year-old grandson, who now lives with me, and I retired in April 2023 after a 34-year-long career.
Thanks to Dr. Greco and Fox Chase, I am alive and healthy, and I took my four grandchildren on a cruise on the Disney Wish to celebrate my retirement. I could not be more grateful.
Learn more about treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) at Fox Chase Cancer Center.