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Beyond the Diagnosis

A PATHWAY TO HEALING: Margarita Yuhico

Margarita YuhicoMargarita Yuhico says her doctors at Mount Sinai’s Comprehensive Cancer Center call her a “miracle patient.” In 2017, the West Kendall resident started experiencing bloating in her stomach, as well as sporadic nausea. She initially waved it off as nothing serious — until one of her co-workers became alarmed that her eyes and skin had dramatically turned yellow. Margarita raced to the emergency room, where she was admitted; by the time her sister arrived to be by her side, the doctor returned with grave news. “The CT scan showed I had pancreatic cancer. I can’t even explain how shocked I was,” Margarita says. “And terrified. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with the lowest survival rate.”

As a longtime nurse at Mount Sinai Medical Center, there was never a question of where she’d seek treatment. “I am a Mount Sinai employee, so I know it’s one of the top cancer hospitals in the country with top-notch oncologists. I had confidence they could help me,” Margarita says, adding that her team of doctors mapped out an extensive plan to wipe out the cancer. “I appreciated their commitment to my specific condition. My oncologist, Dr. Ben-David, gave me a very detailed explanation and a step-by-step treatment plan. Since my cancer was detected early, I had a positive outlook for the future.”

Margarita endured months of chemo and then radiation to begin killing the cancer. “Receiving chemo was definitely the worst part. I had to go every day, and it was tiring,” she says. “But the staff was so supportive, and very compassionate during it all.” Those treatments were then followed by surgery in 2018. “I was on the table for 10 hours, and my surgeon said it’s the longest surgery he’s ever done,” Margarita recalls. “They made sure all of the surrounding areas were clean.” A biopsy would confirm that the cancer was gone, and she was fortunately able to skip another round of chemo. “I was so happy and thankful.”

After five years of clear scans, Margarita is currently cancer-free and thriving. “I feel good,” she emphasizes repeatedly, giving credit to her dedicated team of doctors. “I’m so proud; I tell everyone that Mount Sinai is the best, and I’d never go anywhere else.” At 71 years old, the nurse is even still working at the medical center. “The fact that I’m back to work is a testament to their care and the effectiveness of the treatment. My oncologist, Dr. Mike Cusnir, told me, ‘Margarita, you’ve been through the worst cancer and survived.’”

She believes early detection contributed to her outcome and urges everyone to get regular checkups. “I would suggest going to the doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that are not normal,” she implores. “Also, have an open mind, a positive outlook, and trust in your doctors.”

“Margarita’s journey through pancreatic cancer, one of the most challenging diagnoses, is a profound testament to her strength and the comprehensive care we strive to provide at Mount Sinai,” says Dr. Mike Cusnir, Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. “From day one, we were committed to not just treating Margarita but ensuring she felt informed and supported at every step.”

“Calling Margarita a ‘miracle patient’ reflects not only her remarkable recovery but also the incredible resilience and positivity she brought to each treatment session,” says Dr. Kfir Ben-David, Roni Jacobson Endowed Chairman of Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center and General Surgery Program Director. “Her success is one of those inspiring stories that fuels our dedication to advancing cancer care and supporting our patients through their hardest times.”

“Margarita is part of the Mount Sinai Medical Center family, working alongside us as a dedicated nurse. Her unique perspective as both a caregiver and a patient has enriched our approach, reminding us daily of the profound impact our work has,” says Dr. Nicolas Kuritzky, a radiation oncologist at the center. “Her journey from diagnosis to recovery within the very institution she serves exemplifies the close-knit, supportive community we’ve cultivated here at Mount Sinai Medical Center.”

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