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Beyond the Diagnosis

EMPATHETIC ENCOURAGEMENT: Jacqueline Di Calafiori

Jacqueline di Calafiori

In January 2024, Jacqueline Di Calafiori began experiencing worrisome symptoms. “I had pain in my stomach. I couldn’t eat anything, and my stomach was distended. I had nausea and vomiting,” the Surfside resident recalls. While Jacqueline initially thought it was stomach issues, extensive testing would reveal another shocking finding: Stage 4 endometrial cancer that started in the lining of the uterus and spread to her liver. “It metastasized very rapidly,” says her daughter, Jade Oliveira.

The 54-year-old went to Mount Sinai’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, where due to the urgency of her condition, Brian Slomovitz, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology, immediately sprang into action and started a treatment plan. “In one week, I was already undergoing chemotherapy. They were aggressive, which was needed,” says Jacqueline, adding that she instantly began feeling better after starting treatment. “After my first chemo treatment, I started eating like crazy again. I was able to walk again; whereas before, I couldn’t even walk to the corner. I know chemotherapy is hard, but I felt like I got my life back.”

Keeping the momentum to kill the cancer, doctors then started targeted immunotherapy. “They did genetic testing on the cancer, and they were able to target the cancer specifically, and I think that’s what made the most significant difference,” says Jade, who along with her sister stood by their mother’s side through all the treatments. “It was hard, but we wouldn’t have been able to do it without Mount Sinai.” Along with their support, Jacqueline believes it was her positive mindset that helped her push through the life-threatening diagnosis and the subsequent treatment. “I never cried. I tried to be positive and look at the good side of life. I looked for opportunities to be with my family,” says Jacqueline.

In July, she underwent a hysterectomy and surgery, which went much smoother than expected. “The treatment worked so well that it was a very quick surgery,” recalls Jade. “We are feeling optimistic. In the beginning, we were not sure of the outcome. But six months later, everything has turned around. I have only Mount Sinai and God to thank.”

Her mother praises Dr. Slomovitz, the Mount Sinai doctors, and staff for how they treated her throughout the process. “Everyone treated me with so much care and attention,” says Jacqueline. “I recommend my doctor; he did an amazing job.” For now, she’s cancer-free and will have to undergo immunotherapy for the next two to three years. “I feel amazing, and I keep getting better. I’m gaining weight back and feeling strong.”

As the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Brian Slomovitz is a pioneer in applying advanced therapies and personalized care to treat womenʼs cancers. “Every patient carries a unique story and an individual battle with cancer. It’s my job to tailor their treatment to not just fight the disease but to improve their quality of life,” he explains.

Dr. Slomovitz’s work with Jacqueline, a patient with widely metastatic endometrial cancer, illustrates his commitment to innovative care. “Jackie’s condition was dire, but thanks to our molecular subclassification, we could apply targeted immunotherapy that dramatically reduced her tumors,” he shares. This approach allowed for less invasive surgery and significantly enhanced her recovery, demonstrating the power of personalized medicine.

Looking forward to the Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Slomovitz is enthusiastic about the possibilities it brings: “This center will transform how we provide care, focusing intensely on the patient experience and integrating new therapies quickly and effectively.”

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