How staying positive helped a stage four two-time cancer survivor defeat the odds.
Miami resident Veronica Vinocur never imagined she’d be a two-time survivor of stage four cancer. The vibrant mixologist has always remained positive about most things in life, and this chapter is no exception. Originally hailing from Buenos Aires, Veronica has spent numerous years in South Florida, working at Miami International Airport crafting drinks for travelers, all while pursuing her passion as a published cookbook writer. However, her life took a turn when she experienced excessive vaginal bleeding, leading her to temporarily set aside her job and hobbies to seek medical attention.
“In 2021, we were still in the pandemic, and I was writing a book about cooking and about my life,” Veronica explains. “I was in a good mood, thinking about how the pandemic was going to be over. One day I was working at the wine bar, and I felt like I couldn’t stand on my feet for too long. Then, I started bleeding besides my regular period. I kept bleeding and bleeding. I realized that my body was changing.”
Despite consulting with her primary physician, no abnormalities were initially found. But since her prescribed medication failed to stop the bleeding, her doctor to recommend consulting a specialist—Dr. Brian Slomovitz, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai. It wasn’t long until Dr. Slomovitz diagnosed Veronica with a rare and aggressive type of cervical cancer, known as small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Her journey began with an open radical hysterectomy, a procedure that also included the removal of both fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingectomy) and a precise right pelvic lymph node dissection biopsy. To safeguard against potential radiation effects, an ovarian transposition was performed, repositioning both of her ovaries. Following four cycles of chemotherapy with no significant improvement, Dr. Slomovitz recommended Atezolizumab immunotherapy. Fortunately, after 24 cycles, Veronica achieved remission, commemorating the milestone by ringing the bell.
After a few months, however, Veronica began to experience headaches. A subsequent brain CT scan revealed a new left cerebellar mass—a metastatic result from the cervical cancer. Mount Sinai’s neurosurgeons successfully removed the mass, followed by radiation to the tumor bed and ongoing immunotherapy maintenance. Grateful for this newfound lease on life, Veronica remains her cheerful self, continuing to work and cook her way through each day. She attributes her recovery to Mount Sinai and its dedicated team of physicians.
“I’m grateful that I’m alive, and they treated me well. Everything goes so fast; you don’t even have to wait for surgery! I’m alive, and I’m recovered.” Veronica, now a published author of the cookbook Cocina Internacional Para Immigrantes: Recetas Faciles Sin Subirte a un Avion (An International Kitchen for Immigrants: Easy Recipes That Don’t Require Traveling), continues to showcase her bartending skills at Miami International Airport, serving travelers with her positivity and kindness