Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient Gets Second Chance at Life
When Cindy Your was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2023, her prognosis was grim; the five-year survival rate for her very aggressive cancer is just 20 percent. Finding a team of oncology experts who specialize in AML and could provide personalized care, accounting for the specific details associated with her diagnosis, was critical. Cindy found exactly that and so much more when she was hospitalized under the care of physicians and staff at MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, located at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Her plan of care was ultimately transitioned to medical oncologist and hematologist Kimberley Doucette, MD, who took the lead in overseeing her treatment.
Cindy’s initial treatment plan included a rigorous, ongoing schedule of monthly chemotherapy sessions. It called for five consecutive days of powerful infusions every month, for the rest of her life.
“I was determined to fight, but the chemotherapy treatment I was initially receiving every month was making me very sick and the routine was very hard,” recalls Cindy. “I felt like I was on an endless treadmill of getting treatment, being sick following treatment, and then recovering. I would feel okay for a bit and then it was time to start all over again. It was a vicious cycle and I could not live my life the way I wanted.”
Understanding Cindy’s challenges, Dr. Doucette and Jacqueline Galdos, MSN, FNP-C, OCN, nurse practitioner, recommended that she consider a different treatment pathway. They told her about a clinical trial that had the potential to significantly change her care experience while increasing her chances for survivorship. The clinical trial called for just one or two rounds of chemotherapy per month. The medication mix would be intense, however, the trade off and major benefit was that the entire treatment plan could be completed over a period of just six months. With steady guidance from Dr. Doucette and Jacqueline, and unwavering support from her family, Cindy made the decision to proceed—knowing the six months to follow would be difficult, but could result in her ability to live a good quality of life for many years to follow.
“There are many benefits associated with putting AML patients on a shorter-term chemotherapy plan, including reduced risk of infection and decreased need for hospitalization,” said Dr. Doucette. “For Cindy, this option provided a solution that carried those benefits while also changing the trajectory of her treatment plan and greatly improving her quality of life, despite the aggressive nature of her cancer.”
In March 2025, Cindy received amazing news. The new mix of medications she had received, through her participation in the clinical trial, had done their job. Her cancer was in remission.
“Clinical trials are essential in the oncology and hematology world; they allow for the discovery of new treatments and provide patients with possible curative treatment options,” said Jacqueline. “Being part of Cindy’s journey from the very beginning and watching her overcome something so difficult, only to end up on the other side in remission, is very rewarding.”
Cindy is eternally grateful for not only the effective and innovative use of modern medicine, but for the incredible kindness and compassion she was shown every step of the way throughout her cancer journey at MedStar Georgetown.
“Every single person who helped take care of me was an absolute gem and treated me like a rockstar,” said Cindy. “They were upbeat and positive, and gave me hope—even on my darkest days. One of the things I appreciated most is that they are profoundly great listeners. They understood what I was going through and worked to develop a perfect solution for me. I call them my miracle workers!”
Today, Cindy feels great and continues to see Dr. Doucette on a regular basis for ongoing monitoring and testing. At the same time, she is focused on getting back to the things most important in her life—from everyday simple pleasures such as walking her dogs in the park, reading, and cooking, to traveling and making special memories with her family.
“Being a cancer survivor has shown me the importance of cherishing time and family, and surrounding yourself with the people who love you,” said Cindy. “My life feels normal again. I am so happy and so grateful.”
For more information or for an appointment call 202-444-2223.