Following what she described as a high-stress career in medical purchasing, Dianne Eldredge was “not feeling right” in 2023. She suffered from fatigue, dizziness and an unexplained soreness of her left ribcage.
Dianne was unstable on her feet, was easily out-of-breath, and was at times so wheezy that she had to cancel activities. On top of everything, she started belching; not a burp, but a loud, “very non-lady-like” belch that became progressively worse.
Diane quit smoking a dozen years ago, after 40 years of smoking She was so addicted to smoking, she said, “If I could have found a way to smoke in the shower, I would have.”
In 2018, Dianne was diagnosed with cancer in her right breast. She was treated and remains in remission.
Suddenly last December, this long-time Valley resident, now 70, began experiencing new symptoms.
A series of tests and scans revealed Dianne had a large tumor in her left lung. She was treated with chemotherapy and radiation.
Tests showed she had an additional four tumors in her brain; one very aggressive and fast-growing tumor in the left side of her cerebellum, plus three smaller tumors on the right side.
The tumors in both her lung and brain were diagnosed as a rare condition known as neuroendocrine cancer, which affects about 12,000 Americans each year. These tumors develop in endocrine cells, which are present throughout the body and help regulate such bodily functions as growth, reproduction and metabolism.
An ancient part of the brain
Though it comprises only about 10% of the cranium, the cerebellum, which sits at the base of the brain near the spinal cord, is comprised of nearly half of all the body’s neurons, the key cells of the central nervous system. A physical legacy from an earlier evolutionary time, it controls muscle movement, including balance, coordination, and senses of distance and time.
The decision was made to surgically remove the largest of Dianne’s brain tumors: “That’s what was causing my problems with my dizziness and imbalance,” she said. “My doctors were worried that, at the rate my cancer was growing, that the tumor was going to cause more problems for me, cognitively and physically, so it was imperative that it come out.”
After the large tumor was removed, as part of a clinical trial the remaining cavity was lined with a new type of radioactive tiles that attack any remaining cancer cells in the brain tissue, which almost inevitably elude surgical removal. The tiles last for several months before dissolving. That was followed by traditional exterior radiation, which also was used to shrink the three smaller tumors.
Credits doctor with saving her life
Under the care of John E. Wanebo, M.D., Director of HonorHealth’s Neurosurgical Oncology and Cerebrovascular Surgery, Dianne’s condition has steadily improved. She credits him with saving her life, describing him as compassionate and gentle with a relaxing nature.
“Dr. Wanebo makes you feel safe in his hands. He patiently gives you the time to get all questions answered,” she said. “And the Gamma tiles, I truly believe, are cutting edge treatment, and I’m so fortunate to have gotten the benefit of radiation to my brain in this manner.”
By the end of August, she said in an email: “I’m very happy to report that the (latest) MRI on my brain was good; clear of any signs of cancer,” later exclaiming, “That was a big relief!”
She is pleased with the care she’s received and hopes her participation in the clinical trial will benefit other patients in the future.
“Everybody at Scottsdale Osborn was incredible. I was so impressed,” Dianne said. “The thing that stands out the most is just — I’m sorry I get a little emotional — but everybody’s just been so good. From the janitors and cafeteria help, up to research and beyond, everyone has just been so incredible and made me feel so cared for. Just exceptional care.”
She’s still dealing with lung cancer, but she is hopeful that she will live at least a few more years.
“I was never one who wanted to live to 90 (years old). I’ve had a good life. I can accept it. But I guess I was not ready to accept, and start planning for, a funeral this soon,” Dianne said. “I know that this is a very aggressive cancer, and it’s going to kill me. And I know I don’t have a lot of time left in my life. But I’d like at least a couple more years, if I can get it.”
