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Finding Comfort After Cancer
Temporarily reined in by some very serious diagnoses, this young woman
is now back in the saddle, enjoying her life and grateful for her health.
Jill Borowsky, a 32-year-old
resident of Perinneville, leads
a very full and active life.
When she’s not riding her
horses, practicing tae kwon do,
or caring for her numerous dogs
and cats, she and her husband,
Rich, enjoy a variety of activities
with their extended family.
Last winter, though, Jill was
diagnosed with endometrial
cancer. Her physician referred
her to Henry Sprance, M.D.,
one of the few gynecologic
oncologists in the region.
Collaborating with a network
of specialists, Dr. Sprance
recommended and initiated
medical treatment at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center,
which offers the full spectrum of
gynecologic oncology services.
A Conservative Start
Based on Jill’s age and lifestyle priorities,
her treatment plan was conservative
and included hormonal therapy.
Dr. Sprance elaborates: "Endometrial
carcinoma is a form of cancer of
the lining of the uterus. In Jill’s case,
it was found early, and because of
her age and desire for a family, we
opted to try medical treatment before
more aggressive therapy."
Jill was understandably upset.
"This was a very stressful and
depressing time. At my age and for
many people, ‘cancer’ is one of the
worst words a doctor can say to you.
It’s like getting hit with a baseball bat.
But we really researched all of our
options before I was referred to Dr. Sprance, and he answered all of
our questions. During my treatment,
I tried to stay positive, knowing a lot
of people had it worse than me. I had
full confidence in Dr. Sprance and
in the nursing staff. My family also
remained very supportive, especially
my husband and my aunt, who also
had endometrial cancer."
A More Aggressive Tack
When the need for surgery became
apparent, Jill opted to participate in
a clinical trial, which involved a
molecular staging protocol and
surgery. In March 2005, Dr. Sprance
performed a hysterectomy, and Jill
spent four days at Jersey Shore.
During her surgery, ovarian
cancer was also discovered and
confirmed by pathology. Because
ovarian cancer has one of the
highest mortality rates of all
cancers, it must be treated
aggressively. But again, catching
it early in Stage I would prove to
be extremely important for Jill’s
successful outcome.
Jill is thoughtful about her
experience. "The nurses were
very good, always asking what
they could do to comfort me.
It was during my recovery when
my perspective really changed.
I went through denial, depression,
and acceptance before saying that I could beat it. I feel like I owe
Dr. Sprance — it’s like he saved my
life. He always answered questions
thoughtfully and in a way that gave
us reassurance in his abilities."
Coming Full Circle
"In some ways," Jill summarizes,
"I have a better outlook on life now,
and I am more appreciative of my
friends and family. I feel good. One
of the things I enjoy most is going
for rides and taking care of my horses."
Jill’s prognosis remains excellent.
Following successful surgery, she
did not need any further treatment.
She will continue to have follow-up
exams with Dr. Sprance and the
gynecologic oncology team at Jersey
Shore, where she knows she can
always find exceptional people and
exceptional care.
 – Ryan Younger
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Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the only hospital in the region
that offers a comprehensive line of gynecologic oncology services —
including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, nutritional support,
pain management, genetic counseling, clinical research protocols, and
end-of-life care — delivered by dedicated gynecologic oncologists.
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