Publication: Austin American-Statesman
In 2015, Joy Brooks was diagnosed with a rare cancer called pseudomyxoma peritonei, which started in her appendix before spreading to an ovary and then throughout the peritoneum. Six months later, after visiting a specialist, she was told the cancer was too far along and was put on hospice. Being the outgoing person she is, Joy threw a "Kick the Bucket" party with all her friends and family to celebrate her life. Refusing defeat, Joy’s children searched for answers and found Rebecca L. Wiatrek, M.D., FACS of Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Austin Central and Round Rock. Dr. Wiatrek introduced Joy to hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment, and Joy now is celebrating six years of being cancer free following a lengthy surgery and recovery process. Joy and Dr. Wiatrek share with the Austin American-Statesman the importance of HIPEC being right here in Austin and how Joy’s story is testimony to the power of divine intervention, tenacious children and a doctor that would not give up.
View the full article at the Austin-American Statesman.