A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming 鈥 especially for anyone facing the return of a previously treated disease. Diana Termine was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2000. To treat her myelodysplastic syndrome, Diana had a bone marrow transplant at Rush in 2002. She had no evidence of cancer until 2019, when it returned.
Although Diana had other options for her second round of treatment, she came back to Rush because she trusted her oncology and transplant teams, including a hematologist at Rush.
鈥淲hat I like about him is that he鈥檚 direct, just like me,鈥 Diana said. 鈥淲hen I ask a question, I want a clear answer 鈥 this is my life we鈥檙e talking about. Dr. Ustun kept me alive.鈥
Diana began another round of chemotherapy, but ultimately needed a second bone marrow transplant in 2021. Before her second transplant, when Diana knew exactly how difficult the procedure and recovery would be, Ustun was a source of calm, caring support.
鈥淏efore and after the transplant, Dr. Ustun emailed me to check on how I was doing,鈥 Diana said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 just so caring. He鈥檚 one in a million. Because of his drive, dedication and compassion for his patients, I am still here.鈥
