Methodist Health System | Methodist Dallas Medical Center | Shine | Fall 2015

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FIRST IN THE NATION
Methodist Dallas is
among the best in
the nation for treating
pancreatic disease. In
2014, it was the first
pancreatic surgery
program in the U.S.
to be recognized by
The Joint Commission
and the first in Texas
for pancreatic cancer.
To learn more or for a
physician referral, call
214-947-6296.
WE’RE WALKING TO WIN
Join the Methodist Dallas Pancreatic Cancer Support Group on
Nov. 8 for the Purple Stride Pancreatic Cancer Walk. To register,
go to .
hospital was not properly equipped either,” says Erin’s
husband, Miguel. “He sent us to Dr. Jeyarajah at
Methodist Dallas Medical Center.”
Rohan Jeyarajah, MD, immediately put the couple
at ease with his kindness and compassion. One week
later, on Sept. 17, he performed Erin’s Whipple
procedure. Again, the outcome was unexpected: He
had found two tumors on the pancreas.
Fortunately, the Whipple was a success, meaning
Dr. Jeyarajah had removed the cancerous head of
the pancreas, as well as several lymph nodes, only
one of which was cancerous. This increased Erin’s
survival rate threefold. Her next course of action was
chemotherapy and radiation.
Support from all sides
Throughout this journey, Erin found inspiration and
support from those around her: Miguel, who was at
every doctor appointment. Her grandmother, who
insisted, “You’re from tough Irish stock. You’ll be
fine.” Her fellow teachers, who hand made a quilt to
comfort her. And her nurses at Methodist Dallas.
“The nurses on the eighth floor were amazing,”
Erin says. “They were all so compassionate, and
they’ve mastered the art of making uncomfortable
situations seem easier.”
Erin’s medical oncologist, Inna Shmerlin, MD, and
radiation oncologist, Kesha Harris-Henderson, MD,
at Texas Oncology – Methodist Charlton Cancer
Center, also boosted her morale.
“They just felt like family,” Erin says. “They were
honest with me but hopeful and optimistic.”
A future of hope
On April 5, 2011, Erin was declared cancer-free. She
and Miguel have since embraced a healthier lifestyle,
and last December they moved back to the Chicago
area to be closer to family.
Erin continues to be seen by her doctors at
Methodist Health System and encourages those facing
pancreatic cancer to ignore the statistics.
“I was getting the best treatment with the best
doctor for this particular cancer and procedure and
the best medical team for chemotherapy and radiation,”
she says. “With the right doctors and the proper care
you can beat this. There most absolutely is hope!”
Methodist Dallas Medical Center • ❁ Fall 2015 9