MADISON, Wis. — UW Health’s Carbone Cancer Center in Madison is making incredible progress in cancer treatment, offering new hope to many patients.
One of those patients, Judi Trampf, faced a tough battle when her early-stage uterine cancer returned and spread to her right hip. Despite the odds, Judi survived and is enjoying life, thanks to the innovative treatments at the center.
“Without Carbone, I don’t know where I’d be,” Trampf said, expressing her gratitude for the groundbreaking work at the center.
Dr. Ellen Hartenbach, a gynecologic oncologist, said she was deeply worried when Trampf’s cancer came back.
“It’s really hard to control and can result in taking her life a lot sooner than she or her family would want,” Hartenbach said.
Trampf said she received some hope when she was able to join a phase three clinical trial at the cancer center. The trial has two groups: one receives standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, while the other gets the same treatment plus a targeted cancer drug.
“Patients who join prospective clinical trials, especially at the phase three level, generally do better than those who don’t,” Hartenbach said. “Being eligible for a phase three trial is actually a positive opportunity.”
As part of the trial, Trampf meets regularly with certified clinical research coordinator Wendy Beers.
“She was really having a hard time,” Beers said. “Watching her progress, seeing wonderful things happening, her increased mobility—it’s been amazing. I’m honored to be part of her journey.”
Trampf said the support she’s received has made all the difference, and motivates her to stay dedicated and focused on recovery.
“We’re lucky to have Carbone here. I’m lucky that Carbone is here to do the trial,” Trampf said. “People tell me all the time to live your life like it’s your last day. But when you hear you need to get your life in order because the end is near, it puts a different spin on things. We really are grateful for all of our days.”
Hartenbach emphasized the importance of these medical breakthroughs.
“Finding a clinical trial or treatment that extends someone’s life is the best feeling for an oncologist,” she said.
Meanwhile, Trampf said she’s looking forward to traveling with her wife to Alaska and Cuba as she continues her treatment.