Less than three years ago, Tina Willits, now 53, thought she had just two years to live.
She is now cancer free. And she wants the world to know about the treatment that helped her.
This Florida mother and grandmother first felt a lump in late 2021, just a few months after a regular mammogram.
In March 2022, she discovered she had HER2-positive breast cancer, a severe form of the disease. The cancer cells have abnormally high levels of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
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“I still remember the doctor coming in and telling us it was in my lymph nodes, ribs, spine, sternum, bones,” Willits told Fox News Digital during an on-camera interview.
Tina Willits, Florida mother and grandmother Now 53, she is thought to have only two years to live. But today she is cancer free. (Tina Willits)
Willits was told she had a tumor the size of a golf ball. And the disease is too advanced for breast cancer surgery. She received chemotherapy at the end of her treatment and was told to “enjoy the time you have left.”
“The doctor told me … we will try to stop the spread. But she said the best we can give you is about 24 months.”
‘I want it to go away’
Willits is not satisfied with stopping the progression of her cancer.
“I have five biological children. And I’m raising two special children. And at that time I had four grandchildren,” she said.
“And I intend for it to go away. That’s my goal. And I remember the oncologist telling me it would never happen.”
“The doctor told me the best we can give you is about 24 months.”
After doing her own research Willits learned about an alternative treatment called immunotherapy. which the body’s immune system uses to identify and destroy cancer cells
For many decades, cancer treatment There are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but some experts refer to immunotherapy as “immunotherapy.” The “fourth pillar” of cancer treatment
“I have five biological children. And I’m raising two special children. And I had four grandchildren at the time,” Willits said. and explains why she is determined to beat cancer. (Tina Willits)
in her research She met Dr. Jason R. Williams of the Williams Cancer Institute in California Proponent of new cancer treatment that uses cold gas and the body’s cells to freeze and fight tumors
“Immunotherapy teaches the immune system to attack cancer,” Williams told Fox News Digital. “Like vaccines, It can give you a long-term and durable response. This is what is necessary for complete recovery.”
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Willits and her husband contacted doctors. who immediately began investigating her case
“Her body is in good condition. Even though her cancer had progressed,” Williams said. “She is in chemo. But still in good health Even though she is at an advanced stage and has advanced cancer.”
“I am confident, but cautious. Cancer is a very challenging enemy.”
Willits was photographed at her wedding. Before being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer “I’m a part of my family’s life every day,” she told Fox News Digital. (Tina Willits)
Williams offered Willits something she hadn’t had until then. That is hope
“He is incredible. After seeing all my tests, he said, ‘I can cure you,’” she told Fox News Digital. “And you don’t understand those words as a stage 4 patient.”
Six weeks after receiving immunotherapy treatment Combined with supplements to boost the immune system and cryopreservation. A procedure that uses freezing temperatures to destroy cancer cells, a PET scan revealed that Willits’ cancer was gone.
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Today, Willits says she is stable and healthy.
“I exercise every day. I am a part of family life every day. We feel like cancer is totally behind us. And that is almost impossible,” she said.
“People ask me all the time, How do you cure cancer? And I said ‘God took me to Dr. Williams’”
“I can’t imagine that I would continue with conventional treatment and try to stop the progression,” Willits said. (Tina Willits)
Williams believes that immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatment.
“First we need to target the tumor directly. By injecting immunotherapy,” he said.
“In the future, patients will be diagnosed with suspicious lesions. and when the first biopsy was cut We will start treatment with immunotherapy injections.”
Balancing risks and benefits
Although immunotherapy is one treatment option, But it comes with risks and limitations for some patients.
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“Patients with autoimmune diseases are at higher risk. This is because the immune system is more ready to attack normal tissue,” Williams warns.
“Although the risk is higher But we have techniques to overcome this. So the benefits outweigh the risks.”
“As an oncologist We don’t want patients to receive medications that can increase their risk of side effects. without any clinical benefit”
Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Florida, noted that immunotherapy has transformed the way many cancers are treated. But it doesn’t always work.
“It is important to understand that it is not beneficial in every patient,” said Slomowitz, who was not involved in Willits’ care.
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“As an oncologist We don’t want patients to receive medications that can increase their risk of side effects. without any clinical benefit”
However, in “appropriately selected” patients, Slomowitz believes that immunotherapy can prolong the time to cancer recurrence and overall survival.
Today, Willits says she is stable and healthy. “I exercise every day,” she told Fox News Digital. (Tina Willits)
“I am excited to watch as the field of immunology continues to evolve.”
Willits now aims to raise awareness of the availability of this treatment. This is because many women think that chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are their only options.
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“The truth is there are women out there who don’t even know they exist,” she said. “And if we can spread the word, I can’t even tell you how many hundreds of women we’ve been able to help.”
“I can’t imagine that I would continue with traditional treatments and try to stop the progression,” she said. “I mean, It left my body, disappeared, and life returned to normal. And I am very grateful.”
“If we can speak out. I can’t tell you how many hundreds of women we’ve been able to help,” Willits said. (Tina Willits)
Although Willits’ prognosis is “excellent,” Williams stressed that “We have to be careful and continue to monitor.”
“Any person who has had cancer before is certainly at higher than normal risk for another cancer or recurrence.”
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For patients just starting their cancer journey Williams said it’s important to take the time to research your options. Thoroughness is important.
“Many available off-label medications and supplements can help improve treatment outcomes. And exploring immunotherapy should always be a priority,” he added.
