We climbed Pic Carlit in 2025 in honor of Julie.
Julie’s 10-Year Journey with Kidney Cancer
Age at Diagnosis: 59
Current Status: Stable disease
A Shocking Discovery
Julie’s journey with kidney cancer began with fear and uncertainty. After being sick and misdiagnosed by several doctors for six months, it was her primary care physician who finally ordered an ultrasound that revealed a tumor on her left kidney. On her 59th birthday, a CT scan confirmed the diagnosis: kidney cancer.
“At first, I was scared,” Julie recalls. “It felt like my world had shifted overnight.”
Seeking Expert Care
Living in New Hampshire, far from a major medical center, Julie and her wife Tracy made the bold decision to drive 600 miles to Cleveland for a consult with Dr. Fergany at the Cleveland Clinic. Within ten days, Julie underwent a radical nephrectomy, which confirmed she had stage 3 clear cell RCC. She spent her recovery at the home of friends in Akron before returning to New Hampshire.
Eventually, Julie and Tracy made the move to Akron, buying a new home to be closer to specialized care.
The Road Through Treatment
For the next few years, Julie’s journey included careful monitoring. Three years after her surgery, lesions appeared on her lungs, confirmed to be kidney cancer. Her first oncologist, Dr. Rini, recommended continued observation without treatment—a strategy that lasted over three years.
In October 2020, when a new tumor was discovered on her liver, Julie’s current oncologist, Dr. Ornstein, started her on systemic therapy. The treatments, which included surgery and targeted therapies, have been challenging, but Julie remains grateful for the care and support that have sustained her.
Support Along the Way
Julie credits her wife, Tracy, as her greatest source of strength. “She’s been by my side every step of the way,” Julie says. “She helps me with all aspects of living with kidney cancer.”
In addition to the love and support from Tracy, Julie finds joy in her passions outside of cancer. A retired art teacher and photographer, she spends her free time immersed in art, travel, and reading—activities that help her stay grounded and focused on life beyond her diagnosis.
Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients
Reflecting on her journey, Julie offers this advice to those just starting theirs:
“Breathe deeply, buckle up, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”
Looking Back with Gratitude
Ten years after her diagnosis, Julie’s kidney cancer is stable. She continues to navigate her treatment with resilience, hope, and a deep appreciation for the people who have helped her along the way.
