OMF - Sandi Schussel, 76, T-cell lymphoma, Lynn with Dr. Matthew Davids, Associate Director, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Physician, Dana-Farber 8-22-18
In January 2015, Sandi became very ill and was seen by multiple doctors. In late March, Sandi felt that her lymph nodes had enlarged. On March 25, she went into the hospital where she underwent biopsy and began treatment with Dr. Davids for lymphoma.
Sandi was treated with chemotherapy via a protocol named CHOP. She achieved complete remission by July 2015 and since that time there has been no evidence of cancer or lymphoma. As of May 2018, she is no longer undergoing treatment.
Dr. Davids told Sandi early on that he was going to “cure” her. Sandi appreciated his optimism, knowing full well that the odds were stacked against her. Dr. Davids' confidence gave Sandi hope and was always foremost in her mind.
Fighting this disease has emphasized to Sandi how important a “team” approach is. In addition to the Dana-Farber medical team, Sandi had a home team. Most importantly, Sandi's husband George managed the appointments, communication, transportation, emotional support, and food, in addition to her medical needs.
Sandi was a RN. She enjoys hiking, skiing, tennis, sailing, and reading medical journals to keep current.
Dr. Davids told Sandi early on that he was going to “cure” her. Sandi appreciated his optimism, knowing full well that the odds were stacked against her. Dr. Davids' confidence gave Sandi hope and was always foremost in her mind.
After obtaining an A.B. in chemistry at Harvard College, Dr. Davids completed his M.D. at Yale University School of Medicine. He served as an intern, resident, and assistant chief resident in internal medicine at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
He then completed his fellowship in hematology and oncology in Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare, and a Masters in Medical Science (MMSc) at Harvard Medical School. He is an attending physician in the Lymphoma Program of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies at Dana-Farber, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and is the Associate Director of the Dana-Farber CLL Center.