When Mary Joan “Mary Jo” Horlacher of Atlanta first began experiencing concerning symptoms in the summer of 2020, she had no idea the path ahead would lead her through a clinical trial, countless infusions and ultimately remission.
She underwent surgery at a local hospital where she received a diagnosis of stage 3 endometrial cancer. It was a frightening confirmation, especially for someone who had already lost both parents and two brothers to cancer, and whose son had battled Hodgkin’s disease as a child.
“I knew what a difficult road lay ahead for me,” Mary Jo said. “I knew things would be up some days and down others, just like a roller coaster ride.”
Post-surgery, Mary Jo decided to get a second opinion on how to proceed with her treatment. Her search brought her to Dr. Meaghan Tenney, a gynecologic oncologist with University Gynecologic Oncology and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. That visit marked a turning point.
“Seeking out the help of Dr. Tenney was the best decision I made during my cancer journey,” Mary Jo said. “She offered treatment options and a chance to join a clinical trial.
“When you’re weighing just chemo versus a trial that might give you access to cutting-edge therapy, the choice becomes clear.”
Mary Jo enrolled in a trial known as RUBY (GOG-3031), a study evaluating a chemotherapy and immunotherapy combination for endometrial cancer. She began treatment in September 2020 and completed it in January 2024. All of her post-surgical and follow-up care was coordinated through Dr. Tenney and her team, creating a seamless and supportive experience.
“At the onset, I quickly committed to beating the cancer and getting back to my life,” Mary Jo said. “It was a slow process, with small steps along the way.”
Mary Jo stayed active and engaged despite the challenges, including hair loss, balance issues and fatigue. She continued ushering at local arts venues, playing bridge, attending book clubs and participating in Rotary events.
“Initially, just walking around was a pleasure,” she recalled. “Losing my hair was challenging, but it grew back into a pretty silver color that people often compliment. I was gifted and maintain a collection of over 50 different colors and designs of head scarves, which I wore everywhere during the hair loss period.”
Throughout her treatment, she drew strength from a vast network of support.
“My husband, my family — especially my grandchildren, friends, prayers and positive thoughts … I was surrounded by love and support,” she said.
She also found encouragement and comfort from the medical team that walked the road with her.
“I owe much gratitude to Dr. Tenney and her PA team — Erin, Lindsay and LaBritany — and to the Northside staff who cared for me year after year,” Mary Jo said. “Wayne, my CT scan buddy; Peggy, my blood work buddy; the kind people on the 9th and 11th floors who infused me, weighed me and talked to me. And to the Northside research staff — Jennifer, Olivia and Kristin — your patience and support meant everything.”
Now in remission, Mary Jo continues participating in regular checkups and follow-up testing as part of the trial.
Her advice to others facing a similar diagnosis is simple: “Trust the chemotherapy process — you will get through it.”
Every visit began the same way, with a nurse asking her name as they placed a wristband on her arm. And every time, Mary Jo responded with quiet resolve:
“I was, and I am lucky to say — Yes, I am Mary Joan Horlacher.”
Learn more about cancer clinical trials at Northside Hospital.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
